The recent radio silence on VatulNet was caused by several incidents, not the least of which were the loss of my voice and, more importantly, parading in Krewe Du Vieux!!! Almost fully recovered, your favorite blogger is back in black (still mourning January 20th) and ready to tackle the new and (maybe) improved.
Dancing and prancing through the French Quarter for 2+ hours was an experience bar none. Can you imagine what it is like to dress up as an armed panda and waltz through thousands of locals and tourists lining the streets of a major city to see you and beg for your beads and trinkets? My red and gold boa blowing in the cool breeze, watching the bubbles waft gracefully away from our tank into the night sky, handing out care packages (beads, bear-in-tank figurine and wristlets in a cup) to friends and cool strangers … WOW! All while the police block traffic and work security so that you can parade through the streets. So novel, so exhilarating, so freeing and SO MUCH FUN!
D was a great sport throwing beads into balconeys. My favorite part was garlanding little kids – they look like they just got a necklace made of pure gold! I should mention the support and creativity of my fellow krewe members, which made D and me feel so welcome and relaxed. The party after at the State Palace Theatre was a kickin’ time with music by Eh, La Bas!, Al “Carnival Time” Johnson and Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen.
My cellphone’s antenna disappeared some time during Saturday evening’s proceedings along with my voice. Do you believe that was going to stop me from my primary priority of having a great time? I didn’t think so.
