Island Lime

Brazillian Samba dancers

To wrap up Caribana 2008, we volunteered for the final event, De Caribana Island Lime on Olympic Island (Sunday, Aug 3). It's a fun family day with a variety of entertainment. It can also be relaxing if you bring a blanket, a cooler, take some shade & to listen to the music. There were just a few food vendors, so unfortunately the lunch lineups were very long. There were many sites that properly advertised there's an entrance fee, but unfortunately, some misinformed ones said it was free. So that caused much grumbling from the tourists. Locals knew $10 was an alright price, since it used to be $25.

Macomeh Fifi

Crazy
When you wine on me, I get cold sweat

When you grind on me, I get cold sweat

While I was working at the entrance, I met a friendly Jamaican who needed directions. Turns out it was Donald Manning from the Abyssinians. I really enjoyed talking with him and hearing what he thought about touring all over the world, and of particular note was Israel. He asked me if I was going to see them perform at the Harbourfront that evening, so we went by afterwards to check them out.

It was quite a rare opportunity to see this legendary group of roots Reggae originators perform. Their harmonies were chilling and the band made the classical and groovy riddims sound effortless. This is a group of musicians that truly love what they're doing, you could feel it from everyone on stage, the love was that thick.

Hamilton Mardis Gras Parade (Carnival)

2004

Alright,

You all had a good time at Caribana, you went to all the fetes and you went to the shows and you played your mas, but yuh still feeling like you could take a next jump. Maybe yuh feathers get wet down last week and yuh vex because yuh don't like how your head piece look in your pictures.

Doh worry, fluff up your feathers and charge your camera batteries. We going to Hamilton to play mas Saturday.
Oh, so you never knew Hamilton had mas? Yes man, Hamilton mas does be nice. No fuss, no huge crowds, just friends, soca and mas. it does be a REAL nice lime.

Allyuh check out the website for artists and directions and ting.

Here are some tips:

1. Reach early, because the parade starts on time. Aim to reach Hamilton for (10am)
2. Walk with your Caribana costume, because they welcome you to play mas, and you get into the park for free (in costume)
3. The parade ends at BayFront park, there is a charge to get in (its kinda like the island lime down on centre island, that kinda vibe.)
4. Drive to Bayfront park, leave your car there and walk to the beginning of the parade route.
That way, after the parade, your car is right there.
5. Its a nice calm, family friendly atmosphere, so don't be afraid to bring your kids, you could even play mas with you kids in a stroller. The crowds don't be thick.

See you all there. If you have any questions let me know.

Laters

It's that time again

To release that pain, No one can stop us now, Music in we vein

KOS J'Ouvert was wet & wild once again. I missed the bubble room, but other than that, it was the best lead up to Caribana. Pictures by ~Vidya~ Thanks for being the official dutty crew photographer once again!

On the way...

What was in that JV08 drink ?!?

Let dat music hit yuh right dey

Come and gimme right dey

We gonna feel so right
We'll celebrate, yeah!
Until the night turns into day
Feel de riddim jumpin' in you

Maximus
You think it is a wine up ting...?

ready to head out & get dutty!

Posin pretty before the paint

Pouff! Powder!

Hey, wha happen - no powder on ~V~!!

The Captain is done!

Carib2KGre8!

The madness that was Caribana 2008 ...
We got a later start than planned due to someone drinking too much whiskey at J'Ouvert, but no prob, we got our $3 parking spot and met the band at 12. Unfortunately, I was handed the last (veggie! ugh) lunch. With proper planning, that should not be possible, since each masquerader is given a lunch ticket, and if the correct amount of lunch is purchased (=all the people in the band), + you buy extra, (you should always buy extra) they shouldn't run out of lunches. Tsk Tsk Tsk. Trini-in-Toronto said this is the 4th year in a row he hasn't gotten lunch, so he is beyond being vexed, he thinks it's some Caribana hex.

HQ!!

I loved the look of my entire costume from the killer headpiece that bounced back after the rain storm, to my well matched boots. I had many close calls with my super cute dangling skulls getting snagged on my fishnets, but fortunately, no rips at all. The bikini top however was at least two sizes too big. This was also the case for HQ (Haitian Queen, who is truly the Carnival Queen!), so she didn't wear hers. There wasn't anything I could do to fix that aside from getting a quickie boob job, which I opted not to do. Since it's not an actual bra, the strings really dug into my shoulders badly (I still feel the pain.)

After the pounding rain!

I didn't expect rain, so I was quite surprised when it beat down on us, & not a light shower either, a heavy storm! Before we crossed the stage, too! It turned out to be quite comical, the ladies who were trying to take cover under the Queen, or use their pirate flag as an umbrella. We noticed the Shipwreck headpieces looked like electrified chickens, so I assumed ours would end up like dirty drowned divas. The feathers dried quite well though, & my spectacular headpiece is ready for another go in Hamilton.

before

after

Trini-in-Toronto also chose this section because he liked the costume (the only men's one shown on the website). When I picked it up I immediately noticed all the great detail and was impressed, since that's not the norm for men's costumes. His pirate hat was very well made, but unfortunately, the material used to make it was very hot to play mas in. He wasn't even going to wear it, but I persuaded him to at least until we crossed the stage since it looked good. Turns out because of the rain, it came in handy, but when the sun beat down on us later, the hat had to come off.

Neil


A lot less feathers on the Caw Caw bra

Chris & Mrs. Prada

Mozez & Rejean

Anton Bootsman
the purse is great!



Sandra




Orange barricaded view of Toronto Revellers - Band of the Year

Until next Saturday, when I'll take my las lap!