Are you in Haiti, or were you recently there for the latest round of unrest? What were your experiences, or what are you experiencing right now? If you are getting your information from the news, what do you think about what is going on?

While I agree with CoolP about the lack of private sector participation, the boycott by many bands and the tense situation in the country, I would not however say that the Kanaval was chaotic.

We did get stoped by chimeres, but it was an orderly search for weapons.

As for the Kanaval itself, it seemed like Spring Break in the US.  It was an extremely youthfull crowd mostly from the lower class neighborhoods  of the city.  Most folks did not drive down from Bourdon, Canape Vert, Delmas or Petion-Ville so there was ample parking space.  And of course no floats loaded with Arabs.  Only real Haitians; I loved it.

I had a great time dancing to Azor and Tokay's voodou rythms and watching young Haitians do these Afro-Haitian dance steps.  It was a friendly crowd; very little "gagann".

The top band was Brother's Posse with a massive crowd singing the refrain (yo di Don kato se chime..this is bull).  And of course Vwadezil's song was everywhere.

I am glad I made the trip and can't wait for next year.

kreyolbro@aol.com

Obviously Kreyolbro and I don't see eye to eye regarding Kanaval, and that's ok. When I say Kanaval was chaotic, I mean that the whole atmosphere of Kanaval was chaotic because of what was going on. Two people can go through the same experience and come out with different feelings. I do agree that the actual Kanaval (the parade, the crowd, etc..) was rather tame as compared to previous years, but everything that was going on took away from all of that.

But, for example, when the chimeres stopped us with guns drawn, both Kreyolbro and I were in the car. Kreyolbro had already gone through a similar experience on his way to Au Cayes, but I was scared out of my wits.

Also, kanaval wasn't too enjoyable for me since every day I was there, all I was worrying about was which route I was going to take to get back to my apartment that night. I admit that I did have fun, but the fun was in short bursts which ended quickly.

As far as being like Spring Break...what Spring Break you talkin' 'bout!? I've never been so tense, and never have I seen a dead body at any Spring Break I've ever been to.

But it's all good, because I'm just as crazy as you are and I'm sure we'll be chillin' together at Kanaval next year too!..you still my nucca!

LOL  ..LOL.. LOL  I agree it was tense at times, but those chimeres meant no harm, they were simply protecting their elected leader.   By Spring Break, I was referring to the very young crowd and yes I have seen dead teenagers in the streets of Boston.

Overall, I found it exciting, tense, and enjoyable.  It was a chance to see history (good or bad) in the making.  Kanaval was not as crowded; which was good and everyone had a good time. The crowd was very "kreyol" (the only type of Haitians I love and care for) with few diasporas, few tuilututurs, and no Arabs.  I really hope Sweet Mickey and others stay out again next year.

BTW:  I thought we were going to Rio next year......or is it 2006

Always your nucca

kreyolbro@aol.com

WHATS UP

It seems to me that coolp and kreyolbro have participated in two different carnivals. Kreyolbro is so blinded by his unconditional love for Aristide that he refuses to aknowledge his many flaws.

I've only experienced this type of fidelity and unconditional love between a dog and its master. I've rarely seen this type of unquestioned devotion from real human beings...

Haiti is starting anew, the devil is gone... it is now time to reconcile and rebuild

Choublak