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Amazing... the only thing more beautiful then the island is the women and their costumes. And dread.... they wear those costumes well! I think that the idea of a nice sized band (not big, certianly not small) with tonnes of energy and vibes is HERE.

The experience that I hoped to get from BLISS Trinidad 2011 was actually here in Grand Cayman Island. I was a little worried when told that it's a 3 hour carnival (3pm to 6pm) BUT... it's insane, and like any good carnival you will be left craving more... and you do get more... read on (or just watch the photos and lie to yourself about missing next year).
 
CROWD:
Excellent size. Enough bands to choose, all creeds and races, and fits and forms of costumes. Nobody's standing around here either... better come ready to wine and wuk up.

VENUE/ACCESSIBILITY:
American Carnivals such as DC, Miami and NY will never be able to offer the same vibes as the Caribbean. The sun, the breezes and a strip of Caribbean road along side the clear blue Cayman Caribbean sea is definitely the kind off road that I want to be on drinking beer and jamming down de road... ah love meh Caribbean islands, especially at Carnival.

VIBES:
I can't call it. Could be the booze, could be the music, could be the bikini and beads??? OR All of the Above. BUT whatever it is, the all bands were moving and swaying all day long. I guess when you have a set time to "Advantage" the road... you maximize your experience. I see nuff police man and woman, random parked cars and just casual onlookers get mash up from masqueraders... hard wine and ambush style.

FOOD & DRINKS:
All inclusive.. drinks everywhere! Trucks, carts and even valet delivery servers from rum runners in the band... if you cup was empty, that was your choice.

SERVICE:
4 words... Service with a Smile. From DJ, promoters, security, bartenders and flag bearers... everyone was out to please just as much as that bumsie in the pink and white... left, right, up, down and in a circle... I feel like everyone made it their civic duty to be a gracious host.

COST/VALUE:
Ahummm.... Trini Jungle Juice says...."That kind of fun is Priceless!"

Thanks to Singh's Roti Shop for feeding us, Al La Kebab for being open @ 2AM every night to feed us some more, Swanky International for bringing Kes the Band and Skinny Fabulous... and making jumping up on the road with Machel Montano and The Movie Stars (Hollywood Sachy and DJ Dane) a reality.

And the Batabano Committee for all the planning and organization. They really work hard to make this event everything that it is... something to experience and never miss! :-)

Dr. Ram Dass

Did we forget anything? Add your 2 cents below...

>> View Cayman Carnival Batabano Parade Part 1 Gallery
>> View Cayman Carnival Batabano Parade Part 2 Gallery
>> View Cayman Carnival Batabano Parade Part 3 Gallery
>> View Cayman Carnival Batabano 2011 Coverage