FANTASY FEST, THE CARIBBEAN INVASION

GOOD DAY TO YOU ALL!!!

It's quite the coincidence that this blog be written the day of Halloween seeing that it's partly the celebration of the dead because I, the spirit of DCARNIVALBABY is writing her blog today as she in fact died on Saturday.  I don't know where she got the idea to play young knowing full well she can't manage.  Well, she made the grave mistake of attending the bus ride held by #TeamKelz to Key West for their Fantasy Fest parade and she just..........

never made it back.  There is nothing but her shell and me, her spirit left.  Her hands, ache.  Her legs, sore.  The sole of her feet, numb. Her neck, damn near broken. Head, throbbing.  Voice, gone.  Down to her fingers hurt.  How do fingers hurt? Let me backtrack. 

When DCARNIVALBABY first saw the flyer, she was excited seeing as she's never been to Key West.  Ever.  Everything was set up in two two's and all she had to do was wait for Saturday morning.

That morning was drama but she was determined.  There was who didn't want to sleep and stayed up drinking, who was nursing a hangover, those who forgot to sleep and the one who got lost.  Thank God #TeamKelz knows the crowd they were dealing with and never left at the advertised time (which was 6:30).  She pulled up with Lucky, her brother from another mother, her Dominican friend/sister Saphire and some friends.  The combination alone was mad, then to meet up with PJ an Kelz smh.

The original plan was to pack all headpieces and backpacks under the bus then catch about an hour or two nap (seeing as she is the one who forgot to sleep the night before).  *Little did she know that under the bus would have been the only place on that bus to get sleep.  Needless to say, the nap never happened because the bus was pumping by 7:30.  The music was played by PJ, Lucky was on drums and Kelz was the emcee.  Somewhere around 8:30/8:45 the bus pulled off (or so they were told) 'cause between the drinks, food and vibes....no one bothered to check the time.

As the bus pulled off Simi started serving a variety of finger foods.  It was a good idea to serve the types of food they did because it helped to soak up the fruit flavored alcohol Popsicle's, the liquor being consumed and there was still a very long way to go.  Simi.....  She's a sweetheart but every single time Simi got out of her seat, she had a tray.  From about 7:30ish til the bus parked in the parking lot down in Key West, Ms Simi and her team of fat food distributors handed out:

• Fruity Popsicle's with alcohol (I need DCARNIVALBABY to get that recipe).
• Roast bake with buljol (saltfish mixed with tomato, onion and seasonings of choice)
• Cheese paste sandwiches
• Pastries from Vicky's (guava, meat,etc)
• Chicken Peleau (Rice, stewed chicken and pigeon peas cooked down in seasonings and coconut milk) that's the best description I could give.
• Tub of fruit (fruits soaked in everyone's drinks)
• Home made orange/grapefruit juice
• FULLY STOCKED BAR

 People were supposed to eat the fruits for their nutritional value and keep the energy levels up......meanwhile they soaked them in their drinks.  The bin started off three quarters full of fruits.  Could you imagine the amount of 'nutrition' they got?

It's as if they didn't care that the ladies on the bus had carnival costumes to change into because the food kept coming and DCARNIVALBABY ain't like nothing better.  She didn't let a tray pass. As you received your second drink, your first cup was discarded and replaced with a #TeamKelz Ent souvenir cup.  Great touch for a bus ride!  DCARNIVALBABY is sentimental like that and saves everything so I know she was pleased.

 KEY WEST

Once the bus got to Key West everyone jumped off and scattered like ants.  The bus cleared out quickly which was fine, here is where DCARNIVALBABY started feeling the effects of those soaked fruits in the alcohol so she changed on her own time, in peace as she and her friends got their Jones.   Once the changing of the clothes and the normal picture taking was over, it was time to take in some scenery. At this point, DCARNIVALBABY still had her senses but she seemed to have almost lost them when she saw Santa Claus...

The parade begins at 7pm (white people time) so by 7:40 when they met the #TeamKelz truck the parade had already started. I remember her thinking that the music was low and the same some song on repeat and not understanding why.  It was when the truck actually hit the road the music turned up, DJ Back To Basics engaged the crowd and the songs started to roll out.  It was like nothing she'd seen before.  The spectators actually stayed behind their barricades while the masqueraders reveled in the road.  It got a little cramped because people who came down on buses that know the routine, didn't care about letting the masqueraders play the ass their mas on the road.  Somehow however, it worked. It wasn't overbearing and there was ample space for masquerader and vagabond alike lol.  

I will fill you in on a little secret.  Don't tell her I told you all but, she was disappointed with the way Back To Basics played which is surprising because she normally loves the set and this was the first time she was disappointed.  Imagine, she and her friends were putting on quite the show for some spectators when "Freaky Girls" started to play when all of a sudden there was talking.  Then some more talking.  Next thing you know, "Freaky Girls" finished playing.  The ladies stood up like statues waiting for the pull up but there wasn't one. They played the biggest chune for the Miami Carnival season, talked straight through it and never replayed it...WHERE DO THEY DO THAT?!  At this point, DCARNIVALBABY was done and just chipped for the remaining of the route.  When the parade was over, it was abrupt.  There was an announcement that the parade was over and we were in the middle of the road like rubbish.  The police made the sound cut completely off and were instructed to say no more.  The masqueraders and vagabond alike all looked lost.  If they weren't, they looked it.  They had to all walk back to the bus, with no direction or music.  I believe that is where I took over and DCARNIVALBABY checked out.

Once back on the bus, there came Simi again with food.  Food? People wanted to make one with the inside of their eyelids and didn't care for food but some of the greedy bandits STILL ate.  (DCARNIVALBABY included) I wouldn't name any names but some people fell asleep while eating.  Aye, that bus was vibes!!!

All in all, I believe that once #TeamKelz is having another ride next year [please God] she's there because the vibes on the bus alone is enough inspiration to go back.  As for her lifeless body, we will see when or if it revives.  One piece of advice, if you don't have the vibes or the stamina, #TeamKelz bus is not for you! For any and all things #TeamKelz, you can always log on to the TeamKelz Entertainment Website, www.TeamKelz.com!

Ask DCARNIVALBABY lol

Hope I did well in her absence.

EXOTICA DE CARNIVAL REVIEW

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

So, I decided to give this brand new fete a try because it's supposed to be the new emerging fete for Trinidad and Tobago carnival 2016. I've heard that too many times to count.  This boat ride was surprisingly good. As you walked onto the boat, there was a vodka mix called "The Exotica".  It was a mix of pineapple Ciroc, lime juice, and watermelon balls.  This was the first taste of Exotica de Carnival. 

As we walked up to the top deck, we could smell the aromas of the food which made my mouth water. As we left the dock, we were swept into a soca trance from Miami's best Eternal Vibes. After the vibes we heard from Ultra Simmo, Merry Perry and Custodian. All the Dj's played both ole and new soca which was a plus for me because for the entire time I was in Trinidad I was beaten to death by nothing but soca from 2015 and prior.  The DJ's did play music from last year and older but it was a good mix.  It blended well and you could tell they knew (and had) music from 2016. To make a long story short, the patrons were not in need of anything musically.  We were also entertained my soca artiste SKHI and S Carter.  They seemed to know exactly what we wanted and it was reasonably priced.  It was only 300TT! Sweet music and great food at THAT price? This cooler cruise fete is a must go.  

I can't think of anything negative to say about the event aside from the boat leaving about a half hour later than anticipated but it also came back about 40/45 minutes later so.....winner!  Hopefully they decide to have another cooler cruise fete for 2017 and if they do, I will be attending. 

My only hope is that I didn't rave so much about it that I end up with NO ticket next year....



This WFYG Bandit asked to remain anonymous.

SCORCH _UCK FEVER REVIEW

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

Scorch Duck Fever

Loved this fete and also a first time for me (in Trinidad).  It rained Friday morning so this fete started off a little late.  We arrived about 1 hour after the advertised start time (we like to be early to fetes) and noticed there was still no music playing.  After waiting in a short line for about 20 minutes, the music started and the line started moving quickly.  I think the music went out once or twice, but again, I attribute this to the bad weather and not Scorch events. Once inside, the atmosphere was kinda chill, it was still empty, ppl were just getting there.  The pool was roped off (we thought it would be open) but I guess the Hilton wasn’t having that. As with all Scorch events I’ve been to, drinks were strong, flowing, and easy to get.  Lots of neat keepsake cups and beer mugs.  There was food, but I only had some doubles and friends had wings.  Not sure what else was offered so I won’t speak on that.  Once again, as the sun went down, the vibes turned up.  I’d do this pool party again.  Overall I give Scorch Duck Fever a 7 out of 10, easy.

WHYTE ANGELS JOUVERT REVIEW

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

Whyte Angels Jouvert:

Love it.  The only band I’ve played with in T and T for the past 5 years so I don’t have anything to compare it to in those terms.  But from what I’ve heard of larger jouvert bands, I have no reason to leave Whyte Angels.  It’s a family vibe/atmosphere from the time you collect your package, to the time we meet back in St. James Jouvert morning.  The food (corn soup and doubles) was great at that time of morning when it can be a little chilly. Truck arrived about 1/2 hour late, we assume he was stuck in other jouvert traffic in St. James. There is 1 music truck, 1 drinks truck and 1 riddim section...so that gives you an idea of the size of the band, which has grown every year.  I love the riddim section.   Once the truck arrived and pumped the speakers, the vibes lit up the place.  Hands down, would do Whyte Angels again.  No stushness, pure vibes, good music and fun. 

COMPILATION OF FETE REVIEWS

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

My carnival experience was amazing. Machel Monday was epic as always. Trini Jungle Juice's Mental was a blast. Met a lot of WFYG bandits in the place. The food was amazing! C'est La Vie was boss and a must every year. That food was sooooo good. Party was vibes. I left out of there soak and wet! Phuket was so much fun! The green bandits represented in that fete! Drinks were good, food was good, but I heard they ran out of both towards the end. I missed Soca Brainwash but we had tickets to Scorch for later that night. I think I was already soured by my IP Mas ordeal so Scorch was blah to me. I was rather bored. Beach House Cooler fete took a rather long time to get going. The venue was hilly and dusty. Somewhere between all that dust and a previous cups I developed bronchitis and had to suffer through the rest of my trip. I couldn't make it through carnival Monday so we left the band and came back home. Carnival Tuesday we had to chase down the band. They were already by Charlotte street by 7:30am . Drinks were good, food was blah, Djs were cool. I've never heard so much old music in my life. The entire trip every fete and on the road the djs beat old music to death. Crossing the stage wasn't as amazing as I had dreamed. Our band seemed a little scanty to me. I thought there would be much more revelers. I appreciated the air conditioned shuttle buses since I wasn't feeling well. That helped me get through the day. Overall I had a great carnival experience despite the ordeal with IP and getting sick.

C'EST LA VIE REVIEW

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

C'est La Vie...Thursday

So I have been doing C'est La Vie since they started. ...and I was always happy with the outcome even though, I must admit that it was a bit over crowded last year. This year I nearly opted out because I haven't been to Beach House in years. However. .I stuck to my guns...so off to C'est La Vie I went.
Can I say Food heaven?........I am so ashamed at how much I ate.....C'est La Vie had the best food out of all the events that I attended. ...from stuffed crab backs...suckling roasted pig...to the most delicious pholourie that I ever had. So you can clearly see I ate my belly full. This crowd is a bit older...so it takes a little while first the vibes to hit..but once the alcohol was soaked in...it was vibes all the way. Kerwin Dubois was a nice touch and a great change from David Rudder...I mean. .I love Rudder....but....ummmm..you get my drift.

All in all...food flowing...drinks on point..vibes on point...I had a blast....I think will stick to mih C'est La Vie oui :-)

Review given by Natalie Lamming

ROAST COOLER CRUISE (SUNDAY) REVIEW

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

Roast Cruise (Sunday)

I have to say, I’m not impressed with Roast cruise.  It started extremely late, they had 1 working scanner to scan tickets…the others had to scroll through some type of excel spreadsheet. Smh.  Then they give you a ticket to give to someone else…just ridiculous…just let me on the boat.  It wasn’t clear that it was a cooler fete (which I love if done in the right location), but luckily they started so late we were able to run to the store and get some drinks…otherwise drinks on the boat were reasonably priced (with tiny cups tho).  They were also selling food, but again, due to the long wait at the beginning, we had already bought some KFC and ate in the dusty lot L.  Once we left the dock, it was nice. Vibes were definitely on that boat!  My only complaint is having coolers everywhere with already limited space.  I’d do Roast again (possibly if it’s not a cooler fete).  Overall I give Roast Cruise (Sunday) a 6/10.

PARADE OF BANDS REVIEW

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

Okay so today Carnival Tuesday in Trinidad and Tobago I'm viewing mas cross the Queen's Park Savannah stage and I am in shock. What on earth has gone wrong? I mean what I'm seeing here, this ain't costumes there is no creativity, no color, no style, no nothing to talk about .I couldn't even tell what band or which section was what, it was a mess. I was almost in tears because I actually asked myself wow if it wasn't for me and my ill health this year and I was playing in IP, I was wasting money for this?  People I'm sorry but I would have been totally, totally disappointed because that was not Carnival. I am sorry but you disappointed me.. I mean I was like what's going on here?  What the hell is this?  Then with IP, the band I normally play in it looked like only a few people come to jump on stage.... what going on? Island people you need to come better than this I know you could come back to life but gosh..I'm sorry but creativity going down the drain.  Not IP alone but all the bands.  Where are the ideas with color, where is the vibes that bring carnival to life in designing?  Where we going?  Where it gone?  Now as a masquerader of IP, I watched them very closely...closer than all the other bands and I am glad I didn't play . Find allyuh muse please!!!!  I surely finding another band come 2017 if allyuh don't wake up . I felt sad ..Carnival is dying ..I know we not no Tribe or Yuma ..but oh gosh bring back creativity please we need costumes that wow spectators..IP in all it badness.. I gone ..just my opinions but ponder them.

SOCA BRAINWASH REVIEW

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

My 2^nd SBW in Trinidad and it was even better than the first time.  This fete just keeps getting better to me…the food is endless, the drinks are endless, games, music, vibes….no complaints anywhere.  A lot of ppl complained about the time being too early, but I find that it always seems to start late.  After AM Bush and waiting at YUMA mas camp on Saturday afternoon for about 2-3 hours, I got to SBW and still had PLENTY of time to turn up. Love this fete, I only hope he comes with the all-inclusive in Miami this year and not that drink chit foolishness like 2015.  Overall, I give Brainwash a 9/10…everyone just seems so happy there lol.

PAPARAZZI MAS REVIEW

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

This year I had the pleasure of playing mas with Paparazzi.  I am the type of person that likes to test all my options.  I have played with different bands almost every  year.

I must say at first I was a little hesitant due to it not being 1 of the top overrated bands but after hearing constant rave about how great their customer service and road experience was, I decided to give them a try.

I said to myself,  im getting the same liquor, same music why not give it a try.   So let’s start by saying their costume price average at least 100 to 200us cheaper than the average band.  I also received a discount of 200tt for being a part of a large group.

The pick-up time for my costume was no more than 15 minutes from start to finish!  With the tight schedule that we had that was absolutely amazing.    I entered the lobby area to pay my balance in which I was prepared to cuss expecting them not to have my discount on file, only to be proven wrongly.

The lobby area was decorated with all the costumes in which I got to see my costume finally up close and I was pleased! The music was pumping and I only had 1 person ahead of me on line so I was excited.    I paid my balanced within 5 minutes and was directed to go around back to pick up

my actual costume that was already waiting for me.   I presented my receipt and we went over my costume.  It seems as though the sizes ran small so I asked to change my panty to a larger size and with no hassle at all it was changed.

This was also done for a member in my party.  As you know switching is a no no.   Did I mention they still give out Full Monday wear!

The staff was very accommodating and extremely pleasant.  I was very pleased leaving the mas camp.   My road experience was fabulous.   I never got an opportunity to sit on an air conditioned bus, but took full advantage for a good 40minutes while we passed the hospital since the music had to be turned down.  The music was as good as I hoped for it to be.  There were plenty of times that I didn’t need to go get drinks at the bar.   The paparazzi staff came around and provided all types of drinks in a little mobile cart.  If you know me, you know that I have a phobia for porta pottys,  well this band has the cleanest pottys I have EVER seen and smelled in my entire life.  A member of my group said he actually sat on the toilet for 10 minutes taking a break. There is a live attendant on board that disinfects and cleans and mops after each use!  there were also tall mirrors, pins and glue guns on that truck if you needed to repair any damages.  Right before crossing the Savanah stage as you know the drinks truck makes a detour so by then we are all dying of thirst until once again we get saved by those little carts of beverages that the paparazzi staff brings around.    it’s the little things like this that counts.

My only issue would have to be lunch that was served on Monday.  We were given a dish of pelaeu, to me was a little dry.   The meal we had on Tuesday was much better, we had Stew chicken, mac pie, rice and peas and salad.  we were given ice cream as well.   I’m not sure if anything else was being served as I went and took my nap for about an hour before heading out again.    The truck drivers were always told if they were going too fast, we rarely had to run after a truck! They made it a priority to keep the masqueraders together!  At  no point I felt unsafe!

I would definitely play mas with Paparazzi again!   Gather your crew cause this band was definitely worth giving a try!

TRINIDAD CARNIVAL DIARY'S OWN FRONTLINE REVIEW

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

Frontline
So this was a new one for me.....because of serious marketing I must admit it ketch mih eye. I must add....it's very hard to ketch my eyes eh...lol. Anyway, I was very curious to see what was in store for this fete...especially since it was hosted by Miss Trinidad Carnival Diary herself....the guru of everything carnival. The amount of traffic going into Hilton...omg....first thing I am thinking....welll fete sell off. Then I found out that Tribe was doing their distribution for costumes. ...now that made sense....pleeeeeeeease can we do this fete somewhere that Tribe is not distributing?!  Whew!!!  Anyway... So can I say that I ate my belly full.....food was definitely not an issue here. Whoever was the aloo pie vendor....omg....I need them in my life again. I must say there was a nice turn out..even though I did expect a much bigger crowd because of whose fete it was...but I personally love the intimate fetes. Music was nice and the vibes was pumping. ..but please...I could have done without Bunji and wifey with their rushed performance. All in all it was a pretty nice fete for a Wednesday and it was reasonably priced. I will definitely go back...especially if it's the same aloo one vending (wink wink).

*Natalie Lamming

BEACH HOUSE REVIEW

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

Beach House:

My first fete was BH and this was also my first time attending this fete.   I thoroughly enjoyed BH, although I heard it was at a better location in the past.

I felt that the location was fairly easy to get to at that time of day (other than the explosion that happened that day, which is not their fault).  Once our driver dropped us at the location, there were air conditioned buses to take us even deeper in to where the actual fete was. 

The location itself was huge but nothing spectacular and a little dusty in areas but mostly low, flat, grass. There were all types of drinks, beautiful and friendly shot girls walking around offering shots and taking pictures with or for you.  The food, towards the back (in my opinion) was endless.  There was everything from seafood to good old mac pie and stew chicken.  No complaints there.  I heard many ppl complain about the ground not being level, but in front of the dj stage, the ground was level and there was ample space.  Once it began to get dark, the crowd livened up and the party then start!  Overall I give BH a 9 out of 10 (as a first timer) and would easily return.

Author would like to remain unknown.

ISLAND PEOPLE MAS REVIEW WITH VIDEO

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

Okay I will try to make this short and sweet.

I've played mas in many domestic carnivals, but never experienced the greatest show on earth in the land of oil and music. I know people personally that have played with Island People Mas that have shared their pleasant experiences with me about the band with the most vibes on the road. Since I didn't have to sell my first born or donate a kidney to get in the band I thought I would give it a try. I hate the elitist bands that I have to beg to give my money to. I think that is utterly ridiculous. So upon my arrival back home from Miami carnival, I logged into IP's website, created an account, chose a costume and paid in full. I played with the Guardian of Fertility section of the band. So by mid October I'm done and patiently waiting for my vacation.

Fast forward to February, I receive an email from IP with the distribution schedule on Wednesday, February 3rd. My distribution day was Saturday before carnival beginning at 11am. I thought ok cool, I can swing by the mas camp grab my costume and then head to Soca Brainwash...no problem. Well I get the warning Friday when I was in Phuket. A young lady playing with IP told us that she spent over 2 hours in the camp and her costume was not ready and they told her to come back the following day. At that point I felt I was going to have trouble. So we woke up early to get to the place as soon as it opened at 1 Woodbrook Place. They had a tent up and chairs for their clients and there was a man standing outside taking your name and section and inquiring if you have a balance or not. That list was eventually passed to someone else and that was SUPPOSED to be the order that you were served. After sitting for an hour we inquired about the order because it seemed as people that had a balance were entering to pay but not leaving out and joining us who were paid in full to get called. Until this point I probably heard one name called. There were 2 security officers standing at the door who were not friendly at all and seemed to try to intimidate the restless masqueraders. After 2 hours I was vexed and demanded answers. We notice again more people with balances going in but not coming out. I didn't hear any other name called, so in true Trini fashion many of us who had been there for hours in that heat lined up at the door to push our way in. 

The man taking the names had no idea what was going on and the ladies in the IP shirts representing the brand also had no idea what was going on. Ever so often, gentlemen representing IP mas came in droves with pieces of costume in their hands. At that point it appeared to me that the costumes weren't only not boxed, but they were not at the location. Anyway, the security officers pushed many of us from in the front of the door, fussed and cussed at us. I've never paid so much money to be treated worse than a dog. After about 3 and half hours I finally made my way in the doors where we had to wait yet again. Mind you at this point all of those people that were supposed to be paying off the balance and coming back out to wait their turn, were now at the front requesting their costume. What was the benefit of me giving IP $800+ in October again? By hour 4 we finally found an IP rep, gave her our paper with our costume information and the lady vanished. 1 whole hour went by and we never saw that lady again. So another young lady walks by and we grab her to help us. Mariah was her name. She was the ONLY IP representative with manners. She was attentive and empathetic for our situation. She found the lady that was helping us before and let us know that she put our papers down and started working on something else. The entire time I was in the camp I could smell the hot gun glue burning up. There were drapes hung so we couldn't see what was going on back there...but we already knew. I forgot to mention that there were so many disgruntled customers demanding their money back, cussing the security guards, and arguing with the IP reps. I just knew a fight would break out at any moment. The theme seemed to be items missing from boxes, messy glue all over the gems because they were sticking them in the back as they went along, and special orders not available. 

Finally, one hour later Mariah came out with my costume. It was missing the necklace but at that point to hell with a necklace. Now to begin on putting my sister's order together. She paid extra for a tankini only to be told that her item wasn't there so they gave her a regular bra and told her to come back the next day for a refund. REALLY IP?? Good think she walked with a back up bathing suit. She ended up decorating her own tankini in our hotel. Her review is coming soon...

Mind you, the Soca Brainwash tickets that I sat in front of a computer for 4 hours hitting refresh every minute for had to be sold because we had no idea what time we were leaving the camp. In the end, we got mediocre costumes and left the camp shortly after 5pm. I was there from 11-5 that is pure madness!!! Needless to say, I will not be returning to IP in the future. I don't care how much vibes they claim to have, no one should be treated that way when they are paying their hard earn money. Every excuse I heard was it was a short carnival season. Don't you have a calendar in advance and know when carnival is for the next year?? Plan accordingly. As much as I hate the elitist bands, I may have to turn to one for my next Trinidad carnival experience. Please note that this experience was not just my own. We spoke to many masqueraders that had the exact same experience as us.

 

 

MASQUERADER REVIEW OF YUMA WITH RESPONSE

These are NOT my personal opinions but of carnival revelers that have sent their personal reviews via email.  Should you like to send a review, that email is deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

 

**This post has been updated to add a response to this review.  Both individuals would like to remain anonymous.

This was my 4th year playing mas in Trinidad, but my first time playing mas with YUMA.  I had heard great things about this band and wanted something different…some “upgrades” if you will.  I wanted to know the secret of the Socadome  and these wonderful things that apparently happen at the rest stop.

Ordering:
So I sent an email requesting registration info and received a friendly, welcoming reply within a day or so, with a form attached for me to fill out choosing my top 3 favorite costumes (in that order).  It was made clear on the form that if the 1st choice was not available, the 2nd choice would be approved and so on.  It was also made clear that nothing would be locked in until the deposit was received via Western Union or paid in Trinidad.  This slightly annoyed me only because I was ordering late in the year, and I know that they weren’t collecting the money every day.  (So if I sent my money via WU in minutes for my choice 1, it’s possible that they won’t collect until 2 days from now and then what if my choice 1 is gone by then??!!)  Anyhow, it all worked out in my favor and I got email verification of payment received and my choice 1 was locked in.

Collection:
Costume collection was at Movie Towne. This was Saturday, the only day I could collect, and I had to meet my group at Soca Brainwash afterwards. After I located what part of this plaza to go to, all I had to do was wait in line. Then wait in line again upstairs.  I’d say it took about 2 hours start to finish. While waiting, I realized that I didn’t have enough cash.  I asked security if he could hold my space while I run to the ATM and he was very accommodating. ATM wouldn’t dispense enough cash, now I start to panic.  I go back to security, he advises that I should be fine with my credit/debit card. Once inside, they had 1 machine able to accept Visa and thank goodness everything went through.  They went through the costume and pieces with me, I signed for it and left with my cool YUMA gym bag (with goodies) so far, so good.

Costume:
Costume was 100% identical to the pictures and I loved it. No complaints at all.

Monday and Tuesday

We weren’t given any “included” Monday wear which would’ve been nice even just as a keepsake, but whatever.  We had Monday wear of our own. Both days on the road were fun, the vibes are there, the music was great, the crowd was just enough; not so empty that you bored, but not so packed that you can’t breathe.  I was still waiting for this great experience that is YUMA though.  At lunch, we had good food with lots of choices and I saw about 5 massage chairs and some throw away things like wipes, mouthwash, hand sanitizer and deodorant.  Meh, no biggie to me.  I remember looking for the cool down bus at some point…apparently it doesn’t exist in this band.

The Socadome was nice, but to me we crossed so early!  We almost missed it on Tuesday. We literally ran up as our section was about to cross the stage. Between crossing the stage and lunch seemed like an eternity. Masqueraders (including myself) reluctantly began to buy food from the street vendors because we were so hungry.  After paying $900 for a costume, I’d like to see more snacks on the road.  

After lunch (which to me is extremely long- idk why people want to sleep during the parade), but after we ate lunch on Tuesday we had to leave YUMA because they seemed like they were done for the day and we were ready to jump up again…it’s what we went there for.  So we left and jumped with a couple other bands until night time.

Not sure what happened with YUMA after lunch on Tuesday, but overall, I would play with them again.

Pros:
Ease of ordering and collection; customer service; friendliness; reusable goodie bag; vibes; drinks; food; cool areas and cool treats (snow cones, icee, etc.) and music at lunch.

Cons:
Collection hours; no cool down bus; no snacks on the road (that we could find); no online payment; not knowing if you’re going to get your costume choice until AFTER you’ve paid.

Author would like to remain unknown.

RESPONSE:

I also played with Yuma and I agree and disagree with some things. 

1.If you go in the day you are suppose to pick up if you spend 45 min you stayed too long. Not on Sat evening when everyone who didmt pick up all week coming to pick up. 
2. There was a snack truck that had fruits bake n shark bake and cheese and other things. 
3. Any true masquerader will hate the Socadrome. There is nothing like the big stage nothing can compare. 
4. They take so long at lunch because they do the majority of the small stages before lunch so they don't rush to go up Frederick Street when they stay in Woodbrook and Independence Square.

TRINIDAD CARNIVAL REVIEWS/EXPERIENCES

Well ladies and gentlemen.  The reviews are in.

After deciding to sit out Trinidad's carnival 2016, I thought I could ask a couple friends and family about their carnival experiences.  After receiving some feedback, I posted on Facebook that I'd be sharing them on this blog.....  I now regret doing so.  I've received some reviews that I wished to God I'd never read because they are blatantly honest truths and some happen to be of people I support 110%.  Talk about putting my foot in my mouth.  I would like to change the words sent.  I would love to just not post them all together but for those who sent them, I'd be a liar.  Lying to those expecting reviews by hiding the whole truth.

I just hope that all involved do understand that these reviews are not the opinions of me but simply copied and pasted from emails received.  Blogs as simple as these (copying and pasting) should have been the easiest thing for a blogger to do yet has become one of the hardest things I've had to post.

Beginning Monday, the 14th of March the reviews will be posted daily.

I guess this was my disclaimer post.

Bless.

IS YOUR TICKET BOOKED FOR FLIGHT 868?

This flight is like no other.  Flight 868 leaves from Terminal 1 at The Warehouse conveniently located at 3500 NW 15th Street, Lauderhill, Florida and promises to be a nonstop flight straight to the ultimate vibes of Trinidad Carnival 2016.  

Early check-in is available but not mandatory 

(see below)  

For those who suffer from pre flight jitters, there will be Puncheon shots available.  Once you've received your passports, boarding passes and Puncheon shots, there will be specific rules that must be adhered to which are:

• NO BORING PEOPLE. *BORING PEOPLE MAY BE ESCORTED OFF THE FLIGHT
• NO QUIET ALLOWED.  *QUIET PEOPLE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
• NO STANDING IN ONE SPOT. *ONLY THE STAGE CAN DO THAT
• YOU MUST DRINK WHATEVER YOUR FRIENDS BUY FOR YOU
• ALL STRESS MUST BE LEFT AT THE GATE PRIOR TO BOARDING
• BE PREPARED TO DANCE, A LOT
• DESIGNATE A SOBER DRIVER, PRIOR TO BOARDING THE FLIGHT

BUCKLE UP

AND ENJOY THE RIDE!

SOCA PARADISE CARNIVAL SEND OFF AND GIVE AWAY!

THE FIRST OF TWO SOUTH FLORIDA TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CARNIVAL SEND OFF PARTIES. THIS ONE WILL BE GIVING AWAY A FREE ROUND TRIP AIRLINE TICKET TO ATTEND CARNIVAL FOR YOURSELF!!!

THE RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Text your First & Last name to (754) 273-0939

2. You MUST attend SocaParadise the night of January 16th (THIS SATURDAY) to claim your ticket.

3. Text from NOW thru JANUARY 16th (THIS SATURDAY) until NOON.

 ***PLEASE NOTE THE NEW VENUE!!!!***

TO ATTEND THIS FAREWELL

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE TICKETS 

HERE

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 2016

As I sit at my desk at work I'm in disbelief.  For two reasons really.  I had no plan on being here this morning because I plans for my PowerBall winnings. BIG PLANS! Don't judge me. I had $10 and a million dreams and the other because I just hung up from one of the strangest phone call I've received for the year. Well, we are only 12 days into the year however it was still the strangest phone call that I've had.

My friends and I are a diverse bunch of individuals and what bonds us together is our love, our passion and damn near borderline obsession with carnival and all associated with it.  So imagine my surprise when I got that call, less than a month away from the greatest show on Earth that my entire crew has bowed out of carnival 2016.  They have each purchased costumes, boots to perfectly match, some have had them customized others not so much and biggest of all, airline tickets booked!  Some as early as April of last year.  Yet the crew.  The whole crew.  The 'die-hards'.  The 'psychos' (as we have been frequently referred as) have all bowed out and said that carnival isn't making any sense this year.

WAIT.
WHAT?
THE WHOLE TEAM?!

While listening in silence to hear who died or what other life threatening emergency had come up, God forgive me but the very first thought was, YESSSSS!  I wasn't going to be the only person out of the crew missing out on carnival 2016 even better, NO ONE IS GOING!!  Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be missing carnival for a reason outside of pregnancy and to now be hearing that my entire crew would be doing the same was outstanding!  The second coming had to be near. My secret prayers have been answered! ***and no, no one was dying. :-)

One of the reasons given was that the music sucks big time and they just couldn't get into the carnival spirit all how they tried.  Seeing as I have only heard one - that "Advantage Reshuffle" that I think Machel name "Waiting On The Stage" or something so, I should be the last person to judge BUT if that was his 'big chune' for 2016 I can not say much for the music.  Another reason was cost.  What they normally paid for a Frontline costume was now the price of a Backline and the Frontline costs were just not worth it.....to them.  They would have paid it under other circumstances but with everything looking so dim again, it wasn't worth it.  I'd like to believe my absence played a part of the decision making but no one will admit to that....YET.  Thankfully they were playing in a popular band coupled with carnival stalkers on Fine Ah Ban' so costume deposits have all been retrieved. Nothing but boots money lost and that, we can always recycle.

There were several more reasons given and I found them to be just and if they were all true, I agreed with them all.  Admittedly, I haven't been following the 2016 soca nor have I been stalking any of the carnival bands' websites.  There was no need.  What would have I been comparing to?  My costume? Which costume?  The one making just for me, that I am obsessing over yet haven't seen? Anyway, I've tucked carnival away so far I an all needed a reminder every now and again about this year because the focus is solely carnival 2017.

Do I sound like a hater? LOL
All who going, enjoy!
All staying, ah dey wid allyuh!

*Let me know how your carnival experience is shaping up and send me your experiences. Pictures would GREAT!  See all correspondence to deecarnivalbaby@gmail.com.

Bless.

SOCA BRAINWASH F.U.N. LAST SET OF TICKETS

"Last batch of online tickets 

are live

HERE

There will be no more online purchases available after this batch. 

See you on Carnival Saturday for the F.U.N 

#SocabrainwashFUN"

BEACH HOUSE RESERVATIONS.....NOW OPEN!

THESE ARE ONLY 

RESERVATIONS

THERE IS NO GUARANTEE

Seeing as I won't be going home for carnival 2016, I figured I could share some of my good news and make some people's life a little easier....(although I am secretly hating you all lol).

BLESS.