East Coast Irish Castles & Countrysides

Blackrock Castle Observatory, Cork

Wicklow Mountains, outside of Dublin

Blarney Castle, Cork

St. Maarten Carnival 2018

The Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) was thrown to bits last hurricane season. (Its modern design was supposed to withstand heavy winds; claiming to be the hurricane-ready port.) The fact that no person/organization took responsibility for it after the storm allowed for a mold explosion. Now, a line of tents makes up our departures, arrivals, and immigrations. 

But something I found out recently, the most heartbreaking part was the lost opportunity for many women who wanted to work at the airport. Not because it has a good reputation or the quality of work/pay is decent. It is a desirable place to work because SXM sponsors troupe outfits for Carnival season. Long story short, women are literally basing their careers off of this festival. 

Costumes (or lack their of) can cost upwards of $2,000. Which on an island pay is not an easy bill. The fact that SXM will sponsor you during the biggest event of the year, is worthy of an application. (But the competition is tough.)

Some women were more prepared than others. This parade lasts for four hours, in the Caribbean heat, and for some... in heels. The music is loud (a little heavy on the bass) and constant. Tractor trailers inch along between troupes to offer a few minutes break and a rum punch.

The amount of booty popping was unbelievable. And I'm a fan of it, but after so much of the same, I would have loved to see another style of dance. (I think the DJs found an algorithm to enhance the amount/pace of booty pops.) I was impressed at how long these women could go– keeping smiles on their faces most of the way. 

These women are about 50% more covered than most. There had to be around 800 dancers coming down the street (it felt like it was never ending). Even the men were bedazzled and made-up. I suppose everyone was up at 6 am preparing for the parade. Some had airbrushed abs and Avatar designs all over their bodies. Others had little jewels glued to their private parts as a costume. Which for me is pushing it, but I do admire their effort and ease to which they can go so confidently showing every curve. If only for one weekend in the year, go big or go home.