Thursday night I had
doubles and my first taste of Pholouri (and mango chutney sauce), with
some fresh made juice, followed by
visits to the panyards of Invaders,
Silver Stars and Phase II. It was a
great night, everyone. Friday night
there was no rehearsal at the panyard,
but I went to Woodbrook Playboyz yard
for a lime. WOW that's an incredible
band, and I have to say it again, single
pan has an incredible feel and energy to
it. (Their engine room is also SLAMMIN’). Then a sound truck came up front with
a DJ and a calypsonian (whose name I
can't recall). For those who have never
experienced a sound truck, please allow
me to paint a picture of how loud it is:
I think the vibrations in the bass were
helping the digestion of my dinner that
night... Anyone coming to experience
Carnival for the first time, be prepared
for these sound trucks.
Yesterday
started off with a fund-raising brunch
at Renegades' panyard. Bake and saltfish
were had by all, which was great, but
the people I limed with was better. I
have to admit I've found the first Trini
taste that I don't care for: Mauby.
Mauby is a fruit, the juice of which has
a peculiar taste which to me got more
and more bitter. If you've never had it,
it's worth a try though (as is every
Trini food). After that I went to
practice in the panyard, and heard
Starlift's junior band for the first
time. I can't help but wish there was
something like that available to me when
I was a kid... After that, I was invited
to come try my hand at the Woodbrook
Playboyz Panorama piece. I'm torn with
the prospect of playing for other bands
because I don't want to have too much to
do and not be able to see things and
enjoy experiencing as much as I can.
(Getting to play and experience Panorama
in multiple categories would be nice
though...) I finished off the day with a
really nice lime with some Starlift
folks. (I ended up having a second
dinner, when the oildown that I had this
week was challenged...)
Anyway, my Maracas plans
were foiled by the rain, but I have hope
that this week will bring me some Bake
and Shark. Also, Tobago seems to be in
the works. I will keep everyone posted,
and as always let me know if there is
something you would like me to address.