Carnival Monday with K2K

K2K's 2014 presentation, "Vie: The Rise of the Sanctuary" aimed to use birds to depict a specific life virtue. So it was only fitting that we were asked on Carnival Monday to represent birds of paradise.  The costume consisted of a blue and black chiffon shirt with oversized sleeves to mimic wings.  The shirt was worn with our own black bottoms, whether shorts, leggings, or bikini bottoms. Unlike many other bands, K2K had uniformity. A lot of bands tend to forget that Carnival extends to TWO days; therefore (in my opinion) masqueraders should be costumed for both days. I know I've said this before, but I hate when everyone in a band has on their own "Monday wear".  No matter how fabulous your individual Monday wear might be, it does nothing for the band on a whole which ends up looking like ole mas.

Waiting to cross the downtown stage

I met the band on Ariapita avenue after they crossed the QPS stage.  The numbers were small, but the masqueraders were having a great time.

Some of  highlights of my day:
1.  The shirt was lightweight and very comfortable
2. My makeup was fabulous
3.  Lunch and afternoon snack were provided
4. No problem to get drinks
5. The most vibesy sno-cone man ever
6. The DJ played nice groovy tunes throughout the day
7. The band won in the medium category downtown
8. There's just a nice familiarity among K2K masqueraders that I haven't experienced with other bands

No big complaints but:
1. There was no coconut water
2. We could do with a little more masqueraders
3. I really don't want to hear Nappy's "Big People Party" again....ever

After my first year with K2K, I never thought I would be singing their praises 2 years later.  I'm glad I stuck with them because it's been a lot of fun so far.  In a time where it seems that the bikini and beads rule the carnival, K2K is refreshing balance...

K2K Costume Collection and Goody Bag

I must say that so far it has been smooth sailing since my registration with K2K in December. By now I have warmed up to the fact that K2K will not distribute earlier than the week before carnival.

My section, Macaw was scheduled to be distributed today (Thursday).  I got to the mas camp in Victoria Gardens by 3:00pm and was out within 20 minutes. I got my costume, wings, monday wear, and goody bag without any problems. My friend got a large bottom piece (which is a victoria's secrets panty btw) although she had ordered it in a medium size. She was told without apology that it couldn't be exchanged even though it was clearly not her fault.

I must say that the costume is fabulous. The gown looks more layered than the prototype which works well for me in terms of camouflaging my mid section. I will need to do adjustments however to the length. The wings are light and look very much like the model. Overall, the costume is pretty and looks easy to carry.

Finally, we were advised that the band will meet on Jerningham Avenue on both days. I am very wary of K2K attempting to cross the QPS stage so early because I suspect that other bands will be doing the same.

I don't think anything could top the mini picnic set in the K2K goody bag last year, so I am not that disappointed in this year's modest bag. It is definitely the same tote bag and cup from 2013, but there's nothing in the bag to boast about. But it's the thought that counts.

The contents of the bag include:
Magazines
K2k mug
Cher-mere samples and discount card
2 Protector condoms
Dove body mist
Degree male deodorant
Domino cookies
Dial lotion
Sacha gift certificate

So far my only real concern has to do with the parade route which has not changed.  But I have no doubt that this year K2K will look fabulous on the road and if we make it to the stage...

Carnival 2014: T-52

In a follow up to my Planning for Carnival post and with about 52 days left to Carnival in Trinidad, I'm asking now- how prepared are you?

Costume
If you intend to play in one of the "it" bands, you should have proof of registration by now.  If you are still waiting on a "link" to come through; that dream was as real as Santa came down a chimney for Christmas.  But fear not friends, there are several low key bands with costumes available and for less.  I also believe that costumes can still be purchased from Island People, Passion, Petlemas, K2K, Ronnie and Caro or on costume resale websites like Carnival Junction.

At this point it is okay to use your costume as a profile pic for all social media platforms.  It is important that the costume is tattooed in your brain. This constant visualization helps with your mental and physical preparation such as choosing the colour of your boots, bag, and other accessories.  For some, we must be careful to assume that we will look like the model in the pic on Carnival Tuesday. Ha! Very few of us are blessed with a "Soowan"...but if you think it's possible, more power to you.

The Soowan

Diet and Exercise
Luckily, my costume provides full coverage, but if you are not so fortunate, this is a very critical stage for diet and exercise.  If Christmas messed up your plan, fear not, there is hope even though you may have to fight up with the resolutionists in the gym (oh and remember to keep us fatties motivated with hashtags like #instafit #carnivalbody #carnivalbodytunup #frontlinebody etc). I would also suggest that you accompany the gym routine with an oxygen diet for maximum results.  There is very little time for anything else and air is very low in calories.

On a serious note, don't worry too much if you haven't achieved the much hyped about "carnival body". Despite what is seen in the media, most people don't have it; well except for the chicks in Fantasy.

Travel
The airfare is extremely high at this point especially from the US.  From other Caribbean countries, you are looking at about US$500-600, which is pricey. Kudos to those who already bought their tickets and good luck to those who haven't.


Accommodation
I'm sorry if you haven't finalized accommodation because there is none available. None.  Your options now are limited to what my Jamaican friends refer to as "kotching".  You may ask to "kotch" at a Trini friend's  house or you may request to "kotch" with friends who already have accommodation. Now, this is no easy task because you are forcing yourself into someone's space so ensure to employ proper "kotchiquette": 
1. Always carry your own blow up bed and bedding
2. Offer to buy groceries or meals
3. Offer to pay for gas because your host will be forced to be hospitable and transport you around
4. Pick up some top shelf liquor in duty free for your host
5. Don't "re-kotch"- meaning, you should not have any guests/kotchees of your own

Fete Tickets
I said last year don't worry about tickets just yet, but if you do plan on going to the high profile fetes, tics should have already been procured. At this point in the game, no one is "considering" if to go to Vale Breakfast, Beach House, or C'est La Vie.  Either you are going or not, and like your costume receipt, going means tickets are in hand.  But fear not, in the land of fetes, the scalper is always king/queen...

Planning for Carnival 2014

Band launching is usually an indication that you need to start planning for the upcoming Carnival season. For people outside of T&T, we don't have the luxury of waiting and need to make decisions quickly.  If you are in Jamaica, you may find this post useful.  So where should you be in your plans?

Costume
If you intend to play with one of the popular bikini and feathers bands (Tribe, Bliss, Fantasy, YUMA or Island People etc), you should have already registered for a costume and paid a deposit**. You should note that many of these bands have already reported sold out sections.  I've heard people in Ja, either boasting about having a "link" or asking about a potential "link" in the more popular Tribe/Bliss or Fantasy. Please be careful. Don't let your desperation cause you to hand over hundreds of US dollars to a "costume scammer".  Trust me, they do exist.  They masquerade as a friend of a friend's cousin-neighbor-colleague-girlfriend-uncle-niece....

I've also realized that there is a popular perception here in Ja, that if you go to Trinidad Carnival, you MUST play mas with Tribe, Bliss, or Fantasy.   I always urge persons to check out other options.  There are bands that offer a great costume and experience for less.  I am tired of telling people that Trinidad Carnival is not defined by these 3 bands...

****Saying that you are playing in a certain section of a band does not mean that you are.  When you have a receipt for your deposit, then you can update your social media status.

Accommodation
If you have not been offered free accommodation at a Trini friend's house by now, you should secure your own.  Hotel rooms are limited and expensive, and the more affordable guest houses tend to be booked by the end of the previous Carnival.  At this point, if you can't get a hotel or guest house, it may be best to contact a real estate agent.  You can also consider accommodation outside of Port of Spain.

Travel
At this point if you do the Thursday-Thursday, a ticket can cost around US$500 on Caribbean Airlines. Finalize your airfare as soon as possible especially with the current ridiculous exchange rate.  A cheaper alternative is Copa Airlines (through Panama).

Fete Tickets
I don't think you need to worry too much about fetes before the new year.  You should at least have some idea which fetes you want to attend, determine how much of your budget will go towards feteing, and how do you plan to get these tickets once they go on sale.  Also keep in mind that it will be necessary to get tickets very early for some events like Vale Breakfast and Beach House.

Diet and Exercise
Once you have registered for your costume, you basically should stop eating.

For first timers, it is important that you understand that Trinidad Carnival is expensive. Try not to get carried away with the hype. Carnival can easily cost you US$3000.  Decide what aspect is important to you- don't have Frontline taste with a Backline budget...or VIP taste with a general budget