I out on de road, I deh wit my friends

So it's been a while since my last entry... almost two months... apparently I've been busy!

This weekend just past was Caribana weekend in Toronto.
I love Caribana.... I have since I was a kid, and I'm pretty sure that I'll continue to love it until old age renders me unable to participate in the festivities

This was the first year that I played mas, and my GOD... what an amazing time I had!
I mean, it's hard on your body. You literally go for kilometers... and not just walking, because that's pretty easy... but dancin', jumpin', wavin' and winin'... well that's a whole other story!
It was such an amazing feeling though from start to finish.

We (Amber and myself) got on the subway and streetcar in our costumes and became instant celebrities. People everywhere had their heads turned to see what we were about, and the bolder ones took photos... some with permission, others without. But let me tel you, it sure was a bit of an ego trip to have that much attention.

Then you get to the Ex grounds and into the round-up area and it continues.. photographers everywhere taking pictures of everything for every reason.

Going across the stage was a trip too... we were the second band to cross the stage, and our section - Sea Lilies - was the first section of the band to hit de road. We got on bad for 5 minutes for the judges and then headed out down the parade route where we continued to wine and wuk up... even as it poured rain for probably about 20 minutes to a half hour. There's something about being soaking wet that makes you... or at least made me want to get on bigger and badder!

Me and my girls (Amber and Juanita) even ended up on the Toronto Star online briefly, as we put our all into dancing and celebrating the carnival spirit!


Aside from all the goodness of the parade, there was also Glow on Friday night and Fire Fete on Sunday that added hugely to the overall good times of the weekend. We saw Bunji Garlin, Faye-Ann Lyons, Destra and Shurwayne amongst others... some of my favourite performers all on one stage.. definitely makes for a good weekend.


My Monday bbq also went well... I got to spend some good times limin with my friends in my backyard. The weather was perfect, the food was good, the tunes were feeling nice and everyboy had a good time (I think!)

All in all this may have been my best Caribana weekend yet... and I look forward to many many more over the years!