IT'S CARNIVAL AGAIN!

Oh my, it's Carnival time again in St. Thomas. Cannot believe a year has passed since the last celebration. And, yes I'm missing it again. The only good thing I can say about that is ... I have enough memories of the ten years of Carnival I enjoyed to last me a life time.

The theme this year is: BACCHANAL AGAIN FOR 2010!

If you're comtemplating visiting the island during this fun time, peruse the Carnival Committee's website www.vicarnival.com to see upcoming events and which ones you might like to attend.

Also see some of my blogs on Carnival (linked on this page). Some of my favorites are:

"A J'ouvert Story"
"It's Carnival in St. Thomas: Five Fun, Exciting, Don't Miss Carnival Events".
"Rain Don't Stop the Carnival"
and ... oh, you get the idea.

If you find yourself in St. Thomas before Carnival ends on May 1, have a Rum Punch for me!

Haitians Still Amazingly Calm Despite Unimaginable Circumstances

You would practically have to live on another planet not to know about Haiti's horrific tragedy this past Tuesday. A 7.0 earthquake that has resulted in a tragedy of epic proportions.

Sadly, living on an island seems to magnify everything; both good and bad events, circumstances, situations. I guess it's because islands are compressed, compact societies where it is often impossible to remove yourself in the event things get antzy. Everything is absolutely up close and personal, and you can't always get away from it even when you want to.

You can't just fill up the tank, catch a Greyhound, or even put on your walking shoes and leave everything behind. No, it takes forethought, planning and most important ... possibility. In short, in certain circumstances, you might just find yourself STUCK in place. Certain circumstances like disasters such as hurricanes and yes, earthquakes.

My heart goes out to the people of Haiti. How well I can relate to those (even the able-bodied), who are helpless in the present situation. I am a survivor of Hurricane Marilyn that hit the Virgin Islands in '95. To be completely dependent on the goodwill of others for your well-being is to say the least, frightening.

For instance, I can't imagine being in the tropics for several days without water. Even if uninjured, how do you exist in 90 degree heat without water for that period of time? I couldn't. And, the media is now making an issue about some of the people becoming violent. Who wouldn't? They don't have access to communications and have no idea when and where help is coming from.

The plight of these helpless people is heart-wrenching.

Right now, the only thing most of us can do to help them is to contribute money and to pray. Let's all do lots of both.

Hurricane Bill Was Good to the Virgin Islands

How marvelous that Hurricane Bill moved away from St. Thomas. The islands missed the trauma that a hurricane ... even a small one ... can bring. Bill is preparing to move up the east coast of the US mainland, probably as a bad storm.

Now, there's only a couple more months of hurricane season. September is usually the most active month of all, however I'm optimistic.

Let's all say NO MORE HURRICANES FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS!!!

The Bush Tea Calypso

We talked previously about Calypso music and how there are different kinds, and most of it, except for Soca, which is primarily dance music, focuses on the story told in the song.

A while back, I ran across the old sketch below with a Calypso about Bush Tea, which is definitely an important part of the islands' culture. Bush Tea is derived from, yes BUSHES! Bushes that grow wild all over the islands, but particularly of course, in the more wooded areas. I have however, seen people picking bushes from the side of the road. Of course, you really have to know what you're doing, for example the difference between Lemon Grass and regular grass.

During Carnival, at certain times there are restaurants serving free Bush Tea.

There are said to be approximately 400 varieties of Bush Tea, but what makes it special is that most are considered medicinal. As a matter of fact, some years back there was an elderly gentleman on a local television talk show who was supposed to have more knowledge about the teas than anyone still living, and I believe he said he knew hundreds of varieties; and what medicinal purpose each should be used for ... whether preventative or curative.

What was interesting was that this man refused to teach anyone what he knew, including his son, who he said wasn't really interested. Unfortunately, that meant his knowledge would leave the earth with him. I hope someone broke down his resolve and got the information before it was too late. In any case, even if no one did, today there are people who have extensive knowledge of Bush Teas.

Here is the Calypso:

She had her dress tied up over her waist

And was wriggling down the street

She had on a pair of old slaps on her feet

Just then she started to name the different weeds

And I really was more than glad

Although I can't remember all

that she called

These are a few she had:

She had pap bush, elder bush,

black pepper bush

Then soldier, corporal and carpadulla

Fabian leaf, money bush, soldier posely

Pumpkin blossom and even devil doer.

Demon Congo, grass in galore

Physic nut, and lily root

In fact the only bush she didn't have

Was the bush for everyday soup.

Author Anonymous

Is it possible to purchase Bush Tea outside of the Virgin Islands? You bet. Check out: http://www.vibushtea.com

Parade Day in St. Thomas

It's Adult Parade day and the last official day of Carnival. Remember, this is the event that can last 9-10 hours. But, that's what makes it so much fun.

The parade also marks the end of Carnival. Oh, there'll be another couple of activities, like the fireworks display, this year dedicated to President Barack Obama, but for the most part, when the parade is over, carnival is over for another year.

The images of carnival:

Happy Carnival!

Carnival Village and Calypso Competition at St. Thomas Carnival

Okay, it's the last crazy, frenzied week of Carnival, and it's pretty much none stop at this point. It's just party! Party! Party! And fun! Fun! Fun! Some of the events going on now, or coming up soon are:

CARNIVAL VILLAGE
The Village opened yesterday amid the usual fanfare. This is where everyone hangs out between events the last week of the festival. It's open almost 24 hours a day, and is the main meet-and-greet venue of the carnival experience. Everyone walks around greeting friends, digging and dancing to the music, eating, and yes, drinking.

The Village is named each year in honor of various citizens who have made serious contributions to carnival over the years. This year it's called: "Chummy's Culinary Kitchen".

The Village is built in a parking lot and is designed in a square comprised of about 20 booths that are individually decorated and named by their owners. It is all very colorful and actually, quite historical. A winner is chosen each year based on the design.

A stage is built in the center of the Village, and the best local bands, and many visiting bands play there each evening until the wee hours of the morning. People dance on the ground around the stage.

Preparing Pates

The most important function of the Village though, is the food cooked and served at each booth. This is another place to get those traditional Virgin Islands dishes that just aren't that available throughout the year. Beverages like Maube, Soursop, Guavaberry and many others are highly anticipated. And, dishes like Kallaloo (a soup), Conch (a shell fish), crab and rice, Johnny Cakes, Pates and so much more are eagerly sought.

The village is where you go to see and be seen; it's where everyone comes to mix and mingle and get their CARNIVAL ON.


LOCAL CALYPSO COMPETITION
This is when local Calypsonians compete against each other for the title of King of Carnival. It's something that's taken very seriously, as carrying the title of "king" can affect your income pretty much the way an Academy Award does; as well, it raises your prestige all over the Caribbean and everywhere calypso music is played and understood.

King Kan for Plenty dressed as a woman during Calypso Tent performance

In the weeks leading up to the competition, Calypso Tents are held around the island. In the tents local Calypsonians reveal their new songs for the carnival season. Only those considered the best will continue on to the finals at Lionel Roberts stadium the last week of carnival. These guys pull out all the stops in terms of costumes, props, back-up performers, etc.

Remember, the songs are satirical, funny, and/or ribald; and usually tell stories based on local gossip, political foibles, and achievements during the past year. This is where the audience really connects with the performers.

Calypso competition is one of the most important carnival events, primarily because it's really all about music.

Next time J'ouvert.

St. Thomas Carnival: A Personal Perspective

It is difficult to explain my first carnival as a newcomer to the Virgin Islands. I found it so exciting ... because I had never experienced anything similar. It was all new to me, and I drank it in like an intoxicating drink. Ten years later, I was still as enchanted as that first year.

I admit I was like a child with eyes as big as saucers; wanting to experience every bit of fun and wonder, but at the same time wanting to understand the history behind all I witnessed. I couldn't then, and still can't believe how interesting it is from a historical perspective; which made me feel something like an anthropologist, fastidiously digging for treasure.

The Caribbean carnival celebration that many credit with beginning in Trinidad, according to a number of scholars, actually has its roots in Africa. It made the transition across the ocean, and began first in Trinidad before spreading to other Caribbean islands, landing eventually in the Virgin Islands.

One of the adjustments I had to make as a new islander was the size of everything. My first carnival event at Lionel Roberts stadium, for instance was an eye-opener. I knew better than to expect anything even resembling say, Soldier Field in Chicago, but still I was surprised at the small size of the stadium.

Amazingly though, even that worked for me. There was more camaraderie and more closeness among both friends and strangers ... and believe me, that's a wonderful factor during some of the events when the crowd actually participate with the performers, as in call-and-response when the Calypsonians are singing (we'll get to that later).

Oh, amazing carnival. I can still close my eyes and and get a clear image of me at the stadium heading up into the stands for an evening of fun, ready to whoop and holler at the hilarious, the intriguing, and yes, the bawdy ... with my fried chicken leg in one hand, and my Red Stripe in the other.

"Rain Don't Stop the Carnival!"

Carnival is the most exciting event on the annual Virgin Islands calendar. It starts slowly with the different pageants like, Queen Selection, and events like Junior Calypso competition and Cultural Night, but excitement builds as it moves toward the end.

And finally it's the last week and BAM! The last 7-10 days are positively insane: sleep is simply not a priority; employers are threatening employees about showing up for work; shop owners in town are making plans to shut down on certain days (some close the entire last week of the festival); stores are running out of cut-off jeans, and shorts; beauty shops are open longer hours ... it's just crazy! Good crazy.

But, before we get into what happens during Carnival, I should discuss how all this wonderful craziness began ... so let's go all the way back. The very first Virgin Islands Carnival took place in 1912. The next one took place in 1914 and unfortunately, there was a 40-year hiatus before another Carnival celebration happened in 1952. Then, it was ON! Carnival hasn't stopped since.

Because of the weather, the 1952 celebration was a real challenge. There was a deluge of rain. All the bands, the grand Marshall, the troupes were ready ... but the rain wouldn't stop. Neither would the Duke of Iron.

Trinidad Calypsonian (calypso singer), The Duke of Iron composed a song on the spot, "Rain Don't Stop the Carnival" and while singing with the accompaniment of some of the musicians, led the Gypsy troupe, the bands and everyone else down the road ... in a drenching downpour, setting the stage for future generations.

Despite the rain, Carnival was a huge success that year, and every year since it just keeps getting bigger and better.

It's CARNIVAL Baby!! Carnival Time in St. Thomas!

It's the most anticipated ... most exhilerating ... most exciting event on the Virgin Islands calendar. We're talking CARNIVAL baby! And it's fast approaching.

The fabulous costumes! Fantastic music! Delicious food! Intriguing contests! It's a Carnival Baccanal!

The three islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John celebrate Carnival at different times of the year. For St. Thomas, the largest Carnival of the three, the dates this year are: April 12-May 02.

If you're wondering why Carnival runs for such a long period, it's because there's so much that goes on, it takes that long to stuff it all in. There are parades, tramps (more on that later), singing contests, pageants, fairs, parties, and oh, so much more.

According to a 2003 survey conducted by USA Today, St. Thomas' Carnival is in the Top Ten of Carnivals in the world. Each year the number of visitors, and non-Virgin Islands participants increases.

Carnival in the Virgin Islands is not only a fun event, but is considered seriously historical and cultural. It is fascinating to look at some of these events from the inside out.

In the coming weeks, we'll visit some of the many Carnival events that make the celebration so special:

Carnival Queen-King-Prince & Princess Contests

Cultural Fair

J'ouvert (pronounced Jou-vey)

Calypso Tents

Calypso Revue

Children & Adult Parades ...

and more.

I hope you'll join me as we celebrate St. Thomas Carnival.

A Little Virgin Islands History

The Virgin Islands is located at the head of the arc of the chain of islands stretching northward from Trinidad. These islands are known as the Lesser Antilles. They stand on the threshold of the group of larger islands continuing westward that is known as the Greater Antilles.

The Virgin Islands were created for the most part by a great volcanic explosion, and as a result has a rocky, hilly, mountainous terrain. It is amazing that the island of St. Thomas is only 32 square miles and St. John is approximately 19 square miles. The hills and mountains give the islands an appearance of being much larger.

Archaeological discoveries place human inhabitants on the islands as early as 710 BC. The Tanio, Arawak and the Carib (the tribe of Indians from whom the Caribbean takes its name), were some of these early inhabitants and survived by hunting, fishing and practicing agriculture.

MAPes MONDe Collection

The Virgin Islands received its name from Christopher Columbus. When he landed in the Lesser Antilles in 1493, Columbus named the seemingly countless unspoiled islands, cays, and islets, The Virgin islands, after the legendary Ursula and her 11,000 virgin followers.

By 1671, after periods of squabbling and brief occupations by Holland, France, England, Denmark, Knights of Malta, Spain and the Dutch, Denmark emerged victorious and the ruler of St. Thomas. It wasn't long before the expansion minded Danes had also added St. John and St. Croix to their holdings, which effectively united the three major islands.

The Danes ruled the Virgin Islands through a series of Danish governors until 1925 when the islands were sold to America for $25,000,000.

Today, the Danish influence is still evident in its wonderful architecture, and in the names of the streets in Charlotte Amalie, which is the Capital of the Virgin Islands.

Charlotte Amalie, by the way is named after a Danish queen.

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The Glory & Grandeur of Yachting Season in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

One of the most anticipated times of the year in the Caribbean is yachting season, and St. Thomas Virgin Islands is no exception. Every winter yachts of every size, beauty, grandeur and expense descend on the islands in large numbers.

They come from all over the world, some staying for several months, others staying for shorter periods; and yes, some bringing well-known celebrities. Some of the yachts are rented, or leased, but most are privately owned. They make quite an impression on many aspects of island life, not the least of which is the economy.


The yachts dock at any of a number of marinas, like Yacht Haven Grand, St. Thomas Yacht Club, American Yacht Harbor, and others; however all the yachts pictured below are docked at Charlotte Amalie Harbor in St. Thomas. During season these lovelies lined up like huge, magnificent toys, and are only separated from the picturesque shops and boutiques of Charlotte Amalie by the harbor sidewalk and Waterfront, a 4-lane thoroughfare.



The harbor, a natural deep water harbor is one of the deepest in the world, and at one time was the busiest shipping and distribution center in the Caribbean. In those long ago days, import houses and warehouses belonging to English, French, German, American, Spanish and Italian traders thrived. Today the historic old buildings housing the fashionable boutiques and salons were once those warehouses.

Of course during those times, pirates like Blackbeard were also frequent visitors to the island. That is, until it became apparent that their presence restricted trade (for obvious reasons). A Virgin Islands governor responsible for allowing pirates access for financial gain was severely punished by the Crown in Denmark ... but that's another story.

Today, Charlotte Amalie harbor is still a bustling center of activity as yachts, cruise ships, departing/arriving seaplanes, tour boats like the Kon Tiki party boat (yes, the one that just sits the bottles of rum and fruit punch on the bar and it's every man and women for themselves), as well as small boaters provide plenty of traffic.

One of the activities that keeps St. Thomas a hot spot for yachting takes place each Spring. The International Rolex Regatta, held this year between March 27-29, 2009 has been around since 1974, and is an island tradition.

Commodore Newbold, of St. Thomas Yacht Club stated recently ... "Over three days, the finest yachtsmen and yachtswomen from around the Caribbean, the United States and Europe join in world-class racing in a spectacular environment, which includes the warm, clear waters surrounding our club. It is an adventurous way to get a jump on their summer sailing season."

The beautiful, classy yachts definitely add a pleasant ambiance to the island scene. It is a joy on an early morning walk to pass them so close on the sidewalk that you can greet and chat with crew busily swabbing the decks and attending to other chores.

But what I find really intriguing is while shopping, dining or walking on Waterfront ... to casually observe an early morning breakfast, a romantic sunset dinner, or maybe a cocktail party on the deck of one of these vessels. I'm telling you, it's the stuff of movies.

The Settler's Handbook: A Guide to Virgin Islands Relocation

Numerous people have asked what information resources I used to successfully relocate to the Virgin Islands.

I used everything (almost), at my disposal: newspapers, the Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce, The VI Tourism Department, contacts ... and anything else I could think of to get information about the islands.

I said "almost" because what I didn't use was "The Settler's Handbook, U.S. Virgin Islands". Although I did just fine without the book, the process would have been much simpler with it. The Handbook is a publication designed to assist people in relocating to, or starting businesses in the USVI, and has been around off-and-on for approximately 25 years.

When I made my move the handbook was unfortunately, out of print (had been for years). The book was revised around 2002 and is now periodically updated. For anyone considering such a move, the Settler's Handbook is an incredibly valuable resource.

Some of the book's highlights includes:

• Chapters on each island: St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John


• Information on the history and culture of the islands


• How to move personal items such as, cars, furniture


• How to register your vehicle


• How to dress for the tropical climate


• A list of schools, churches, civic organizations


• Information on community life, entertainment, holidays ... and so much more.

More information on The Settler's Handbook, U.S. Virgin Islands is available at:

http://www.visettlershandbook.com/ and http://www.amazon.com