I took my digital camera to carnaval. Yes, I did. And no, it was not stolen, I am currently using it to upload alll the pictures I took last night on to this computer, and then I will promptly put them up on this website, have no fear. So last night, we did a camarote, which is basically a VIP room to watch the parade (trios electricos and blocos following them... trios electricos are big trucks, see pictures, and the blocos are these big areas that surround the trucks full of people.) from above. The one we went to was right on the ocean... with a great view of the lighthouse and the sea. It was fantastic!!! The place was huge! Marble floors and two balconies, with a beauty salon inside and 3 bars... It was seriously like being a VIP at a big party. There were people walking around carrying drinks all over. Then there were the buffet tables with loads of food, sandwiches, quiche, thai chicken, these cheese ball thingys, french bread, etc. It was all delicious and wonderful, and I ate so much. Or SOOOO MUCH because the food was SOOOO GOOOD. Apparently its become a big joke around the house because I'm always saying how something is SOOO GOOD or how the food was SOOO GOOOD. I am not enjoying the joke, but everyone else is, so it looks like I've got to stick with it for a while. Carnaval is like nothing else...There are people everywhere, all moving in the opposite direction as you are, and PDA is all over. Although last night on the way home, I saw a lot more homosexual male couples than I ever had here in Salvador. I think I saw more homosexual male couples than I did hetrosexual couples. The PDA is blind of sexuality though... everyone is making out, looking like they need to immediatley go to a more private area, or else star in their own voyeristic porno. On the street, guys just grab girls and try and kiss them. Kelly and I have gotten a lot of people grabbing our hands and then kissing them, or trying to kiss us. We just grab the other one and walk really quickly in the other direction. It seems to work! I had a great time though, and I would do it again if I had the money... the camarote that is. I will do pipoca (popcorn... the crowd that just walks around) on Tuesday because Gilberto Gil and Fatboy Slim are playing! I am going to hang out at their blocos for a little while.
I won't tell you all the artists that I saw last night, because you'll see pictures, and because you probably wouldn't know them anyway. Ok, more later. Don't worry, I'm safe, and I'm having a great time!