(J'ouvert pics are at the end)
MIAMI CARNIVAL WEEKEND WAS A BLAST!
First of all before I get into the weekend, I just want to make noteworthy that I felt like the whole New York state was there for the weekend. But to get more in depth, my older sister and I flew in fromt the east coast where we both met up with my cousin at the airport on Saturday. We should have been there from Friday but unfortunately we couldn't miss school. It was a busy day. We had to pick up our costumes, visit people, pick up pre-sold tickets for Blink which was a big event happening that night at Karu & Y in Miami. All the while we were enjoying ourselves. It was a beautiful day, and soon it would be time to partyyyyy. My sister, my girl B, my cousins and their friends all rolled out to Karu & Y. Ding Dong and Spragga Benz amongst others were in attendance.
We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental. It was located on the prestigious Brickell Key, an island in Miami. It was my first time there and it was so beautiful! Since carnival was the next day, we figured it would be smarter to stay in a hotel rather than drive all the way back to Fort Lauderdale, and what a smart idea that was. We didn't leave Karu & Y until about 6am. For those of us who were participating in Carnival, we had to be up and ready by 9am! #fail. We were late because people didn't want to get up *cough cough Deney & Nasheema* but we eventually made it! We met up with more of our friends when we got to the march.
The band that all of us played for is called Generation X (different costumes, but same band). Out of like a kajillion bands, we ended up taking home the award for 'Band of D Year" and "Best Costumes"! Out of all the carnivals I have participated in thus far, this has been the best COMPETITION I've done (not best carnival, that goes to Jamaica's), but still lots of fun. Soon after, carnival was done and we all went back to the hotel to knock out and catch up on sleep that we were missing terribly. Sooner than later, Columbus Day (Monday) came and it was time to chill -- South Beach style. I must say, it was quite an experience to watch gorgeous women shop in bikinis and heels -- only Miami! I'm in love, and now I know what to wear for Memorial Weekend lol! Aside from that, the food was great, the crazy waiters who poured shots in our mouths were awesome, and the margaritas and daiquiris were sneaky and conniving. We had a great time.
Miami J'ouvert was held in September. I flew down there for my little cousin's Sweet 16 and J'ouvert happened to be the same weekend. Even though it was inside unlike other j'ouverts, it was still fun.
I really enjoyed myself and the company of friends and family through it all. Hopefully Miami Carnival will see me again next year! Besos. <3
