Carnival

Today, February 12th, is known as Shrove Tuesday, in the Christian world, the day before Lent begins. In Europe it is also known as Faschnaut Day (or Donut Day). In New Orleans it is Mardi Gras where the krewes parade. Hopefully, you have been fortified with a breakfast of sugar coated beignets. Further south, the Cariocas in Rio are parading their samba bands. It is Carnival! Some years ago I was in Port of Spain, Trinidad at this time of year. The Hilton Hotel was built on the side of a mountain so after entering the lobby you took the elevator DOWN to your room. They called it the Upside Down Hilton. After checking out on a Saturday I went to the airport to catch a flight home. The PANAM agent said "It's too bad you are leaving as tomorrow the steel bands are rehearsing in the savanna park. If you could stay over we could put you up in the PANAM guest house." And so it was. The Esso steel band and a dozen others were competing in the noonday sun with the aroma of rum in the air. It was quite a spectacle. Their music is infectious - akin to Lionel Hampton on the vibes but at a higher pitch. PANAM was another great U.S. Flag carrier no longer on the scene. So, let the Lenten season begin and work off all those donuts.
tjs
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