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by Edouard SaintAude

March 3, 2004

Trinis and their superb Mas conquered the hearts of the 2004 Expedition.

At the beginning, the Expedition, comprised of only eight members this year, had mixed feelings going to carnival in Port of Spain, Trinidad, West indies. These feelings were mainly based on fears that the Expedition would never have as much fun as it did in Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Indeed, carnivals in these two countries are very different in nature but both spectacular to the highest point. From Salvador where one can experience and be part of the biggest block party in the world and from Rio were one can experience the most extravagant show on Earth.

Brazil raised the Expedition' expectations to the highest possible level.

First, the Expedition observed that Trinis may not have been as friendly as Brazilians during the preparation of the carnival.

Second, Trinis drive on the left side of the road which was very confusing (and sometimes life-threatening) to the Expedition.

Third, Carnival in Trinidad lasts only two days. In Bahia, it is a full five-day event; or even seven, if one counts Thursday and Ash Wednesday when most bands have carnaval for the unfortunate who can not afford spending top money for the blocos.

As the days went by, the Expedition started enjoying wonderful things that Trinidad, a prosperous and exquisite Island, had to offer: scenic views of the green mountains, wonderful sunset, beautiful weather, warm blue waters, evening free of mosquitoes, and delicious local foods. Eating at "Veni Mange" restaurant is a culinary delight.

Some members of the Expediton were addicted to "Bake and Shark", a local fish sandwich, and to the Hindhu-Trini cuisine, especially to the famous roti.

Suddenly, two days before Mas (for masquerade; a parade revelers in the streets of Port of Spain), the Expedition started experiencing a lot of fun.

Saturday night?s Insomnia was unforgettable. The party started at midnight and ended at 10:00 a.m. Sunday night party, at Brian Lara?s( a famous Trinidadian Cricket player), was the ultimate fun-launcher. Friendly faces and smiles showed up from everywhere.

Monday morning, Mas begun. The Expedition joined Babarossa. The parade was on. For hours, in the streets of Port-of-Spain, the Expedition jumped-jumped and wined-wined to the beat of Traffic, a well-known commodity of the Trini music market.

Dancing with the Trinis was a treat that some members thought may have surpassed the famous Brazilian friendliness. The nostalgia of Bahia was gone.

Tuesday was the final day for Mas, a day of enchantment to the hungry eyes. The many groups such as Babarossa, Poison (the most popular and populated with 17,000 mas players), Legends, Harts, and many more were competing for first place.

There were five judging points along the circuit, from downtown to Saint James.

The Expedition geared up as Spartan soldiers and joined Babarossa.

Proud and handsome soldiers! Spartan colorful red and gold gears were part of many colorful sections fused in harmony in Babarossa.

Again, the members wine-wined and jump-jumped with Trinis and non-Trinis until the band reached its resting station.

History will record that not every Expedition member could make it to the end. Some were vanquished by the tenacity and high energy of the endless wine-wine and jump-jump aerobics moves.

Although, the average age of the 2004 Dream Team was only 26, old age nevertheless seemed to set in....

The final Mas was so exhilarating that most members want to go back in year 2006. Next year, the Expedition will go back to Brazil.

One thing is sure though, the Expedition will wine-wine and jump-jump with the Trinis in many years to come.

Please, visit http://www.jeanlouie.com/

Edouard SaintAude

New Mexico

March 3, 2004