What I ate for Christmas.....and believe me I was not a good girl :)

Ok so since we are confessing here is goes…..

Christmas Eve – this is when my family celebrates

Breakfast – 2 Eggs with toast and cheese

Lunch – Turkey Sandwich and an apple

Last Minute Mall Shopping Snack – Slice of pizza (by this time I already figuring damn it it’s Christmas)

Dinner – was still full from the pizza – silly me so I had to skip my grandmas lasagna and had some chicken, salad, peas and broccoli – so really I wasn’t that bad :)

Evening Snacks – some homemade cookies – not much though only probably 3 throughout the night, fruit and chocolate :)

Drinks – I only had a glass of wine with dinner :)

Physical Activity – not only did I run around the mall but I spent the morning (from 8 – 2) moving. I know it sucks I had to move on Christmas Eve but it’s the only time that worked so I feel I deserve all I ate on this day since I did a lot of lifting and there was no elevator and I was moving out of a third floor!!

Christmas Day

Breakfast – well I am guilty of waking up at 1:30 so I had an English muffin with butter – count it as whatever you wish :)

Lunch/Dinner – it was healthy – I had turkey, sweet potatoes, rice and salad :)

Evening snacks – some more chocolate (oh ohh) and Baileys :)

Boxing Day – this was the worse day, guess because it was the last day to blow my diet

Breakfast – Tim Horton’s egg and sausage breakfast sandwich (sure some of you know what I am talking about)

Lunch – went to East Side Mario’s had Italian Wedding soup and Pasta with Asparagus.

Dinner (now this is bad!!!) went to the bar with my girlfriend to watch the hockey game where we drank (only one cooler for me - REV) and munched on chicken wings and shared a poutine!! OUCH!!

Now that was all bad of me but I am going back to the gym tonight and will behave between now and New Years (on which day I will indulge again) but after that NO MORE!!!

Hope everyone enjoyed themselves and let us now really get ready for we carnival!!!

Now that I look at it I could have been a lot worse, you think???

Merry Christmas to All!!!!

Just wanted to take the opportunity to wish you and yours all the best during the holiday season. Let us not forget that we will be on da road in like less then 8 weeks so mind your diet and try to fit in some exercise :)

If your in TnT please have a drink for me :)

All the best and God bless !!!

buublenut

Getting Ready For A Time!!!

Well Christmas is almost here and soon after that is Carnival - oh shit I mean New Year and then CARNIVAL!!!

Since I just reach back from the island I find it easy to start packing as I am only returning my clean clothes back to my suit case where they belong and guess what I am guilty of trying on my Monday wear once again :) what can I say, I'm excited - I'm sure you all do it too every once in a while. So here is my dilemma - I have a pair of black adidas shoes I was going to wear with my Monday wear which is made up of hot pink and black but I have now come across a pair of adidas shoes in the store that match my hot beaded pink bikini exactly!!! What to do - like how many shoes am I supposed to buy for Carnival LOL I already have to get a pair for my costume, a J'Ouvert pair to demolish (probably a pair I already own) and now these Monday wear ones??? Mind you I for one do not mind buying shoes - I LOVE SHOES but I feel like I buying these shoes to kill them on the road so when is enough enough. Ok the black ones I have look fine but I now the pink ones will look like 100 times better :) so to weigh my pros and cons - save money and wear my old shoes or spend a bit and be truly happy with my Monday wear. I am sure after a few drinks I won't care whats on my feet anyway but on the other hand isn't this where I show case myself to the world :) Help me out guys - what do you think - when is enough enough - buy the shoes or give them up........

What A Time :)

Well I am back guys and boy did I have a time. I reach early last Saturday morning (like 5 AM) drove myself straight home drop my stuff change my clothes and off to Marcus I went. Spent the day between Maracus and Las Cuavas Beach and spent the evening at a friends house who lives in the nearby village – they welcomed us by cooking us dinner and we spent the evening drinking and catching up on old times. Sunday I spent the day at Macurip (sorry about all the spelling guys – remember I am foreign, saucy, hottie help me out here) I enjoyed myself at this beach because you can really swim out far – it was a good work out, ventured through the cave in the water, climbed the rocks and took some dives and joined in a friendly game of soccer/football with the guys :)

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and the rest of the week I forget :) but I went into town a couple of times, hit some more beaches, spent a couple of nights in St. James at S&B’s and went to some new club they open up – Glamour I think. Friday evening I joined the after work crowd at Mangos in town and drank off a bottle then made my way to Niabingi. Saturday was my last full day so I decided to settle down and spend some quiet time with my boy before I left and then Sunday by mid day I made my way back to the cold.

You can really sense that Christmas is coming on the islands and I love it. Now I just need to hold on and wait till February – The thought of how I will feel when I break out J’Ouvert morning gives me goosebumps and makes me shriek and giggle like a little child – but I will TRY to wait patiently

I Reach Back Safe

Well I come back to the cold and the snow :( Had a time !!! Busy as ever here though so will reach back the post soon. Until then hope you are all doing well and keeping up the Carnival exercises and diet - Carnival 2K7 almost here.

2 More Days and We Have Lift Off 8)

OH GOSH OH GOSH!!!

Wetting Up in Fetes

So just to get some discussion going on here how do you all feel when the water bottles come out at fetes??

You see me I look at it all as fun. Whenever I reach a fete in Trinidad I keep in the back of my mind that yes the clothes I put on may never be the same again, the earring in my ear – well they might not be there by the time the night done, my shoes yes my PRECIOUS SHOES are going to get jumped on and can probably never again be worn in daylight hours…..but it all in the fun of the season nah!

Last year I went battle of the sexes and these two girls are posing up see, it must have taken them a good couple hours to but themselves together, and one the men we were with bust out some water and can you believe a couple of drops reach the two girls skin, one cut eye they give. Like where did they really think they were going??? So my turn now J when the next big tune bust out I grab a bottle of water and go jump on behind them and splash the entire thing on they J

I find these things happening all the time – especially in fetes here in Toronto at Carabana time. So what’s really the story with the water, acceptable or not??

Wild...yes I am 8)

So at first I thought when I reach Trinidad I would take the time to catch up on my sleep at the beach but when I think of it - it ain't happening :)

So I came across this party (with he help of Saucy) that is going on the night that I reach. I am considering going but have not been to this venue before. Any information regarding this would help me out guys. Thanks so much

buublenut :)

WILD
Date: Saturday 25th November, 2006 (10:00pm)
Event:WILD
Venue:Tsunami Beach Club - Chaguaramas

Promoter:Other

Theme: "Wild" transports you to a jungle paradise where your animalistic desires can be revealed without prejudice. Come down to Tsunami on the 25th of Nov where free rum, beers and scotch would be served for the entire night. Complementary premium drinks such as brown cows and tequila would also be periodically given away! 2-4-1 specials on Johnny Walker Black, Baileys, Hypnotic and Malibu all night long... Great people, wild competitions, wild outfits and first class entertainment!
For more info contact the party hotline 331-7789

So I've Meet My First Fellow Bolgger

....and cowgirl too :)

We getting ready for the road :) Karabana joined me last night in my boxing class and let me tell you the workout we had - Kara I know you feeling it today LOL

Funny, it's a small world - see how Carnival really get us. It was good meeting you girl. Hope you enjoyed yourself :)

A Must While I am on the Islands

Going over to Trinidad before Carnival I find I will have tome to enjoy some of the finer things in life……like WATERFALLS. Have you ever went swimming in a waterfall?? It absolutely amazing. I love the long trek that you share with friends drinking and laughing – these times are unforgettable.

I remember one time when I going to – believe it was Paria Falls (pardon the spelling) – I had to choose between climbing up some kind of cliff over the body of water or swim through it – 2 of us climbed 2 of us swam. I swam!!! At first I was reluctant to go in the water but when I see the sexy dread jump in all I could do was follow :) I have also made the hike up to Maracus Falls which is more tourist friendly if you want to put it – there is actually a path, so if your not that adventurous try this route and make sure to stop to drink some of the fresh water that comes down from the mountains. Regardless of which falls you visit I guarantee you will have a good time :)

***Little trick of the trade – when you get to the waterfall lodge your bottle of rum under some rocks in the water and that will cool down in no time

For a whole new experience make sure to go bath in a nice river at the side of the road. Unbelievable that this is coming from my mouth but trust me – I made up my face the first time but once I got in that water and it touch my skin nothing was getting me out of there until night fall.

and for the recored I have no idea who the man in the photo is :)

Me Nah Stick ! ! !

Oh gosh – guess who have ticket in hand now :) I reaching end of November to work on my Carnival tan ladies :)

Now al I have to do is contain myself – which is extremely hard so we will she how it goes.

The Greatest Ting I've Heard All Year - at least for me :)

I could not be happier :) I am sitting at work bloggin here drinking the best drink in the world FRUTA!!! Nah you see my girl reach home from Trinidad last night and bring me back a whole bunch of things (including a 24 case of Fruta!!!) – assorted in flavor. Much to my surprise Fruta has a new flavor (who ever thought it could get better then Guava Pineapple, but it has)……now you ready for this if you haven’t been home in a while………..now available in a blue can is PINEAPPLE COCONUT FRUTA – what the ras took them so long!!!!!

What!! Me feel like heaven last night. I was sitting up in front of my girls TV watching Soca Monarch 2006, drinking Fruta with rum, surrounded by Trini cheese, my guava filled Dixie crackers, catch and coco crisp bars (all of which I am saving for a rainy day) smoking on some of your press.

Had to share :) there’s my fix until Carnival (or end of this month if I can organize something)

I GOT MY MONDAY WEAR!!!!

Ok well I really was not going to do this Monday wear thing only because I spent so much $$$ on my costume already but Carnival fever lick me this weekend and now I have Monday wear accessorized and all!!!

So basically I am coming out on the road in a beaded thong bikini (from La Vie en Rose) in my favorite colour (if you haven’t guessed its PINK!!!) but I am going to wear a black shear wrap over my backside until I reach the stage – or finish 3 bottles of rum to myself – which ever comes first :) – so what do you all think, is that appropriate Monday wear. My colour theme would be mostly pink with some black (i.e. wrap and shoes) probably going to end up braiding my hair for Carnival Monday.

Actually to tell you the truth I don’t think its really a bikini – probably falls more in the lingerie department but it’s Carnival nuh??

117 More Days!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I CAN'T WAIT, I CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT TILL MORNING (well February, but whatever) PORT OF SPAIN WILL NEVER BE THE SAME....."

All I can do is grin guys - imagine what we all going to be like once Christmas pass - oh gosh oh gosh

How You All Plan On Getting Mad On Da Road??!!??

So I was taking a vote to see what you all like to drink on the road AND TO BE QUITE HONEST WITH YOU - for a bunch of trinis you all got me real disappointed here with the results....

RESULTS

What is your Favourite Drink(s) while on the road?

18% Black Label with cokes
0% Black Label straight

3% Black Label with Frutia

12% Black Label and Red Bull :)
6% Punchin
6% Rum Punch

0% Carib
15% Stag

29% Water - the people want water

12% I rather smoke the herb

What is going on with the water here!!! Now I know it is required on the road but how can you say it is your favourite!!!!

So saucy as soon as I figure out how to change the voting options on that poll I will add your drink (scotch with coconut water) and remove the water!!!

I really don't know what is going on here.........Ok ok, maybe I didn't have enough choices, I take the blame for this one. So please tell me then, what do you like to drink???

Mash Up Da Place!!!!

Ok so since we are all talking about getting fit and ting it brings to light the fact that our bodies need to stand up to the pressures of Carnival. Your size does not necessarily always relate directly to your fitness level – trust me there are nuff skinny girls that people would call fit that have NEVER stepped foot in a gym and trust me I could go outside for a run with them and they will well be huffing and puffing you know.

Carnival is almost here - time to work it girls!!! No time to stick!!!

Come Carnival you really need that stamina if you plan being on da road for 3 days (Sunday night till J’Ouvert bruck out and then Monday and Tuesday) Shit 4 days when you count Ash Wednesday. For me it well go one from there – let us not forget the fete at Pigeon Point come Thursday!!! Best thing for this I feel is to build endurance – give them a run nah. Start jogging ladies – aim for 3 times a week and you will love the results (come on and try it for a month). For all you in the hot sun you best not find no excuse – I do it here in the damn cold you know :)

Best to have your body strong come Carnival - squats, lunges, push ups, dips (reverse pushups)
really do wonders. Carnival can well mash you up. By the time I done last year I had bruises on my body that till today I can not tell you where they came from – mash up the place??? Indeed!!!

Another great form of Cardio is skipping. Remember to try things in circuits, causing your heart rate to speed up and back down can really give your workout that oomph it needs.

Now I am not no personal trainer but I keep in shape, I work out a good 4 times a week so if you need advice re something, go ahead and ask and lets see what we can come up with.

Lets all help push each other so that we feel hot and are confident with our bodies and then I feel Carnival will take care of itself on the road and 2007 will be the badest/maddest year ever!!!

Time to Start to Tan :)

So Trinidad Carnival is now like 4 months away and I think it is a good idea for me to start tanning. I am not lucky to be living in a country that is blessed with the sun so I must resort to the good ol fake and bake!!!!

Last night after the gym I came home and shower and by the time I dry my hair and thing (reaching 10:00 at night – tanning salon open till 11:00 Bless them!!!) it was too damn cold to go back out on the road to reach the tanning salon. You see over here in Canada we saw our first bit of snow yesterday – now that is some crazy shit – it only October you know!!!!!

So off I go – hoping I stop by the salon on my way home – I will let you know how it all go tomorrow. Got to love me – I have no problem going to work my ass out in the gym on the regular but I lazy to go lay down in a tanning bed – guess because its been a while. I must start and keep it up because in case you have not all figured it out by now I am foreign, real foreign and I will not be caught on Carnival day skinning up my pale ass in the streets of Port of Spain.

Does this look appealing to you island girls LOL....

I can bet it dosen't :)

I am assuming not a lot of foreign people (like me) play in Tribe unless they are really on top of their game (band sell out quick) – can anyone confirm this???

Let’s Vote on Fetes

For those coming to Trinidad for Carnival 2007 let me remind you that before J’Overt, before Carnival Monday and before Carnival Tuesday there are the countless fetes that fill the savannahs across the land. There are so many on one night at times it is had to choose which fete you actually will attend, lets all share our experiences about the fetes we’ve reached.

Here is a recap of ’06 for me, mind you I was well under the influence so please bare with me, reciting these is going to take some work!

Last year as I soon as I land I took a shower and made my way to Brass Festival – boy did I have a time. From what I remember this was the Saturday a full week before Carnival, same night as Alternative Concept. I loved it and hope I reach Trinidad in time to go Brass again. The huge flags are definitely present at Brass and this year I think I want to bring a huge flag of my own.

Battle of the Sexes was a concert that I also enjoyed. On stage were Destra and Machel Montano. The venue wasn’t as crazy as the other parties which was nice because I whine up so close to the front that I was actually using the stage to rest my drink upon.

GLOW – unfortunately it was raining the night of glow so I wasn’t going to find myself in a muddy savannah wearing my best, anyone attend?

INSOMNIA!!! Need I say more? This is a must!! I was tore between Insomnia and Dawn but choose Insomnia over the two and by no means was I disappointed. I party till the sun came up!! When the fire hose came out I ran up in that water for what seemed like a good two hours. This was the Saturday night following Kiddies Carnival – the weekend leading up to J’Ouvert (Kiddies Carnival all should attend as well). If you attended Dawn let me now how that went…

Soca Monarch – Sad to say I didn’t reach – had total intentions to but don’t remember what happen – but I was jamming in some local bar and they did have the competition on television. This one is on my list this year.

ManZan Cool Down – this took me for ever to travel to (well so did Insomnia but I just caught a 5 in the car) but was well worth it. I partied for the day and was able to cool down in the water many times during the fete. Maracus has a cool down o but I feel the water too rough – only time will tell where I find myself this Ash Wednesday BUT I DO KNOW that on the Thursday you will find me at Pigeon Point’s beach party, Tobago.

WASA Fete, Girl Power, Hilton Poolside – Enlighten me

Well This Answers My Question For Me...

I was wondering why it ain't showing that they got my $$$. To me my spot is not 100% secure until I see payment posted :)

Just settling in, will be back to my blogg soon

WE ARE PRESENTLY UPDATING CUSTOMER PAYMENT RECORDS. PLEASE REVISIT YOUR USER ACCOUNT AFTER 9TH OF OCTOBER 2006.
OPEN REGISTRATION ...All are welcome

Our ONLINE inventory has been sold out and ONLINE Registration has been closed off. We apologise for any inconvenience. Costumes are still available in some sections at the Mas Camp (see Sections Page for availability).
Anyone wishing to register can visit the Mas Camp between the hours of 12noon and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

I’ve Been Out of Commission :(

See what this blasted Canadian weather does to people - I have been sick for days and unable to reach the computer but none the less Carnival has been fully on my mind. I've managed to keep up the diet and the exercise routine.

I'm starting to feel a bit better now so let me take a look at my blogg and I should be back to posting soon :)

J'Ouvert - Opening Day

"J’Overt, where mud play, to start the bacchanal, Monday and Tuesday, we play mas all day, enjoy the festival…."

So now that we’ve covered all the Carnival bands and who is playing with who and in what section why don’t we talk J’OVERT!!!

Now I didn’t play mas when I was in Trinidad for Carnival last year but I did play with a J’Overt band (No Draws) and yes I was liking myself :)

So anyone have any suggestions for this year???? I heard yellow devils are good and some word of a chocolate band of some sort. I really want to be in a band that plays with a lot of colors (I'm loving the blue and yellows) last year it look like mud I got paint up in - but nevertheless I enjoyed myself.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

SEE YA ON THE ROAD!!!

Trinidad, Let Me Hear Ya !!! Bust Out a Line from A Fav Soca Song...

“It’s Carnival in TnT, it’s so special to all of we, like we need blood in our veins, that’s how we feel about Port of Spain.…When the band they come in town, the man beat on the bongo drum, there’s madness everywhere, Carnival is about true freedom so give a jump and a joyful shout, jump up in the air!!!!!”

“Macco me man!!!”

“And when your departing from the islands make sure to stomp your feet on the soil of the soca ground” – this one makes me cry if I hear it when I’m leaving lol

“From one island, to another Island”

“We coming from up the street….chip chip chip, to the savannah, move out the way right now right now!!!It’s time to jump, time to jump, jump and wave jump and wave”

“Tell me how you feel when its Carnival time, WE GET THIS FEELING!!! Let me see the bacchanal reaching the sky”

heehee, I love this one:

“You don’t know me so don’t judge how I’m dancing, you don’t know me so watch how I’m wining , I see you staring but you are fraid of asking, why is that big flag in the air celebrating??? Cause this is what we trinis do when we come into the dance and appreciate you, throwing up the rum and beer – who get wet, well we don’t care……make a trust by the parlor, who send you its your mother – don’t stay long by the corner ner ner”

“I’m in Trinidad Trinidad Trinidad Trinidad”

Come on now sing along in the comments box….

oh yes and someone please post the one that goes something like this "I can't remember my husband name, cause I'm...." its a classic :)

You wan do yuh ting - Learn wah fi bring

Ok even though it is my first time playing mas it is not my first time being on the road, last Carnival I just jump up with everyone and during those days I learnt what one should carry with them while on the road. Please let me know of anything I should add. (Please note that the list is in no particular order)

1. Condoms - sorry had to, but its the truth - you never know and you should always be prepared
2. Sunblock or you will bunn your ass, literally
3. Aloe gel - this stuff is such a relief when it hot out
4. Hand Sanitizer - I refuse to explain why
5. Feminine Wipes - toilet paper run out you know
6. Panty Liners
7. Vex Money
8. Name, address and phone number to who/where you are staying
9. Lip Gloss
10. Extra pair of earrings
11. Hair tie fir sure, little brush if you can
12. Deodorant

And don't forget your rag.................................

"Wave your rag when the big truck pass"

Trini Slang

Now whenever you travel in the world you will find that people have different ways of saying and doing things. When you flow with them on the same vibe it makes things allot better. Below is a chart I put together of trini slang that I have picked up over the past years while visiting the island. Please fell free to correct me and advise me of anything I am missing out.

Lime - To Hang Out
It’s no scene - No big deal
What the scene? - What’s going on?/What’s Up??
Order - How some man dem answer the phone
All ya liking yourself - Your having a good time
Fete - Party
All Inclusive - Drink as much you can as fast you can because the beer truck going to be done soon
Parlor - Store
Junction - Corner
Just 5 minutes nah - You will be waiting an eternity
You Catch It !!! - You drunk or high
Partner - Close friend
Don't Stick - Don't take to long, Don't waste time, Hurray up
You Stickin - You are taking too long
You're Stuck - You well over do and taking to damn long
Whitey - White Person
Red Skin (Reds) - Light skin trini
Bacchanal - Trouble (as further defined by hottie hottie as scandal, controversy, intrigue. Is a word with plenty nuance!!!)
Dotish - stupid, silly and generally out of whack!

more to come...

We Reach the Stage, We Warming Up, Put Your Hand Dem In De Air.....

Well it looks like it just might be cow mas for me.....just waiting on the approval from 1 more masquerader....

For Trinidad Carnival 2007 it looks like I will be lookning so....that's ok, I'll be liking myself

Once confirmed, the fun begins - ACCESSORIZING!!!!!!!!!!!

QUESTION: Does anyone know if theses chaps are detachable - I need to skin up more then that :)

My Favorite Things To Eat While In Trinidad

Yes today I am craving so I couldn't think of a better topic :)

Hands down I must show my respect to ROTI :) The only thing that get me on the island though is that you all keep bone in everything and I prefer my roti with boneless chicken, but who knows maybe that is foreign of me. I will never forget the first time I was in Trinidad I got a chicken sandwich in town - I was drunk, as I usually am while on the island - and all I remember is taking a bite of that sandwich and almost chocking to death - there was bones up in the sandwich, like who does that. But yes back to me roti, roti with chicken and pumpkin and I'm happy for the entire day :)

Then there is my favorite Trinidadian chocolate - actually its my favorite chocolate in the world. My friends in Trinidad mail them to me when I have been away from the island for a while. It is no other then:

When it comes to juice, I give it hands down to

hehee :) as you can see I still have a stash from my last trip

You have to try the chiny style chicken when you are in Trinidad along with their KFC - they have great corn :)

Now I am not a fish eater at all but for those who do eat fish of course you need to have the bake and shark. I stick to bake and veggies or alloo pie (not sure how to spell it - I'll leave that to my editor). My all time favorite is coconut bake and egg in the morning :)

Any must haves or favorites you would like to share????

Machel Montano

THERE ARE NO WORDS !!!

Click on his name in the title to reach his page.

I'll meet him at the junction any time :)

Where I plan to stay in Tobago...click here to view website...any feedback would be great

So this is where we plan to stay and recover after the greatest show on earth (Tobago Island Suites - click on the title of the blog to access there home page). Please let me know if you have stayed here or know anyone who has. Usually when in Tobago I stay at Mikes or Johnstons but have done the occasional night at Arthurs and Rainbow. Would you recommend renting a car for the stay???

Thanks to everyone

btw, this is my out most favorite view in the whole world... oh so peaceful

"SWEET SWEET TnT, OH HOW I LOVE UP MY COUNTRY"

So to pick a band from overseas....

Get in your section, get in your section, get in your section. This is carnival timeee, free your mind and party, leave your worries behind, take a whine.......................

So picking a costume from over here can be a little hard....you finally find one you like and before registration even opens to you, guess what SOLD OUT!!!! whats a girl to do - I vote for jumping up in my bra and panties with glitter all over my body and throwing baby powder in da air - but somehow I don't believe my friends will go for that one :)

Well here are my top choices so far - and please remember that my options are limited over here because certain bands (and I won't mention names) don't have the costumes posted on the web yet. It if wasn't for saucy divas page I think I would be out of the loop. (and saucy if you see this I would love to link your page to mine - just want to get your permission first)

From Pulse 8....

well ok, never mind that one apparently my work has now blocked the sites pertaining to carnival costumes and they are filtered under "swimsuit and lingerie" oh my imagine if they ever saw the real Carnival action, they would drop lol but for the record from pulse 8 I like the costumes with the hats - either the yellow or the blue, Can't wait for IP's page to be up and running to have a look and from Tribe I like the fireman and the Jean & Delilah- but not into wearing the white on the road - but SOLD OUT anyway. Really I guess I am going to have to wait until registration opens here so I don't get excited about one section and find out it sold out by the time registration open up to me.

I will work on this blogg when I get to a computer I can access the pics from..........

Until then should I blogg about BWIA lol, I well bought my ticket for Carnival season, now they want to go out of business :) All I concern about is my ticket down there, cancel my flight home - it no big scene, I'll just stay on the island and live happily ever after with a dread :)







Minus the belly - BWOY TUCK IN YOUR BELLY................

ok ok today I will post

stay tuned....... :) give me till lunch

Some Info for the Newbies

What is carnival???

It is an annual celebration of life found in many countries of the world. And in fact, by learning more about carnival we can learn more about ourselves and a lot about accepting and understanding other cultures.
Where did the word “carnival” come from?Hundred and hundreds of years ago, the followers of the Catholic religion in Italy (VIVA ITALIA!!!! - those are my roots, explains a bit why I am a nut about TnT Carnival)started the tradition of holding a wild costume festival right before the first day of Lent. Because Catholics are not supposed to eat meat during Lent, they called their festival, carnevale — which means “to put away the meat.” As time passed, carnivals in Italy became quite famous; and in fact the practice spread to France, Spain, and all the Catholic countries in Europe. Then as the French, Spanish, and Portuguese began to take control of the Americas and other parts of the world, they brought with them their tradition of celebrating carnival.

African influences on carnival traditions

Important to Caribbean festival arts are the ancient African traditions of parading and moving in circles through villages in costumes and masks. Circling villages was believed to bring good fortune, to heal problems, and chill out angry relatives who had died and passed into the next world. Carnival traditions also borrow from the African tradition of putting together natural objects (bones, grasses, beads, shells, fabric) to create a piece of sculpture, a mask, or costume — with each object or combination of objects representing a certain idea or spiritual force.
Feathers were frequently used by Africans in their motherland on masks and headdresses as a symbol of our ability as humans to rise above problems, pains, heartbreaks, illness — to travel to another world to be reborn and to grow spiritually. Today, we see feathers used in many, many forms in creating carnival costumes.
African dance and music traditions transformed the early carnival celebrations in the Americas, as African drum rhythms, large puppets, stick fighters, and stilt dancers began to make their appearances in the carnival festivities.
In many parts of the world, where Catholic Europeans set up colonies and entered into the slave trade, carnival took root. Brazil, once a Portuguese colony, is famous for its carnival, as is Mardi Gras in Louisiana (where African-Americans mixed with French settlers and Native Americans). Carnival celebrations are now found throughout the Caribbean in Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, Haiti, Cuba, St. Thomas, St. Marten; in Central and South America in Belize, Panama, Brazil; and in large cities in Canada and the U.S. where Caribbean people have settled, including Brooklyn, Miami, and Toronto. Even San Francisco has a carnival!

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago (THE MOTHER OF CARNIVALS!!!!!)

Trinidad's carnival is a beautiful example of how carnival can unite the world. For in this small nation, the beliefs and traditions of many cultures have come together; and for a brief five days each year, the whole country forgets their differences to celebrate life!
Like many other nations under colonial rule, the history of Native Americans and African people in Trinidad is a brutal, sad story. Spain and England at different times both claimed Trinidad as their colonies. Under British rule, the French settled in Trinidad, bringing with them their slaves, customs, and culture. By 1797, 14,000 French settlers came to live in Trinidad, consisting of about 2,000 whites and 12,000 slaves. Most of the native peoples (often called the Amerindians) who were the first people to live in Trinidad, died from forced labor and illness.
Carnival was introduced to Trinidad around 1785, as the French settlers began to arrive. The tradition caught on quickly, and fancy balls were held where the wealthy planters put on masks, wigs, and beautiful dresses and danced long into the night. The use of masks had special meaning for the slaves, because for many African peoples, masking is widely used in their rituals for the dead. Obviously banned from the masked balls of the French, the slaves would hold their own little carnivals in their backyards — using their own rituals and folklore, but also imitating their masters’ behavior at the masked balls.
For African people, carnival became a way to express their power as individuals, as well as their rich cultural traditions. After 1838 (when slavery was abolished), the freed Africans began to host their own carnival celebrations in the streets that grew more and more elaborate, and soon became more popular than the balls.
Today, carnival in Trinidad is like a mirror that reflects the faces the many immigrants who have come to this island nation from Europe, Africa, India, and China. African, Asian, and American Indian influences have been particularly strong.
Carnival is such an important aspect of life in Trinidad that many schools believe that sponsoring a carnival band is a way to teach young people about their roots and culture. In Trinidad’s Kiddies Carnival, hundreds of schools and community organizations participate! In this way, communities work together to develop stronger friendships and greater respect for the many cultures that make up Trinidad.

Setting Up My Blogg :)

Today I am trying to set up my blog – so we are going to have to bear with me, I am a little new to this. I was reading the bloggs of other members with respect to Trinidad Carnival 2007 and decided to start one of my own to help the time pass by and yes, like many others keep fitness on the mind – GOT TO SKIN OUT ON CARNIVAL DAY

So with that said – let’s see what happens