Posts Tagged With: Dancing

Friday Fitness week #7 – Superfoods and Super Moves!

Posted on May 3, 2019 by erikamae82

Superfood – a nutrient dense food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.

These power punches are rich in compounds such as antioxidants, fiber or fatty acids that increase energy and vitality. Many have been labeled with the ability to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure with the consideration of fighting cancer and other diseases. Wow. Really think about that. Fights cancer and other diseases! We hear that all the time but do you believe it?

Imagine a world full of colorful edibles verses white pills or chemical therapy? The poor pharmaceutical companies (to be said with sarcasm) would go out of business if the symptoms they’re paid to mask are taking care of by clean eating, proper hydration and Superfoods.

I could write several posts on that topic, but I’ll keep it light by inviting you to include more miracle foods in your diet. It’s easier than you think!

List of the 2019 top ranking Superfoods!

Water (It’s my # 1!)

Papaya, Pineapple, Mango

Apples, Kiwi, Grapefruit, Oranges

Black Raspberries, Blueberries, Pomegranate seeds

Broccoli, Carrots, Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato

Spinach, Arugula, Kale

Seaweed, Wheatgrass

Garlic, Onion

Ginger

Avocado

Brazil Nuts, Walnuts, Almond milk

Hemp seed

Coconut oil

Brazil Nuts, Walnuts, Almond milk

Hemp seed

Dried Mulberries, Goji Berries

Peppermint, Parsley, Cilantro

Tumeric

Green Tea

Honey

Tart Cherry Juice

Spirulina

Dark Chocolate

Salmon

Sauerkraut

Lentils, Oatmeal, Buckwheat Pasta

Fish oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Yogurt

To get the most benefit of your superfood, combine at least 2 per meal and enjoy daily!

Musíca!

My challenge this week is so much fun! If it be 2-step, hip hop, ballet or just good ol’ clubbin…. turn on some tunes and move!

Dancing does so much for the mind, body and soul! From elevating the heart rate to releasing endorphins that send happy little vibrations throughout our body that say, “Be happy and thrive!”

Many sports and workouts require training for strength and proper technique before fully engaging in the activity. Dancing? Nah. It doesn’t matter if you’re the next contestant on So You Think You Can Dance or the main character in the next clip on America’s Funniest Home Videos, you can still do it… so do it!

I’ve been so fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to dance around the world. Only naming a few would start with nights clubs in Amsterdam, Costa Rica, California, and El Salvador to live shows in Germany, Trinidad and on a boat in Barbados! I was even lucky enough to jam out at a Alicia Keys concert in Japan and at the Foo Fighters in Argentina!

Have more time to read? Interested in info on other nutrition and workout suggestions? There’s 8 weeks of ideas by clicking here or scanning through the right column of this page to find other Fitness Friday posts!

Categories: Edibles!, Fitness, Fitness Friday’s!, Uncategorized | Tags: concerts, Dance, Dancing, fitness, food, Music, Superfoods | Leave a comment

Cropover! My 6th, his 1st… not our last.

Posted on October 9, 2018 by erikamae82

2017 was my 6th Cropover in a row. For those of you that didn’t indulge in those fun posts, I invite you to take a peek back and check out previous Kadooment posts! Last year Matt and I chose a few of the events to celebrate and went for it!

Foreday morning Jam! Mud, paint, powder, people and drinks. That about sums up the few miles we parade through the back streets of Barbados. Music trucks lead the way followed by mobile bars serving any beverage you’d like. Gallons of paint get thrown throughout the crowd with powder being launched into the air. The mud? Barrels (dubbed for mud baths later on after 6 too many rum punches) are towed behind trucks so participants can dig in and sling handfuls over their friends. This midnight celebration is nothing to miss out on!

The annual boat cruise that I’m honored to attend each year (limited guests with a waiting list) has got to be my favorite event of this entire week. Personally I think that’s made clear by the photos I walk away with each year! Click here to see one of the most highlighted cruises from the past!

This year, Matt was able to be my hot date and got to witness the shinaniguns of the M.C.Buccaneer!

There’s really no need for an excuse, however if I needed a reason for a shot from Daniel, it would fall in the hands of tradition. Every year past, he’s found me to fulfill our annual greeting!

The first collage is a combination of years past followed by a phot of the most recent. Kadooment marks the finale of the crops being over and introduces the grand parade that everyone has been preparing for. Elaborate costumes and skin jewel designs barely cover the bodies of the ones walking the street. If you haven’t read any of the past posts on this event at least take a look at Kadooment 2012, as it describes the history and present culture of it all. Here is a visual gift of the previous 5 years of Kadooment:

Last year I decided to get a little quirky and hand make a tutu to enhance my costume. A few more bedazzles and some added fabric made it all complete!

Matt had no problem sharing his office with glitter, jewels, fabric and glue until I completed my project… Well, he had no complaint until his confession of finding glitter in manly places that sparkles don’t belong.

Finally the day had arrived! 4am and a couple thousand friends means we’re on our way!

Pictures may say 1000 words, but videos share a million memories! Here’s the video created by Matt Stone (my amazing husband) of Stone Sharp Images.

Video of Kadooment 2017!

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: Barbados, Boats, Carnival, Costume, Cropover, Cruise, Dancing, Festival, foreday morning, glitter, J'ouvert, Kadooment, mud and paint | Leave a comment

Pumpkins and parties!

Posted on November 12, 2016 by erikamae82

Halloween. The dictionary says it’s the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows’ Day on 1 November and All Souls’ Day on 2 November, thus giving the holiday on 31 October the full name of All Hallows’ Eve. To most of us, it’s a family friendly holiday full of costumes, candy and spooky decorations. To others it’s the perfect excuse for adult parties in which grown-ups act out of character (or fully in) as they strut around in costume.

Since I’ve been on the road, my Halloween celebrations have ranged from completely non existent like in donating blood at the Angkor Children’s Hospital in Cambodia to the skull and bones of the Oakland Raiders game. Last year I decided to sport the 80’s while painting up my buddy Hayden before a night out in the capital city of Sacramento, California.

Best costumes of my backpacking journey most definitely go to the Sevens Tournament in New Zealand!

Halloween 2016 took me covered in pumpkin guts to pool side costume parties. Let’s begin!

First up, let me reintroduce you to Cole, creator and director of Enlightened Studios. You may recognize him from the post Music for the soul and friends for the spirit. All of us feeling like children, we gathered some pumpkins and snacks before clearing an area for the mess to unfold. Picking your pumpkin and design seems like it should be an easy task, but I feel like most of our time (meaning my moms) was spent on this process.

Luckily there’s extra thinking time as you hollow out each canvas. Sensitive to slimy seedy textures? This wouldn’t be a task for you then.

Pumpkins picked, scraped and cleaned… check! Now comes the carving tools to bring your ideas to life. Warning, these “carving knives” may appear stronger than they really are.

While waiting for everyone (mom) to finish, I lightly covered our seeds in coconut oil and a dash of sea salt for some home roasted treats, delicious! Cole went above and beyond and even painted his ninja turtle pumpkin green! I dig it.

After hours of snacks, pumpkin guts and laughing to tears we felt accomplished with our creations. Mom did the peace sign that sits to the left of Coles Ninja turtle and I went with the Om symbol.

Next up, dress up! I was lucky enough to be invited to a few separate parties to get good use of my costume. Fun fact, I owned most of my attire all ready, just added a few tattoos, gems and bedazzled jewels.

The first gathering was a bundle of live music! With a gypsy sister (mom) as my hot date, we enjoyed our evening at the 30a singer and songwriter cafe. We were graced with the presence of Cole (Ace Ventura) from our pumpkin carving night and my angel of a friend Erica!

The following night was a larger party located in the same spot from the post Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach.

My hot date for this evening? Enter Matt, remember him from Light attracts light? With a last minute decision, I through my same costume on and put a dash of eyeliner on him. A face tattoo and jacket created as close to a rocker as we could get him before we headed off!

A glossy swimming pool and clear sky made for the perfect outdoor party. Care to dance? A popular DJ played all night! Thirsty? Easy accessible bars surrounded the venue. Notice the photos projected on the wall? They were taken throughout the night and exposed for all to see, over and over… and over again. Photo from above curtesy of alysbeach.com, check it out for more events!

Our friends arrived as Cruella Deville and a Dalmatian, classic. Amongst others was a variety of characters from movies, politics and of course your traditional zombies, princesses, ghosts and the wizard of oz crew.
That concludes my better late than never Halloween post. Next up, the great outdoors! Till then, just keep smiling…

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Uncategorized | Tags: 30a singer songwriter, Alys Beach, Costume, Dancing, Florida, gypsy, halloween, Panama city beach, party, pumpkins | Leave a comment

Next time I’m bringing a pirates hat

Posted on August 17, 2014 by erikamae82

The day before kadooment, there’s an annual cruise with limited guests having unlimited fun. I’m honored to have been a part of this celebration for three years know and plan to keep it in the running!

M.C. Buccaneer Cruise 2012

M.C. Buccaneer cruise 2013

Let the fun begin now in 2014. Many familiar faces and a few new ones make this day exactly what the island ordered.

We snuck on before the crowd gathered. It looks so innocent, right?

Once the guests gathered, we departed on the crystal clear waters. It takes no time for the hosts to bust out the snacks. By “snacks”, I mean vodka soaked fruit and coffee flavored tequila with whipped cream and sprinkles.

No, that’s not my usual seaweed snack… It’s the greens of a scrumptious strawberry.

Keep in mind, although we’re cruising the smooth waters of Barbados, we’re still on a boat. With your eyes open and hands ready to grip the nearest stable surface at any given moment… take a walk (or wave induced stumble) with me!

Notice the hands bracing themselves on the pole? We’ll pretend that’s not in preparation for the dainty dance that involves the Soca encouraged hip thrusting.

Looks like a singles cruise? Not hardly! Most of these happy-go-dancing are couples or married, some with several children! Maybe there’s something to be said about the young at heart. Either way… Single, married, young, experienced… The vibes are just connected, all the way around. Well done my Bajan friends… Well done!

A pit stop means it’s time to eat! Fish or pork cutters with a few crackers and dip is served to fill the belly of any person willing to stop dancing long enough to inhale a bite.

If you’re not eating or dancing, more than likely you’ll be found enjoying the water that only seems to be found on postcards.

My dearest Ryan likes to do it all, so I thought I’d help out this year and simply toss him the food from above. Success!

As the ship returns, reality hits that’s there’s still “real life” happening on land. On second thought… Reality hits that this is my reality and I should be extremely grateful for this experience!

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Barbados, Cropover, Cruise, Dancing, Friends, Harbour Lights, M.C.Buccaneer, ocean | 2 Comments

Eat, drink, dance and feel the love in Amsterdam!

Posted on September 12, 2013 by erikamae82

Denise should look extremely familiar to those who have been peaking at this blog for the past 21 months as she has made many appearances. I met this magnificent lady years ago while we were studying in Alicante Spain. We reunited in Argentina for some volunteer work and more studies and have spent many of evenings dancing the night away in Amsterdam. Last year, I even lived with her family in Alphen aan den Rijn. Here is just a few pics from the years of memories that I’ve made with sweet Denise.

Now, I return again to replenish my craving for her presence and this time, I get to introduce Mike and Hayden too! (If you’ve followed for long enough, you’d know that last year she got to meet three other of my American friends, Ian, Mike D and Marshall!).

The day starts with the introductory as we sit outside at one of the many terraces offered in Amsterdam.

Time for a snack which leads us to a variety of options. Here in Holland, there are many typical Dutch bites to pick from. In Amsterdam however, you have a wide selection from many parts of the world. Specialty stands to Turkish, Mexican, Italian, Japanese and more. I suggest just wandering the streets until your eyes, nose or tummy decides for you. Today, I went for a home baked spelt bread cone that was filled with Salmon, sprouts and a dill spiced sauce.

The group of us decided on trying out an extremely typical plate here in Holland which consists of herring fish, onion and pickle.

Flashback moment! This construction site has been here every year that I’ve visited. Just for fun, we shot the first picture years ago and of course it has turned into an annual photo. Enjoy, year one, two and present!

After a fun walk around the city, we depart from the boys to go back to her home town of Alphen aan den Rijn for dinner with my (her) family before getting ready for a night out on the town. We made a pit stop by the work place of Denise’s little sister, Manouk. Her and I connected last year when I was adopted into her family. Unfortunately this year, she is working so she won’t be able to join us out and about. Here is her “sad I can’t come with you” photo, followed by the “glad I got to see you” smile.

A little time in the kitchen, a wonderful dinner at the table and a complete evening with one of my favorite Dutch families! Writing this page made me realize I didn’t get a photo of them… Next time.

To get back to the city, we hop on a bus that takes us to the train that brings us to the centeral station. From there, we get her bike again and ride to find the boys.

Along the way, Denise hinted to me that there would be a few more joining us this evening which is always great to hear… the more the merrier! News to me, it was a surprise from my dear friend Carina! All the way from Germany, she had traveled here with another sweetheart Jenni for a night out with us!

Details about Carina and Jenni will come later. For now, here’s a peak at what a girls night out in Amsterdam can look like.

Two fun surprises in the coat check! First we have Denise’s hairstylist that we danced with last year, always full of energy!

Next, this wonderful woman has been taking care of the jackets and wash room here at this specific club now for 20 years! The first photo is from last year followed by this evening!

Not feeling like a big dance party? Other evenings leave you with choices like a nice dinner on a terrace, a walk to a coffee house (not to be confused with a coffee “shop”) or one of my favorites, a picnic next to a canal. Depending on the neighborhood, time of day and weather, you can find several groups, big and small, gathering waterside. Tonight, 4 of us went to a local store, collected goodies then found a seat next to a canal for snacks and great conversation.

Who’s the fourth in the pictures? Lets pause for a moment and reminisce of the times with Simon. He was one of the fellow travelers I met in Argentina that I reunited for the hike in Machu Picchu with. Take a look!

Night walks can also bring unexpected surprises. On this evening, I followed the sounds of a beautiful acoustical set. These three kind girls have been playing to fund their future worldly travels. Of course I’ll donate to driven people doing something they love to support a journey they desire, well done girls! Your voices caught my attention and your attitude kept me intrigued. Keep on smiling and doing what you do!

On Mikes last night here with us, we decided to stay low key and chat at a local pub when this woman approached our table and in the sweetest voice offered us a “reading” based on our names and birthdays. Very interesting and certainly entertaining as she called us out on some personality quirks, especially because the boys and I have known each other for so long!

Leaving Amsterdam before us, after two weeks in Europe, Mike departs back to the states. I watch him walk away feeling gratitude for his company and happy for his experience. Mike, I truly value our deep conversations and friendly debates that not only stimulate new thoughts, but keep me on my toes. Cheers till next time my friend!

My favorite picture of the boys this trip!

A few more days in Holland and then you’ll find me bouncing my way through Germany. Get ready for curry wurst, live music and roller coasters!

Categories: Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Alphen aan den Rijn, Amsterdam, Bike, Bus, canals, club, Dancing, dinner, food, herring, holland, market, terrace, train | 4 Comments

Down de road – Kadooment 2013

Posted on August 16, 2013 by erikamae82

Drum roll please (my mom used to say that before big announcements) the post has finally come to expose another brilliant day of Kadooment!

Last year, I experienced my first Cropover here in Barbados and as usual I’ll give you the link to that adventure. To see details of the controlled chaos and more photos from the collage below, click here.

For this post, I’m going to teach a small lesson based off of my experiences to date.

First and foremost, it’s always more entertaining to get ready with a group. Everyone can use a little help from their friends! Meet Ethan, a kind hearted little man that was not only eager to apply my jewels, but did’t hesitate to dish out the compliments to me and his beautiful mother. “You are pretty girls… I come with you?” Its no surprise he’s such a gentle character coming from his parents Aldo and Jane, who are equally welcoming and full of warm energy.

Ready, set, oh shoots… we’re late! Lesson number two, here in Barbados, “time” is just a general suggestion of when one may or may not think about arriving. All this means for us, is that instead of starting at a snails pace like the others, we get a tiny workout by actually walking to catch up with everyone.

Side note: You’ll never be the only one running late. In fact, you have a better chance of being the only one there early!

Once the bands (a designated group in which you are representing) have gotten into order, we cross the big stage to officially kick off the 7 mile parade of dancing, chipping, whining and… are you ready for it? Wuk’n up!

Definitions:
Chipping – a dance step that is flat footed, knee bent and moving forward, almost as if to “chip” away the street.
Whining – a movement in which people attach themselves to one another by their ‘middle section’ and pulse, sway and thrust to the rhythm in every conceivable manner.
Wuk’n up – to gyrate the waistline upon another persons waistline, specifically to soca and/or calypso music.

A few photos from the crowds perspective followed by our view of the spectators, leads me to the next unspoken rule: just because you’re not in costume doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to get involved!

Unofficially official participants of Cropover.

You might be wondering, why is everyone holding those cups and where did we get the liquid to fill them? Reminding you of the brilliant Barbadian way of keeping the adults fully hydrated (enter questionable sarcastic tone) by having mobile bars that travel with the parade. Just walk along next to it and request your next drink. Looking down with a smile, they’re at your service!

All righty, the next portion of todays lesson requires an increased rating to PG-13 due to the dancing techniques and adult beverages now taking affect. Welcome to the world of open minded, bent knee, fun loving people “jus doin deir ting”!

Moving on to our next lesson, staying cool. If you care about your makeup looking perfect utill the end (you probably shouldn’t have come) anyhow, stay to the left! Although rain here during Cropover isn’t rare, it’s always guaranteed that you’ll have a refreshing source of water to drench you down during the walk.

Like some festivals I’ve experienced, there’s an over all vibe of “only doing it once, so go big” or “I’m never going to see any of these people again”! Not here. That alone is one of my favorite things of Kadooment, the loyal participants both local and traveling that return to share this unique holiday!

Lets have some fun and finish up this assignment with a few past and present shots of returning friends. So exiting to see you all again!

Remember Nisha? She’s the friendly girl I met last year who shares the health food passion in her shop here on the island. The first shot is us at her store last year followed by a photo from this Carnival.

Check this one out! Here are two of my favorite people Melodie and Kris, observing last year from the side lines, why not participating? Inside her tiny belly was little Tiernan from the next photo!

The first picture is me with sweet Jason at Soca Titans last year and the following photo is him with his beautiful new wife Beth!

Mikie my buddy with all smiles from last years boat cruise and this years Cropover!

It’s darling Jane!

The list goes on and on of precious people that surround this memorable event. Although its tempting to show you all 618 of my pictures (no exaggeration), I’ve got to pull it together and end this fun post. As you can imagine, plans for next year are already in order! I’ll leave you now with a collage of photos from my favorite local photographer Luke De Freitas!

Categories: Fashion from a backpack, Fitness, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: bands, Barbados, Calypso, Carnival, Chipping, Costume, Cropover, Dancing, holiday, Kadooment, Parade, Soca | 3 Comments

Big kids pretending to be adults

Posted on August 6, 2013 by erikamae82

This is my third time to the amazing island of Barbados which speaks volumes considering I rarely return to a destination unless there’s friends, family or a culture that speaks to me. Here, I feel like there’s all three!

To get warmed up for the week ahead (that you should be very excited about), I’m going to share the annual boat cruise on MC Buccaneer. This limited, invite only event (yes, I feel extremely special to be one of the attendees) is a gathering to take in the sun, enjoy some drinks, and move to Caribbean music.

Flash collage from last years cruise! To see the full post, click here.

This year brought just as much fun with the same incredible people and even more memories to pile into the book of Barbados. First things first, meet the bartenders and the entertaining DJ Puffy.

And we’re off! The music steps up and the games begin!

Ooh look, we have a birthday today! Sweet Aldo gets cup cakes and punch right out the fruit! Oh grown-ups pretending to be children… or should I say big kids pretending to be adults?

Wait 30 min after eating to swim? Nope. Remember the safety flotation devices from last year? They’re back, just for our protection.

Time to head back to the dock. Which really just means more dancing, more smiles and the overall energy kicking up a notch!

Another success my friends! Thank you Daniel, Sean and Dwayne.

Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: Barbados, blue water, Crop over, Cruise, Dancing, Friends, MC Buccaneer, Music | 3 Comments

Push ups on a dance floor?

Posted on May 29, 2013 by erikamae82

Remember during the last bus ride, how we were plotting out an opportuntiy to reunite with the brightly spirited newlyweds? Please officially meet Muli, a joyful man with a sincere presence and his equally happy wife that carries a genuine smile wherever she goes.

All of us agreed that sealing up the trip at a nice resort would be a delightful way to decompress (as if our life is hard) before the long flights home. Since I had already been there with Hayden, the guarantee of quality accommodations brought no hesitation as the bunch decided… Off to the Hilton we go!

Again, my camera just seems to disappear when my shower shoes come off. With that said, here’s a small piece of our luxurious ending!

Daytime fun!

I was able to learn some new German card games and I taught her a few that I grew up with as well!
Fun fact: In Germany, they call the Jack a “Bube” and the Queen a “Dame”.

Food fun!

Night time fun!

SIDE NOTE: To mix things up at the resort, we decided to act like a couple of kids and create a “list” of items to find or things to happen while staying here. Examples would be a polka dotted bikini, someone skipping, a “mom” tattoo, etc. Who ever spotted a “list” item first would then get to deliver a drink or dare to the other person.

Carina pointed out an elderly couple holding hands (also on the list) so I received the first dare. 10 push ups in the middle of the dance floor at the disco tech! Of course I waited until an Usher song, then randomly dropped for my set. Raise your hand if you’ll ever see me again?!

Our new friends have departed and now Carina and I are left with one more van ride together as we make our way towards the San Jose airport. Can you see the difference in our eyes? The smiles just aren’t the same when you know that the next hug, will be the last one for awhile.

Carina, you are a friend that blesses us with your bright heart and fun loving spirit. You’re the type of woman that gives us all such a great example of “independence” being used with positive drive. You’re worthy of all the amazing things this life has to offer and I truly thank you for being you!

Next stop, USA! I’m flying directly into Oklahoma to visit my father and fabulous family that always has arms open, smiles waiting and eager ears to hear the stories I bring back. The photo below is the card I needed to get into Costa Rica and the document to get out.

This next stretch of travels will also allow me to put my hands to work for the victims of the EF5 tornado (strongest category measured) that destroyed over 17 miles of central Oklahoma. With packed winds between 200 and 210 mph and a rotation of almost 2 miles wide, several innocent families are left to pick up the remaining pieces of what was once their home. My thoughts go out to them and I’ll be there soon!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Costa rica, Dancing, food, Hilton, Punteranas, Swimming | 1 Comment

Wrap up El Salvador

Posted on March 22, 2013 by erikamae82

The last post I have for you of El Salvador is just a blend of the random items that was a part of the two weeks exploring.

On this day, mom and I decided to take a walk into the city to snag some groceries from the local market. Here’s what we found along the way!

Just for fun, we snuck a peak in different restaurants just to see the vibe of the city scene etery.

Sushi!

Pizza with a view!

The number one hamburger joint in the city that also carries the one cookie that mom has been searching for since we tried it the first day.

This is the cookie that she’s been in search of. It’s kind of like shortbread with dulce de leche (a Latin style of caramel) topped with an egg fluff crispy frosting.

Yes, that’s over $3 US dollars for one can of coors light! I stuck to the local goods of course.

The sun goes down and the energy goes up!

Dancing with our new friends from the hostel, meet Jason From Texas and sweet Alex From England.

This guy picked me up (literally) as his official partner for the evening. Turns out he’s actually a Latin dance instructor here in San Salvador, too much fun!

Mom? She found her own groove for the night… All smiles of course!

The bathroom had a chalk board… Could be dangerous.

This was a dinner out with the fun group we met in Juayua, check out the decor in this place.

An adorable little coffee for the morning as we depart for the airport.

Mom takes the route back north to the US and I head south to further my volunteering.

Ciao for now my friends… Next post, Panama!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: cookies, Dancing, eating, El Salvador, hamburger, pizza, store, sushi | 1 Comment

Festival in Juayua, El Salvador

Posted on March 13, 2013 by erikamae82

We’ve made it to the weekend food festival to see what we can find while exploring the tiny streets of Juayua, El Salvador. This celebration happens weekly and brings other locals in as well as the random backpacker or traveling photographer.

Instead of the usual “story”, I’m going to break this post down into easy to view sections to give you a clear idea of this energetic day. You really cant make a wrong turn as you follow the streets lined with venders, music, people, and entertainment. So, please turn on your mind and open your eyes as you enjoy these photos!
I’m going to start out with my two favorite pictures of the day that capture the essence of the youth to the elderly of this brilliant village.

Entertainment! As you devour the local food and shop through the vendors, there is constantly stimulation all around you.

Care to get your nails done mid festival?

I’m sure you’re hungry by now…

Crazy corn! On the cob drizzled with a mustard mixture and red sauce then rolled in parmesan.

This is a lettuce bowl lined with boiled yuca, topped with coleslaw, salsa and chicharrón (fried pieces of pork rind or some kind of fatty fried pork… Yeh, not for me).