Saturday approaches and we were trying to figure out what fete to attend. Two of my other friends went to “Dawn” and my other friend and I stayed in. As I was sleeping, loud music started to play around 3am, which woke me up from a sweet dream....humph, I jumped out of bed and soon realized there was a fete around the corner called “Sunnyside up” I’ve been to this fete before, it’s usually good, this is a breakfast fete from 3am to 10 am; it’s an all inclusive fete, which includes food, premium drinks and live band. The best part of this event is when the sun is rising the water hose and bubble machine comes active. My friend and I decided to get dress and see if we can get in, after an 8 minute walk we got into venue and observe what madness that went down in this event. I couldn’t believe how packed this event was, it has grown since the last time I’ve attended which was 3 years ago. We just missed Roy Cape and JW & Blaze perform. The party was coming to an end, plenty people looking wet, drunk and exhausted. I definitely will be reaching this party for 2011.
One more day till the main event, Carnival Monday and Tuesday but before the madness on the road, we had to jump up in paint, mud, water for Jouvert. We decided to play with Jungle Fever. Over the past 6 years I’ve been playing with Yellow Devils but it was time to try something new. We met with the band around 2am. They served doubles and corn soup for breakfast. 4am approaches and the music truck started to move. Chip…chip…chip chipping down de pavement was the first chune the DJ spinned. The crowd got hype. As we chip on the side streets, the highway, I get a smack of red paint on my ass, neck and face. I was a little surprised but expected to get dirty cause that was the main reason for jouvert. One thing I refused to have on me is mud. I don’t like mud on me but guess what some fool decided to slap his mud rag on my legs. The sun was rising and the truck came to a complete stop all of sudden you get hit with the water hose. I love this part, the vibe increased with more excitement. 7 am arrives and it was time to depart from the band and get ready for Carnival Monday. We had to get home in time to clean ourselves off and get ready for the road. Tribe here we come.
We arrived at the meeting point however the band was on the move already. No worries there were a shuttle bus that would take us straight to the band. That was a great incentive. As we got off the bus we head straight to the breakfast truck. I had some kind of ham sandwich and juice. Belly full and it’s time to palance. As we got to our section I realized how big Tribe is. 2009 and 2008 was not a bad size but this year it was enormous. As we were approaching the stage Palance was playing and the whole crowd was moving from left to right, up and down. It was beautiful. Everyone was happy and free. Lunch time finally reached
My friend took advantage of the back and foot rub services before she sat down to eat. The food was good; it was warm and fresh, I had some Bbq chicken, rice, plantain and cold stone ice cream for desert. Ice cream was fantastic. An hour and half rest it was time to go again. Sun was down and time to head home for another day on the road but this time we get to wear our full costume.
Carnival Tuesday is here time to get up extra early we had to add on the bling, stones, makeup, dust...etc. I was happy but also sad that my vacation was coming to an end. Everyone in a costume was on point, the beautiful airbrush design, the sprayed and feather boots, the costume jewellery and of coarse the beautiful woman, small, large tall and short, even the men came out looking fabulous they were also going the extra mile with their costumes. Music was pumping and the Dj's announcing “get in your section”. The sun brought out the colors in every costume. It was extremely hot day. We jump, wuk, pelt waist all day long. As day came to the end it was an exhausting, fun, mememberable day. People were still jumping up but it was time to go home. TRIBE was DE BESS.
Ash Wednesday is here and you either go to the beach, head back home to your country or just relax. We chilled at the guesthouse during the day and planned to hit Club Zen that night. Club zen was a good night. The performers was good, some there were some celebrities in the club such as sexy Tyson Beckford, Malik Yoba, Mya and Beenie Man. The night ended and it was time to get some rest. We have to catch the ferry to Tobago.
After a 3 1/2 hour ferry ride, we arrived at the Turtle Beach resort. It was a 20 minute drive from the ferry. The cost was $126 Cdn per night. The hotel was decent, the rooms were very clean, the bed was comfortable and the staff was friendly. They had a huge pool and a long beach. In the morning you can see the fisherman bringing in the catch where some of the local people would buy. The only thing I did not like about the hotel; was the ants. We had an ant problem in our room. My friends went to club Shades while I stayed in the hotel and just relax; I party hard for the past week and a half. Tobago is for me to relax.
Next day we headed to Pigeon Point Beach, my friends loved it. The beach was very crowded. We decided to go on the glass bottom boat which cost us 50TT (that is cheap) we had the boat to ourselves. As we got to the deep area in the ocean it was time to snorkel. Well my friends can but not me. I can’t swim. My friends got on their gear and jump out, NOT ME. I finally decided to experience this snorkeling thing. The tour operator re-assured me everything would be ok. As I stepped off the boat, I hold on to the string that was attached to the boat, all my friends was cheering me on, they couldn't believe I came out in the water, well who told me to do that, as I was somewhat swimming my feet hit a coral reef, I panic one time. I remember during the tour, the tour guide mentioned some of the reefs can burn your skin if you touch it. (Don’t know if that is true). After I felt something hard on my foot I pulled that string so hard to get out of that water...lol I could laugh at it now but my goodness I was freaking out. We headed to the Nylon Pool, as in my previous post the Pool rejuvenate your body, soul and skin. Us ladies took the sand and exfoliate our bodies. It felt so good. It was time to head back to the beach. I had fun, my friend’s wish we had stayed in Tobago much longer. We only stayed in Tobago for 2 nights which was really 1 ½ days spent in Tobago. Back to Trinidad, now I can say my trip is over.
Trinidad Carnival 2010 was a great experience. I told myself it will be my last year, I lie Carnival 2011 is seeing me again. For those who have never gone for carnival it's a must on your list. I hope you enjoyed reading my experiences and if you have not been to Trinidad and Tobago (Carnival) it’s a MUST.
Enjoy the pics....latah
and
