Christina Get Brave.....

So today I build the nerve to ask my boss for time off for Carnival '08. I well ask for a month but knew it wouldn't fly so I tried for 3 weeks but it look like they only giving me 2. But I will be happy with that - got to be greatful that I able to reach three years in a row.

Wish me luck guys :)

Machel

I know you have all heard about our meeting with Machel but I just wanted to share a few pics if you haven't already viewed them on my facebook :)


.....cleaning him up before his appearance

..............it ain't coming off - must be blood from Zen!!!

I nearly make him drop when he see what I want him to sign...........

.......but he likes it - but I the one who gets to keep it

My Mas Shoes

I "stumbled" across these in the mall....

.....now to work them in

Possible Shoes....

I seen these shoes at Payless for like $17 the other day. I think they are cute and a good alternative from runners and here in Toronto the parade only last hours not days (although I wish)

They also always have that buy one get second half price so I could grab them in white or black as well and I think I would use these shoes again before I would use pink runners....any thoughts????

They also had these available....

(they should reverse the colours here)

Now these ones below don't match but I wish the yellow line was orange (or pink) and the green was orange as well

Same here - wish there was pink in the shoe with some pink laces

Can you tell I got extra time on my hands at work today :)

The shoes for carnival must can't be expensive if you ask me cause its only for one day and the last thing I need is another pair of shoes LOL Online the only shoe store with non-expensive shoes is Payless - guess I got to hit the mall with my cam.

Block-O

Sunday July 8th, 2007
Louis Saldenah Mas K Club presentsFOR THE FIRST TIME EVER...
"THE SALDENAH PRE-CARNIVAL WARM-UP BLOCKO"@ THE MAS CAMP
55 Nugget Ave, Unit 10 (1 Block North Sheppard, Off McCowan)
Music by: D'ENFORCAS INTERNATIONAL SOCA VIBES SOCA SWEETNESSMARXMANRENEGADE SQUADPLAYHOUSEDJ CHIEFBASS KOLD FUSION BLACKBERRY SOUNDCREWFARMERS RHYTHM SECTION Hosted by: BASS LINE, SKF, TRIKKI & FUTURE FROM 4PM-9PMAdm: FREE FOR EVERYONE!!!Info: 416-444-9118 www.saldenahcarnival.com www.carnivalempire.com VIEW FLYER



But before that this sounds fun, close to home and FREE LOL Always fun to see the crowds when there is free food.

Saturday JUNE 30th, 2007 (CANADA DAY LONG WEEKEND)~THE BIG FREE BBQ BLOCKO~@ Palazzo Patio & Parking lot – 99 Peelar Rd. (jane\hwy 7)Music by: SOCA MONARCHSCRYSTAVIBEZ (CELEBRATING THEIR 4TH ANNIVERSARY)MARXMAN – FROM THE KOSDOCCHIEFSKFIRON BY:DE FARMERS RHYTHM SECTIONGATES OPEN AT 6PM TILL ?????Info: 416-854-1306 416-884-8425 647-219-2645 tripleasoundz@hotmail.comALL COMPLIMENTS OF UNCLE B, SOCA BOYZ, PLANET SOCA, WE VIBEZ & TRIPLE A ENT.VIEW FLYER

So I've started a new diet.....

HAHA - sounds good to say it

I will let you all know how it is going in a week - I don't want to speak too soon :)

J'Ouvert

I wonder if there is really paint LOL if so I'm there :)




If anyone has been let me know what you think pf the party.

My Costume - I Done Buy That

So I spent last night with Kara and Trini-In-TO visiting some of the mas camps and I must say there are some awesome costumes out there this year that I can not wait to see on da road. Kara took pictures so visit her blogg and have a look.

Well I yet to make it to being Queen of the band.....

And I will never be King....

but after much thought I have finally decided on the band and section I am going to play with this year.....

Louis Saldenah

Water Lillies of the Congo - by Bryant Sinanan

Photo from www.trinijunglejuice.com

Visit http://www.saldenahcarnival.com/ for information and to join the band!!!


Now to Frontline HO it!!!!

(not to mention gym it and diet LOL)

"I READY, I READY, I READY FOR MAS AGAIN!!!"

Ready for Mas Again......

So Toronto Carnival is around the corner and for me it will be my first time playing mas in my own city, lucky for me I have my stock of trini rum for da road :)

For those interested in playing mas check out the links below as well as Kara and Saucy's bloggs for the latest info.

Toronto Mas Bands 2007 - In Order of Appearance on Da Road

#1 Mas Toronto (Errol Achue)
2007 Presentation: "PETIT MONDE"
Website: http://www.mastoronto.com/
2007 Launch Date: June 9 '07 @ Thornhill Community CentreLaunch

#2 Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club (Louis Saldenah)
2007 Presentation: "THE RAINFOREST"
Website: http://www.saldenahcarnival.com/
2007 Launch Date: May 19 '07 @ The Ramada Hotel

#3 Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire)
2007 Presentation: "VIVA LAS VEGAS"
2007 Launch Date: May 12 '07 @ Shangri-LaLaunch

#4 Carnival Nationz (Curtis Eustace)
2007 Presentation: "THE BIG TOP"
Website: http://www.carnivalnationz.com2/
2007 Launch Date: May 26 '07 @ Next Level Nightclub

#5 Jessie Matthews & The Calabash Company (Jessie Matthews)
2007 Presentation: "RHYTHM OF LIFE"
Website: http://www.jessiematthews.com/
2007 Launch Date: TBA


#6 Arnold Hughes & Associates (Arnold Hughes)
2007 Presentation: "QUEST FOR GOLD"
Launch Date: TBA

#7 Callaloo (Marlon Singh)
2007 Presentation: "THE CONQUEST OF ALEXANDER"
Website: http://www.callaloo.net/
2007 Launch Date: May 12 '07 @ SIN CITYLaunch

#8 Toronto Caribbean Connection (Mervyn Skeete)
2007 Presentation: "FUSION"
Website: http://www.tocarnival.com/
2007 Launch Date: June 2 @ Sugar Lounge

#9 Scarborough Caribbean Sports Club (Alvin Adore)
2007 Presentation: "REFLECTIONS 2K7
Website: http://www.scsc.ca/
2007 Launch Date: TBALaunch Photos: N/A

#10 Bazodee Connection (Dr. Roz Roach)
2007 Presentation: "THE ENCHANTED GARDEN OF SOCALAND"
Website: http://www.bazodeeconnection.com/
2007 Launch Date: June 17 @ The Mas Camp

#11 Pleasure Players (Whitfield Balasco)
2007 Presentation: "AMAZONIA"
2007 Launch Date: TBA

#12 Evolution Carnival (Andre & Ken Defreitas)
2007 Presentation: "DREAMSEEKERS"
Website: http://www.evolutioncarnival.com/
2007 Launch Date: June 2 '07 @ Fox & Fiddle

#13 Mas Players International (Bridget Renne / Troy Logan)
2007 Presentation: "DANCING SPIRIT OF RESILIENCE"
Launch Date: TBA

#14 Nip Davis & Associates (Selwyn "Nip" Davis)
2007 Presentation: "IN FLIGHT"
Website: http://www.nipdavis.com/
2007 Launch Date: TBALaunch Photos: N/A

#15 Borokeete Canada (Frank Ramsaroop)
2007 Presentation: "ATLANTIS"
Website: http://www.borokeetecanada.com/
2007 Launch Date: June 8 '07 @ Valdrina's (14 Lebovic Ave)

#16 Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai)
2007 Presentation: "TRIBAL KNIGHTS"
Website: http://www.tribalknights.com/
2007 Launch Date: May 12 '07

Since I am a TO Virgin Masquerader I am under the care of Karabana and Trini-in-TO and looks like we will be playing with either Saldenah or Carnival Nationz. So who is everyone playing with???

I WISH WE HAD J'OUVERT!!!!

Toronto Mas

So with the launch of Kara's new blogg (see right hand side of page) and my attendance at the band launch I am getting excited about playing mas again :) For anyone coming to Toronto for our Carnival I just wanted to post the ads for 2 of what I feel are the hottest parties every Carabana.



Fire Fete's have always been personal favourites of mine. Any Fire Fete I go to I successfully lick my head and get on bad like I really in Trini lol. The only thing I can't stand is how hot it gets up in the place which brings me too why I enjoy the next party as well...




This is the closest we getting to a Savannah over here :)

"I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait till August!!!"

YUM!!!

The third Taste T&T will feature 12 chefs from Trinidad and Tobago’s leading fine dining restaurants and the best of local cuisine - making it an event not to be missed.

The Demonstration Kitchen headed by consultant chef Debra Sardinha -Metivier, a popular stop at last year’s festival, will form a major part of Taste T&T. Featuring live cooking demonstrations by participating chefs, seating capacity at the Demonstration Kitchen has increased to accommodate patrons interested in learning the chefs’ sumptuous secrets.


The Caribbean Village will feature 12 booths serving the best of local cuisine – from spicy shark and bake to generous servings of roti (curried meat and vegetables wrapped in roasted flat bread). It will also present many opportunities for sampling and giveaways.


For à la carte dining, there is the Gourmet area manned by Trinidad and Tobago’s top international chefs. Gourmet tickets cost $200 TT per day and entitle the holder to free entry and a selection of mouth-watering dishes from four chefs.

Tickets for Taste T&T are available at the TDC’s head office Level 1, Maritime Centre, Barataria, and IF House, 105 Tragarete Road, Port of Spain. General admission is free to children under the age of 12 and adults before 8 pm. After 8 pm, adult admission is $25 TT.

Things I Want to Do While In TnT This Time Around

So now that I know I reaching I have been searching the net for any events that will be taking place while I am there. I have yet to find much but I will keep looking. If anyone has any input on an event I post let me know or if ou hear of anything - I will be there from the 18th - 27 :)


Cultural Festivals

Feel the energy of Central Trinidad as the Sugar and Energy festival takes centre stage at Gilbert Park, Couva, from Friday 25 to Sunday 27. Starting with a fun-filled children’s day, the festival ends with the traditional Cart Parade – a procession of bull carts traditionally used to transport agricultural produce and sugarcane.

Hungry for Adventure?
Taste T&T, the most delicious weekend of the year, is back to delight both local and visiting palates on the 26 and 27, at the Jean Pierre Complex, Port of Spain, from 6 pm to 11 pm. Hosted by the Tourism Development Company Limited (TDC), Taste T&T highlights the culinary traditions of Trinidad and Tobago’s multi-ethnic heritage and the gourmet finesse of its chefs and cooks.

In St James, the city that never sleeps, the We Beat Festival of cultural shows and performances – including calypso, steelpan and dance – kicks off with a massive street party on May 25.

So I thinking of the Taste TnT - of course LOL and the Street Party in St. James

I also hear it is time for Turtle watching hmmm maybe if I bring a bottle of rum with me it could be fun :)

That do you all think - thanks :)

Found a link for We Beat http://www.webeat.org/ but the dates are differnt AHHH Trinidad I tell you lol

I Reachin Again :)

Well yesterday was my birthday and I got the best present you could think of - A TRIP TO TRINIDAD!!!! Like what is really going on here - seems that everything just working in good timing for me :)

My ticket was bought as a b-day gift and I knew these funds were available I just never thought in a million years my job would give me the time off (I only started here late March when I reach back from Trini) but guess it was just meant to be SO SWEET SWEET TRINI I COMING !!!

Changin My ULR - Please Update my link on your page

Trying for www.letsplaymas.blogspot.com

lets see if it works :)

Just Blabing So You All Know I Am Still Alive

(just in case you all think I freeze to death over here in TO)

Kara Fire Fete was good but let me tell you that the people here don't know how to Jumbie at all. I was doing the Jumbie in the crown and can you believe that people were giving me looks like I mad!!! (It was a site though, one of the few white girls and the croud and she one of the very few that knew the Jumbie LOL)

All though I had a good time it can never measure up to a true TnT fete. To start off I waited in the frickin cold for AN HOUR AND A HALF!!!! Yes 1.5 hours you are reading it correct. Thank God for the water bottle in my pocket that Megan filled up with White Oak, I just keep sipping that to keep my sanity. Then there’s the bar issue - it closes at 2!!! I forgot all about that LOL I was glad to see the corn soup man when I was leaving, it put a smile on my face.

But definitely had a time and with that said just want to let you guys know I grabbed the tickets for Soca or Die, Megan is coming along as well. So get ready to Jumbie :)

(Ok well I guess I could of just emailed you but my blogg needed a post)

How are all the other bloggers??? Hope you are all doing well. I just here working and ting deciding on plans for my next trip which I feel is going to be Vincy Mas YES - with a couple of days in TnT before or after :)

Let Summer Begin...

So after spending a month is the sun its kind of hard to adjust but from the looks of it summer might just be on its way here in T-Dot (well at least spring, but I'll push it)

So with that said what better way to start of then with Fire Fete 5 on Easter weekend. So Kara, Sean and all the other TO soca lovers what do you say??? I looking to get my ticket tonight or tomorrow cause trust me they will sell out and this will be one big party (no Savannah but Koolhouse will have to do)

Here to reset the countdown for next year :)

OUT OF BODY......

What a Carnival it was!!!!



If you haven't guessed I once again lost myself in Trinidad and have not even been home a week now - missing the sun and sand but glad to see the weather is warming up here.

After staying in Trinidad for a month its hard to look back and blogg about it but I just wanted to share some pictures and give you all an idea of the time I had as well as see how your everyone enjoyed themselves.

The morning I landed I headed up to Maracus Beach to spend the day and hit Customs by night. From there the rest of my trip was full with beach limes, waterfalls, drinking, fetes (Customs, Soca Monarch, Brass, Pigeon Point Wet Fete, Sunday School), J'Ouvert Morning, Monday/Tuesday Mas, Las Lap, Cool Down, Tobago and back to Trinidad to enjoy my last couple of days.

J'OUVERT MORNING



CARNIVAL MONDAY (never reach home yet - drinking right through)








TUESDAY MAS



**Thanks for the pic Kara via Saucy's Album

WATERFALLS!!!











TOBAGO...CHRISTINA WANTS WATER!!!









....BACK TO MYSELF

Beware!!!

Have to be quick but just wanted to give you all the heads up in case you all plan on going to Tobago after Carnival :) - from www.trinidadexpress.com


9 More Tobago Tourists Fall Ill

County Medical Officer of Health in Tobago, Dr Mentor Melville, is threatening to close down the kitchen of the Rex Turtle Beach Hotel after nine more European tourists fell ill yesterday with symptoms of gastroenteritis after having dinner.
More visitors were treated for symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea yesterday.
This brings the total number of tourist affected to 60.
Some of them have already checked out and sought other accommodation on the island.
Dr Melville said a preliminary report from the Trinidad Public Health Laboratory was delayed, as food and water samples from the kitchen of the hotel, along with stool samples from the nine visitors affected yesterday was sent for testing.
Dr Melville said the results from the lab would determine the next course of action.

Now I Vex

So I decided I was going to return my boots (well the voices around me decided actually) and so I followed up on a previous plan. A store had brown white and gold Adidas shoes that would have gone perfect with cow mas but they didn't have my size. So the girl called around (reluctantly) and said she found a pair at another store and that she would get them shipped over for me. I was so delighted and eagerly went to return my (already worn) cowboy boots. Once returning them I went to pick up the Adidas and guess what - they store shiped the wrong shoe STEUPS!!!!

So anyway to make a long story short I just pick up the shoes below because I give up. I can't stress no more!!!

What you all think?? - the lighting is bad in the pic so the colour looks a bit off

I figure if I find something I like better between now and the time I go I get them and just return these ones but at least I got something.

Can You Believe This Set of Madness???

Today I get asked if people speak English well in Trinidad???

People really that ignorant???? It good thing I not really Trini or it would be one cuss for she - but not to worry I did but her straight for all of you and informed her that English is your mother tongue.

Lawd

With that said, back to work – enjoy your day everyone!