Carnival 2K10

Carnival again and its electric embrace of Roy G. Biv.

..its swing of bare hips from walls and bridges...

...its fantastical encounters with people you meet who are dressed with such creativity, humor, and style...

...its permanent river of sweat from dancing so close the concept of personal space is redefined…










…its steps and twists, distinctive yet synchronized, born from each truck-blasted beat felt first in the chest and then in the ears…



















…its rare but refreshing breezes that tunnel through this mass of flesh, to find you and cool you off...











...its devotion felt toward the songs played so often (at every party, in every bank and grocery store, and on every radio station), each one as familiar and fantastic as your mother's cookies...

I had no intention of experiencing a second carnival that equaled our first. Yet, it proved worthy of 365 day wait. Our costumes were better; the giant headpiece and Mohawk were the best decisions of the year.



















The road march soca winner came with its own one-legged dance, best performed in unison. A friend decided to come down at the last minute, so we got to show him the bacchanal ropes and watch him relish the insanity. After only visiting six houses at lunchtime, I found someone with krazy glue so I could re-attach wandering feathers, and, at each of those houses, I was kindly offered a cold drink and/or a clean bathroom. We discovered the elevated view, found by climbing walls, that provides the powerful perspective of thousands of bedazzled revelers. But, best of all, we know more people now, so we were constantly waving, talking, hugging, kissing, and/or wining with friends.