Top 10 Trinidad Post-Carnival Questions

I have finally recovered from my 2012 Trinidad Carnival Post Carnival Stress Disorder. The symptoms included euphoria, joy and bliss but soreness in every muscle, foot pain, fuzzy brain from lack of sleep, and complete physical and mental exhaustion.

I had a great time at this year’s Trinidad Carnival! But here are my top 10 Carnival questions:

1.     What’s the best soca workout to get in shape for Trinidad Carnival?

2.     Is there a program to prepare the body and brain for sleep deprivation?

3.     Can I get enough sleep while in traffic to and from fetes?

4.     Will hot yoga prepare me for the hot weather?

5.     Why do my pictures never tell a thousand words?

6.     Is there really such a thing as fashionable and sensible footwear?

7.     When will I stop trying to get my money’s worth in alcohol at all inclusive fetes?

8.     Should I take a full 24 hours off during Carnival week with absolutely no activities?

9.     Can I pick Jouvert or Carnival Monday and not do both?

10.   Is it really necessary on Carnival Tuesday for a band to leave at 6:30 am and race to the Savannah?

In spite of these nagging questions I’m ready to do it again. The countdown for 2013 Trinidad Carnival begins!

We're Off to Trinidad Carnival!

At long last we will soon board our Caribbean Airlines plane for Port-of-Spain! Trinidad is only about 7 hours away and I can't wait! It’s cold enough in Toronto and there is enough snow on the ground that I’ll appreciate the hot weather in Trinidad 100% more.

It seems like I go through six stages of Trinidad Carnival:

1.      Recovering from Trinidad Carnival from Ash Wednesday to the following week.

2.      Preliminary planning for the next Trinidad Carnival until about June; I book my hotel during this period as soon as the hotel has opened its reservation.

3.      Beginning to get the Trinidad Carnival fever in July – October with the various band launches and finally booking my flight before the fares increase.

4.      Picking my band and section and beginning to envision my boots and other accessories in November - December.

5.      January to day of flight is a whirlwind of activity but the biggest part is deciding what fetes I want to go to and trying to get tickets (I wish this was easier).

6.      And then I’m finally in Trinidad for Carnival!

Caribbean Airlines claims that the party begins on board so I’m curious to experience whatever that is. Although, I should try to sleep on board since I won’t be getting much once I land!

My first day in Trinidad for Carnival is what I call Pick-Up Day. No, it’s not what you think! I’m picking up my Carnival costume and goody bag, picking up my Jouvert costume (well t-shirt) and picking up my various fete tickets. Hope all goes smoothly! Wish me luck!

Trinidad Carnival Protection

With 15 days to go before Carnival Monday and Tuesday, all the big decisions are made but there are still a few little, but important things to take care of. This is my list of what I use for protection.

Sunscreen
By now everyone is aware of sunscreen to protect yourself from the intense sun. But don’t do like me, take it but forget to use it. Buy a small bottle (of the highest protection you can get) that you can carry with you on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. In addition to Carnival Monday and Tuesday, you’ll need it for the beach, daytime fetes and towards the end of breakfast parties. If you’re with a group, not everyone has to have their own sunscreen, as you can share and it will be less for all to carry.

Baby Oil
If you’re playing jouvert, while you’re in the pharmacy purchasing your sunscreen, also pick up a small bottle of baby oil. Use the baby oil on your skin before you leave for jouvert and it will make it easier to remove the paint and mud later.

Scarf or Shower Cap
Jouvert poses another issue for the ladies with ‘hair enhancements’ especially the synthetic types. Cover your hair with a scarf and try to avoid getting the paint and mud on your head. Some women wear shower caps, but I can’t see myself anywhere outside the bathroom with a shower cap but the choice is yours.

Sandwich Bags
If you’re taking your camera to jouvert, unless you have a waterproof case, use a Ziploc sandwich bag. Use the bag to protect your cellphone as well. It’s also helpful to put a small amount of cash in a separate Ziploc bag.

Insoles
After about the third hour on the road, even the most comfortable shoes may begin to feel less comfortable, but insoles will help. I love Dr. Scholl’s massaging gel insoles.

Safety Pins
Take safety pins with you on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, in case you have a wardrobe malfunction. It's no fun being Janet Jackson in Trinidad Carnival!

Body Glide
My final Carnival protection tip is Body Glide. I highly recommend using this to prevent blisters and chaffing (you know where). It’s packaged like deodorant so it’s easy to rub it on your skin. No need to reapply, you will be protected for the entire day. I found mine at the Running Room and you can get it at most speciality sports store. You’ll thank me later!