Well it’s Carnival Saturday and here I am spending this early part of the afternoon with you on Gadling. After two nights of fetes I figured I’d play it by ear tonight and just mellow out for the rest of the afternoon. With that being said here is a shot from the pan lime me and a group of folks checked out a couple night’s back. Taken in the Desperadoes pan yard, where the band played a melody over and over striving for perfection, the drums from which this older gentleman plays produced a deep rich sound full of bass. While I haven’t been following the pan competitions much, I’m told the Desperadoes placed third in one of their last and are really trying to step their pan game up.
Postcards from Trinidad: Five
On a steamy and humid mid-day walk around the Savannah I ducked into a few of the shops that are currently open. The one pictures here had an assortment of leather purses, crochet belts, sandals, jewelry, hats and other island accessories. Many of the brightly colored booths and those made of a frame and dried palm leaves are still gathering hand-made goods and souvenirs for the visitor to send back home. Though I didn’t come to Trinidad to do a huge amount of shopping I admit the gifts found in some of the shops are very nice and would be appreciated by anyone who couldn’t make it down for Carnival. Any requests?
Postcards from Trinidad: Four
Trying my hand at one of Doug Lansky’s (creator and author of Signspotting) favorite activities I spent a few moments of my time in Port-of-Spain snapping away at interesting posters, billboards and whatever else caught my eye. Much of the city is filled with advertisements from one of the leading cell phone providers and beer companies wishing happy and safe times during this Carnival season. On my way through Woodford Square a.k.a. the “University of Woodford Square”, known for letting people actively speak their minds and Dr. Eric William’s lectures on national sovereignty (which later lead to Trinidad & Tobago’s independence from the UK) I saw this ‘He lie’ sign. I wonder who lied? What about? This gave me a small chuckle because whoever did the lying is a dam lie at that.
Postcards from Trinidad: Three
The last few days have been pretty lazy. I’m trying to find the perfect balance between partying and being a bookworm. I know you wouldn’t believe it if I told you, but times are difficult here. Read, sleep, party, or relax? What to do? This shot is looking out of the fenced entrance to Lily’s place in the hills of Cascade where I’m presently hiding. After a couple of rainy days it’s nice to see the sun rays playfully bounce off the criss-cross pattern of the fence and the lush green hills in the background. Being completely absorbed in afternoon laziness I also ordered Chinese from Jenny’s and was on the lookout for the delivery man.
Postcards from Trinidad: Two
Spewing fake blood from the mouths of their masks onto my clothing and pulling icky crabs and frogs from their bag of goodies were only a few surprises these Carnival tricksters also known as ‘Blue Devils’ had up their sleeves. I screamed so loud when a young devil placed the crab close in my face that the Emcee had to tell the little guy not to scare the audience too much. Part of the ‘Vie la Coupe’ festival held at the President’s Park earlier today the rowdy devils worked the crowd making sure their entertaining services were well paid for. The festival is held to celebrate some of the more traditional characters of Carnival like Minstrels, Dame Lorraine, Jab Jab, Moko Jumbie, Fancy Indians, Jab Molassie, Pierrot Grenade, Bats and the Midnight Robber.