Creative Creations Unltd Monday Wear Review

For Carnival Monday 2012, I decided to enlist the services Creative Creations Unltd to provide my Monday wear and I could not be any happier.

Initial Contact and Communication:

Creative Creations was recommended to me by a friend of mine, after I expressed my desperation of needing to find someone to create my Monday. Initially, I employed the services of another designer but because of the designer's failure to inform me of the cut off date for down payment I was stuck without Monday. Shortly after talking with the friend, the owner of Creative Creations reached out to me and offered her services. Our initial contact started in October and continued constantly until Carnival Sunday.

After sending countless emails about design aspect and my expectations, we decided on the final outcome: turquoise bodysuit with scattered gems and a shoulder piece. Creative Creations was very accommodating given my ever changing mind and responded in a timely manner to all of my inquiries. The only issue that we encountered was getting the body suit to her. On my first attempt, it was retuned to me undeliverable but I was told to send it again and given an estimated date on when my completed Monday wear will be returned to me.

About a week before carnival, I was informed that I will be collecting my Monday wear in Trinidad because she feared that if she mailed it back to me, I would not be able to receive it in time for my trip to Trinidad. Although I was skeptical at first, I appreciated her honesty and her prompt communication of a potential issue.

Delivery:

I must admit that collecting my Monday wear was a bit frustrating. Before I arrived in Trinidad, Creative Creations provided me with her contact number and the exact date on which I could collect my bodysuit. On the first day I was supposed to collect it, I spend the majority of the afternoon trying to collect my costume from Island People and because of transportation issues on my end I was not able to collect. Creative Creations was very understanding and was able to reschedule my date. On the second attempt, another issue with transportation and timing issues prevented me collecting my Monday wear again and at this time I started to get nervous. On Carnival Sunday, Creative Creations was in constant contact with me trying to figure out how to deliver my Monday wear and assuring me that I will receive my goods before the night was over.

Eventually, she was able to get her friend to drop off my Monday wear at my door at no additional cost. My Monday wear was delivered in a clear garment bag as promised on Carnival Sunday night and I was very impressed. The body suit was transformed from a boring swimsuit to a stunner. (I have included before and after pictures)

Overall services:

I would definitely recommend and use Creative Creations for Carnival 2013. My only worry during the entire transaction was delivery but it can happen to anyone, especially due to the fact of lack of transportation. Creative Creations rose to my expectations and she is very talented. My only suggestion for her would be to include a complete list of services she provided because it was only after Carnival that I realized she did more than customizing Monday wear. I received numerous compliments on the road and even after washing my Monday wear, my gems and shoulder piece are still in tact. My only problem now is figuring out wear to wear my bodysuit again because it still looks like it did on delivery.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Creative-Creations-Unltd/198480790224980

Creative Creations Untld Boot Review

Hi Saucy

Permit me to submit my review of my experience with Creative Creations Untld for carnival 2012.

I ANSWERED THE CALL OF DUTY IN MY SEXY-SOLDIER INSPIRED BOOT FROM CREATIVE CREATIONS UNTLD.

I heard about Creative Creations Untld through mutual facebook friends and decided to give her a try.Now, I have never gotten work done on my boots for carnival so I wanted my first pair of customed designed boots to be spectacular.Well,the end product was so on point that I absolutely fell head over feet in love with them.

After I emailed the designer and we discussed what my ideas were for the boot she quoted a reasonable price for the job and  I ordered my boots.I explained to her that  I  had a relative coming to the U.S for only one(1) week and she told me she would try to accommodate me for that time frame.Sent the boot and payment and collected my boot after the one week period back in Trini.When i unwrapped my package,what  I received wowed me.I kept wearing them around the house over and over.The product and her customer service exceeded my expectations and I  will definitely be using her for the CK13.

My instructions to her were as follows:-

1.No bling,no feathers

2.Grungy,Terminator inspired

3.I want to re-use my boot so no spraying or any other thing that will be permanent on the boot.

Loved my spikes,loved my insignia.....I LOVED IT ALL!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Creative-Creations-Unltd/198480790224980

Review of Belly Dancing Direct Body Stocking

Hi TCD – I wanted to share this info with your female followers

While playing mas in T&T this year, I noticed a disturbing ‘trend.’ I saw a lot of women with their pantyhose pulled up past their waist up to just under their breast. I understand that these women wanted more coverage in the mid-section and wanted to hide flaws like stretch marks and belly bulges, but pantyhose pulled up past your waist is not a good look.

This year I wore a “flesh-toned” belly stocking that I purchased from www.bellydancingdirect.com with my IP costume and it was great. The color I had on was called “Mocha” and it covered my whole mid-section and matched my skin color so well that you didn’t even realize that I was wearing it.

 I was able to wear a 2 piece costume without feeling naked and the power mesh fabric held me in on the sides and in the tummy area. I’ve attached a pic of myself wearing it,you can’t even tell that I’m wearing a belly stocking!

I was on the company’s FaceBook page and saw that they’ve come out with a new belly stocking with footless stockings attached. The picture I’ve attached shows it with sleeves, but I asked, and they are able to make it in a sleeveless version.

I think this is a wonderful idea and I think it will help a lot of female masqueraders who have been looking for a “flesh-toned” body stocking to wear under their costume. It will definitely take the place of the myriad colored lace body stockings that I also saw on Carnival Tuesday as well.

The power mesh fabric of the stocking is strong, but I can’t vouch for whether or not the footless part will withstand 2 days of wining .In that case, the option of just the belly stocking is available.

The company offers Mocha and Coffee colored belly stockings for darker skin tones, and various other colors for lighter skin tones.

Since it looks like the costumes are getting skimpier every year, I’m sure that this info will go a long way in helping many female masqueraders feel good while wearing almost nothing.

Roam Mas Theme 2013

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roam-The-Mas-Band/113857845387722

Carnival Divaz Review

Good morning TCD,

I decided to get a custom Monday wear and decorated boots to match my costume for CK12. Some of my friends were also coming to Trinidad carnival for the first time so all of us decided to get custom items to look fabulous! Carnival Divaz was highly recommended by friends who had used her services in the past. The initial contact was very positive, she was upbeat, available and worked with us on making a final decision regarding designs, colors ect...She gave us an estimate (her prices were very reasonable compared to others) and all of us paid half, the other half would be due upon completion. We sent her our boots, sneakers and corset in November!

Everything was great and exciting up to the holidays: the Facebook group was active, she was posting pictures, my boots were done and I was very pleased with the design.After Christmas break, things started to get weird!We are now in January!! Everybody is getting the carnival fever, tunes dropping, first fetes of the season, yet Carnival Divaz is “missing in action”, she doesn’t reply to email as fast, we have no news of our Monday tops nor delivery dates (she is supposed to mail us all the items before leaving for Trinidad).

Fast forward to the first week of February, I’m literally emailing CD every day to remind her of my departure date to Trinidad and giving her the proper address to send my items since I work very late. She assured me I would receive everything by Wednesday the 8th and will send me a confirmation number. Wednesday NO news so I emailed her and she gave me some silly excuse that she forgot a pair of boots home, Thursday NO news I emailed her again and this time she said that she didn’t bring the items to be shipped from work-it was obvious that something wasn’t adding up but I remained patient in order to get our items before leaving-. After going back and forth with the most random excuses, I ended telling her to bring everything to Trinidad and I will pick up when I reach.

The circus continued in Trinidad, she was never home, never available and always had an excuse. I couldn’t believe I had to deal with all this madness in the middle of feteing and enjoying my vacation for something that was ordered in November. It’s carnival Saturday and she finally dropped half of the order at the front desk of our hotel (in the middle of the night while we at a fete); my top is too small, my friend’s top is too big; the boots are cute but sloppy (glue and thread showing); one of us still has neither footwear nor top. My friend’s UGLY and UNFINSHED Monday footwear was finally dropped off at the hotel carnival Sunday and the Tuesday top (sloppy and last minute work) had to be picked up by another friend on carnival TUESDAY at 5am (on our way to get our makeup done) somewhere in POS!

The worst is that she got more vexed than the paying customers who had to run after her to get a half-done job and had the audacity to mention delivery fees! *If the work had been done well, on time and mailed from New York, that mess wouldn’t have happened*!

Everything had started off very well but went downhill after Christmas and ended in a HOT MESS in Trinidad. I was very disappointed by her lack of professionalism, the tons of excuses she made up and her nonchalance until carnival Tuesday. I understand that things come up but when you run a business but most importantly you need to keep your clients happy and informed! I know other people who had a similar experience with her and we all ended up wearing our own clothes on the road or the band’s Monday wear. It was our FIRST and LAST time ordering from Carnival Divaz. NEVER AGAIN!

By the way, we have received NO apology to this day!

Saucy’s Carnival 2013 Costume Wish List

Every year I give a wish list of what I would like to see in costuming for the following Carnival; last year it was wings and we were SATURATED with wings in every band.  I did like that we got some new colour combinations for Carnival 2012, Fantasy's Principalities was just GORGEOUS:

For Carnival 2013 I don’t have a particular wish per se. I am feeling that I have done/worn it all when it comes to bikini and beads so I simply want to be WOWED by something different. When I am yawning at even the costume photos from Rio Carnaval 2012 you should know that by now I am simply fed up of seeing the same regurgitated designs in majority.

I am challenging designers to find away to circumvent the textbook formula of a beaded bra top and beaded belt. I honestly thought that Call of Duty Frontline was a genius costume in the bikini and beads genre. Not only did Call of Duty Frontline represent the theme (you could tell exactly what the costume was meant to represent by looking at it) I loved that the monokini was very sexy even though it appeared to give more coverage; think outside the bikini box!

When I tell people I do not want the “extras” for 2013 they laugh at me but I am dead serious. I am tired of lugging around all those huge pieces all day; backpack, headpiece, tail. I am envisioning simple, sexy, amazingly decorated body wear with a manageable headpiece/backpack/collar. Angry Birds back pack was super cute and light; many women wore it all day. I also loved Fiji’s headpiece construction, it looked very light and easy to carry … side note: someone needs to give Solange Shaw Gopaul the job of designing MORE costumes in both TRIBE and Bliss. A Solange Shaw Gopaul costume in Bliss could make Bliss my perfect band! 

Solange Shaw Gopaul "Fiji"- 2012

Solange's costumes for the past four years have all been varied and detailed, which that it sets her apart for me and which is the reason some people I know still play with TRIBE. Solange and Sandra Hordatt both need to be doing MORE designs, because they need to recognized for the consistency in their fabulous costuming year after year and I think that TRIBE and Bliss needs to move away from the dominance of myopic designers and embrace the younger talent; put ego aside.

Solange Shaw Gopaul "Caged Canary" - 2009

Solange Shaw Gopaul  "Mystery of Loulan"  - 2010

Solange Shaw Gopaul  "Persian Gold" - 2011

Masqueraders have also been complaining about the disappearing belt, and each year we beg designers for more ass coverage but they just give us LESS. It is almost like a non verbal way to say if your ass is bigger than the belt you have no business being in this costume! And on THAT note how about giving multiple options for all sizes of masqueraders? I know it is a long way coming to see plus sized models for each a section at band launch but would it not be nice to see a monokini or corset modeled along with a bra and belt? I know Fantasy did that for Carnival 2012 because they offered several monokini options for frontline in their presentation,  however I think those other options should be extended to backline as well. 

Finally, can we see some new materials? I am sick to death of rhinestones that serve no other purposes that to shred stockings. On that note if you DO want to use rhinestones Azteca is a demonstration of how it can be incorporated while still using materials to theme.

I am envisioning  new textures, new beading, new stones, new fabrics and of course I still want FEATHERS but ….imagine something new with feathers as well. I know bands LOVE using coque but here is the thing, after a while each costume begins to look the same when it is festooned with coque. Don’t they sell different feathers? Step out the feather box!

So here is hoping that for Carnival 2013 I am not only WOWED I am FLOORED and not bored; the challenge is set.

TRIBE Las Lap 2012

TRIBE Las Lap Cooler Fete!

Ltd. Adv. $200s available from committee members.

No glass bottles allowed | Designate before you celebrate

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Aeron Kalloo 737-4077 | Brendon Clement 687-6871 | Cherrise Alexander 756-6865 | Chike Philip 460-2965 | Danielle Boucaud 682-9766 | David McCartney 469-7707 | Dexter McShine740-6088 | Gabriel Telfer 360-0873 | Gillian de Freitas 758-7477 | Greer Iton 465-6618 | James Phillips 683-0822 | Jamie Aqui 753-5154 | Jason Mollineaux 744-8195 | Joel Lynch 678-6172 | Kandace Price 689-6087 | Kearlene Crosby 758-5022 | Kendal Latchman 361-2447 | Kendall Sharpe 680-9456 | Kevin Homer 687-0501 | Kimberly Ella-Tang 755-0428 | Kristi-Anne Chin 682-8835 | Mark Deane 740-2551 | Marvin Carmino 770-8315 | Nicholas Patrick 781-7781 | Quelita Pierre 795-9896 | Rebecca Elias 313-2006 | Rhiannon Pemberton 685-3656 | Rian Ramrattan 714-4309 | Ryan Henrique 744-2257 | Tara Koon How 469-2329 | Zikomo Townsend 720-1732

Boots by Daryl Review - The Runway Frontline: TRIBE

 I heard about “Designing Daryl” from various persons who have used his services over the years (including reviews on Trinidad Carnival Diary).  Last year, I decided to engage his services to decorate my boots for the section “Persian Gold” in TRIBE’s Warrior theme.  Daryl and I emailed back and forth to determine my style and to ensure that his ideas meshed with my vision of how I wanted to look.  

Although we kept in touch over the months, due to a situation beyond my control, I was unable to play mas and had to sell my costume.  The plan was that Daryl would decorate the boots when he came to Trinidad a few days before carnival. When I emailed him informing him that I would no longer need to have the boots decorated, he was very gracious and understanding.  I thanked him for the time he had spent collaborating with me and assured him that I would be contacting him for Carnival 2012.

For Carnival 2012, I contacted Daryl quite late.  He responded right away and agreed to work within my budget to decorate my boots.  My budget was clearly much smaller than he was accustomed to working with and he indicated such.  I agreed to go to Samaroo’s to choose the covering material and Daryl gave me very specific instructions on what to look for.

When he arrived in Trinidad a few days before carnival, I dropped my boots and material for him and two days later they were ready.  I was a bit apprehensive because my budget was small (the budget was actually not small but certainly small compared to what Daryl usually charges for his services).  As I drove to collect the boots I worried that he would have just covered them and use one or two gems to finish off.

I was pleased, happy and ecstatic when I collected my boots.  The foot pieces for The Runway Frontline were very elaborate so I wanted a pair of boots that would not take attention away from the foot pieces but would stand on their own as a “statement” on Carnival Monday.  The gems were carefully and perfectly placed, the styles of applique used on the rim were extremely tasteful and the boots overall sparkled in the sunlight!

The boots held up amazingly well on both Monday and Tuesday.  In the photos attached, these are the boots AFTER two days of serious prancing on Monday and Tuesday. In all, only about four gems fell off and it’s hard to even tell exactly which parts of the boots they fell off from. 

I received many compliments on the boots and other masquerades wanted to know who decorated them.

I would use Daryl again in a heartbeat.  He is quick to respond and is an amazing designer.

Review of Carnival Divaz's Services

Hi TCD,

Thanks for taking our reviews and posting them!

When I initially signed up for my costume, I couldn’t get register for frontline because they didn’t make the wire bra in my size. So I commissioned Carnival Divaz to get a custom wire bra. I had read glowing reviews on TCD and having spoken to her, she was very sweet. She answered all my questions relatively quickly at the beginning. When she started taking orders, I asked that the wire bra be like the one designed with the frontline to my costume; she gave me an estimate (of which I paid half) and got to work. Within a month or so, she had emailed me to know that she had finished the initial process of the bra and it just needed to be decorated. She sent me a photo and I was excited. I hadn't expected her to work so quickly and was anticipating getting my bra sometime soon.

I got caught up in the whirlwind of Christmas and then realized that about 2 months had passed and I hadn’t heard from CD. I emailed her to find out if the bra was done; she let me know that it would be done in the next week. When it was finally done, she let me know that I could go on Facebook to see the picture. Since she had originally emailed me pics of the bra, I was a bit confused as to why the process had changed. After difficulty finding her, I realized she had created a Facebook group so that customers and friends could see the items she had made for them. I understood the idea of a Facebook group; I just wish more explanation had been given that there is where would be directed. When I saw my wire bra, I wasn’t as excited as I thought I would be. I liked it but it wasn’t the same as the frontline bra to my section. I had people comment to me that I ordered something I didn’t ask for but I still liked her design and didn’t make a big deal of it.

The next step was getting the bra to me. I realized that it would have to be shipped and asked for a shipping estimate. She initially said that I could go find out how much it is; that confused me because, being from another country, I wasn’t able to see the prices or options that she could see. I got back to her and asked if she could set it up and I sent the money. She was okay with that and I sent the shipping price through Paypal. I then waited for my item to be shipped. She said it would happen the next day. The next day came, and I had no correspondence about my item. I emailed her and she said she had forgotten to bring the straps with her to work and would have to mail it the following day. I waited and still didn’t get any correspondence the next day. I waited till the following Tuesday to contact her and she told me she had mailed it out Monday and that I would get a confirmation from the shipping company. I waited several days and still didn’t get a confirmation. When I emailed her again, she finally forwarded me the confirmation. Upon reading it, I saw that the package had been sent out at least 2-3 days after she had said and that the confirmation had been sent to someone else initially. Even if that was by mistake, I feel slightly uncomfortable that a random person had my shipping information and that no explanation was given from CD about it.

When I finally got my package in the 1st week of February, I realized that, although she had included complimentary earrings, there were no straps in the package. I emailed CD and she apologized for it, asked me if I was sure and then said she would bring them down to Trinidad. I was disappointed because part of the shipping holdup was due to the straps and they still had been forgotten. I appreciate the earring s but earrings are not going to hold me up on the road! I couldn’t try on the wire bra without the straps so I ended up having to buy a backup option at a local craft store. When I did get to Trinidad, I was able to meet up with her at her residence; she spent awhile searching for the straps (which I realize was just ribbon) with absolutely NO words or even apologies for our wait.

CD started off good but I felt that getting closer to Carnival, I was disappointed with the correspondence and professionalism. I understand that in running a business of this nature, things will come up but many situations could’ve been avoided had I had proper communication. For example, I know it’s difficult to give me an exact replica of a band’s design; but I would’ve appreciated knowing that beforehand and being given the option to go with her design or not get anything made at all. It was my first time ordering with CD and it will definitely be my last time ordering.

Carnival Magazines

Available at TRIBE Mas Camp and MiniCity, ValPark, Kam's, Long Circular Mall and Piarco Newstand, Piarco Airport.

Available at all newsstands for $10USD • $60TT.

Magazine now available at
Harts Mas Camp
Piarco News Stand
Adam's Bagels
Hi Lo - Maraval
Hi Lo - Deigo Martin
Kappa Drugs - Glencoe
Kappa Drugs - Woodbrook
Peakes
Mini Citi - Valpark
Starlite Drugs
Super Pharm - Westmoorings
Super Pharm - Maraval

Super Pharm - Gulf View

PIARCO NEWS STAND, DOWNTOWN NEWS-VENDORS (HENRY STREET, FREDERICK STREET ), MARITIME ROUNDABOUT, 

BOOKSTORES: (NIGEL KHAN, R.I.K., MOHAMMED), MEDICINE PLUS ( ELLERSLIE PLAZA), PHOTOWORLD (LONG CIRCULAR MALL),

 YOUNG'S PHARMACY ( MARAVAL),

 HI-LO LOCATIONS: (MARAVAL, ST.ANNS, WESTMALL &; GLENCOE )

Glenn Carvalho Theme 2013

Carnival 2013 falls even earlier than Carnival 2012 (11th and 12th of February) and I know several bands are already hard at work on next year's presentations, but the first band to officially put their theme out there is Glenn Carvalho with "Dance Zulu Dance":

Triniscene Carnival Tuesday Galleries Are Up!

Island People 

http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=display&id=GALAB3047

http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=html&id=GAL9E0D7B

YUMA

http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=html&id=GALF9BFD1

http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=display&id=GAL7CB4B8

Bliss

http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=html&id=GALB0D71D

TRIBE

http://triniscene.com/tsv7/galleries/?page=html&id=GAL67E0B9

DJ Private Ryan Post Carnival Relief Mix 2012

FINALLY the cure for Post Carnival Depression is here. Post Carnival Relief is now available at http://djprivateryanmusic.com/index.php/mixes/view/132. 1 hour 20 minutes of strictly the best from this year.

Pump your flag – Machel Montano
Pump your flag (Precision Road Mix) – Machel Montano
Jab no pain – Iwer George
Terrible – Erphaan Alves
Terrible (Threeks Rd Mix) – Erphaan Alves
Bucket – Swappi
Bucket Scrach master road mix – Swappi
Born Ready – Bunji Garlin
Born ready (Precision Road Mix) – Bunji Garlin
Explode – Alison Hinds
Explode Bubba Road Mix – Alison Hinds
Miss Behave (Precision Road Mix) – Fay Ann Lyons
Miss Behave – Fay Ann Lyons
Inna Band – Blaxx
Ah Tink Ah Drunk – Talpree & Problem Child
Throw Wine – Prophet Benjamin
Revellin Road Mix – Machel Montano
Revellin – Machel Montano
Make you rock – Machel Montano
Stress Away Remix – Kes & Snoop Dog
4D Gyal - Swappi
Over You – Kimba Sorzano
Gyal Wuk – Machel Montano
Wine for your lover – Ziggy Ranks
Drinkin Partner – Dev & Klassy
Comin Over – Kes
Roll yuh Bumpa Road Mix – Hypa Sounds
Roll yuh Bumpa – Hypa Sounds
Whine – The IZ feat. Machel Montano
Wining Addiction – Shurwayne Winchester
I am soca – Patrice Roberts & Kerwin Dubois
Surrender – Farmer Nappy
You make me – Farmer Nappy
Touch it – Chucky
Single Forever Remix – KI & Machel Montano
All Over – Fay Ann Lyons & Baron
Bottle of Rum – Machel Montano
Peoples Champion – Benjai
Runaway (Marcus Williams Roadmix) – Bunji Garlin & Kerwin Dubois
Baddist – Destra & kerwin Dubois
No Pressure – Nadia Batson
Action SMJ Road Mix – TC
Action – TC
Right Now – Lil Rick
Irregular – Bunji Garlin
Gimmi D Wine – Devon Matthews
Rave out – Skinny Fabulous & Busy Signal
On the Avenue – Machel Montano
Nothing Less (Road Mix) – K Rich
Bartender – Makamillion
True Story – Benjai
Garlic Sauce – All Rounder
Bubble on a dj – Swappi
Eh Yo – Lil Rick
Jones & Wuk Up – Lil Rick
Doh Fraid – Machel
In Charge (Marcus Williams Rd Mix) – Machel Montano
We Time (Marcus Williams Rd Mix) – JW & Blaze
Rude Gyal – Kimba Sorzano
Call me – Olatunji
Shiver – Nadia Batson
In Your Eyes – Erphaan Alves
Bacchanalist – Kerwin Dubois
Vibes Cyah Dun – Machel Montano
Mr Fete – Machel Montano
Represent – Machel Montano
Precision Wine – Kes
Leh We Wuk – Jah moun & Umi Marcano
So & So – Bunji Garlin
Type of wine – Shal
Head Bad – Michelle X & Kes
Cosmic Shift – Bunji Garlin
Trouble Tegareg Remix – Shal
Drink – Machel Montano Lil Jon & LMFAO

--
Ryan Alexander
Dj Private Ryan
Twitter: www.twitter.com/djprivateryan
Website: www.djprivateryanmusic.com

It Aint Over Till Its Cropover... The Review FINALLY!

So, I realized I never gave a review of my Cropover 2011 experience, the problem with getting it done was that I came back and dove straight into a slew of band launches and just never found the time to focus on my Cropover review. 

Well, since I will be returning to Barbados for Cropover 2012  I am finally going to do my LONG overdue Cropover 2011 review.

FLIGHT:

I flew Caribbean Airlines and thought the flight itself was uneventful it was on time both departing and returning to Trinidad. I paid around $1200.00TT for my ticket but I booked early.

HOTEL:

We stayed in a one bedroom apartment at Worthing Court. Nothing fancy, a basic older hotel but it was CLEAN, priced within budget,  well maintained and in a great location. There were also kitchen facilities if you wanted to do your own cooking  and a separate living area with sofa bed.We were walking distance to Worthing Beach , 5 minutes tops driving to Accra or the Gap, there were restaurants, shops and a supermarket within walking distance. The only thing that faulted the hotel was that WIFI was unreliable with spotty service the entire time we were there. They assured us it was an issue they were trying to rectify and that the problem was isolated during our stay. If they were to address this issue I would not hesitate to stay here again.

FETES:
Bathsheba Experience (All Inclusive)

Advertised as "Sea Side Glam" we were really looking forward to this fete as we were told it was one of the must go to events on the Cropover Calender. It is a somewhat long drive to Bathsheba from the South Coast where we were staying but we went with a local who knew all the shortcuts to get there.

Parking was at a school and we were shuttled to the venue. I have to say I was very surprised at the location, it was in a rural area so we arrived to the residents liming outside in their shower caps  taking in the night's entertainment of patrons and the party.

The "villa" apparently had an ocean view but since we got there at night we did not see anything but the tops of coconut trees. The villa itself was nothing fancy, the VIP area was located rooftop with the main party area below. In VIP we had Nuvo and Moet and Johnnie Walker at the main bar. The menu was pretty limited for an all inlcuisve in the $100.00US price range. There was spaghetti, rice, chicken available in VIP and the other food tent downstairs offered in addition to the aforementioned items mini spring rolls and pot stickers. I had to remind myself we were not in Trinidad anymore and therefore could not compare to the All Inclusive parties at home.

Overall vibe and crowd of the party was a bit sedated, people were liming around while others were having a good time dancing but for us we pretty much limed and lounged until it was time to leave. Maybe it was the fact that it was our first fete and we were still getting used to the music. 

The chaos ensued leaving the party, the shuttles that got us there stopped working for some reason. Now, we left the party earlier than planned and at that time there were shuttles showing up sporadically, I was told later on that there were no shuttles at all. So after a very long wait we decided to walk UP hill , along the way we were lucky to get a shuttle which took us back to the car park.

For 2012 I will give this fete a miss. The drive was rather long for a mediocre fete and for the price I did not think what was offered was worth it for me. To their credit the organizer of Bathsheba did call and apologize for the issues that we had which was very nice of her. Hopefully they are addressed for Cropover 2012 and I do wish her luck with Batsheba Experience 2012.

Scorch Cruise

I have a problem with a departure time being advertised and when you show up on time it takes another two hours before the boat leaves! Knowing that we were also going to Bliss later on that evening we were very anxious to get this cruise started so we could return in time to get ready for our other event. To say the wait was annoying would be an understatement, we were totally fed up until we got on the cruise.

What can I say about Scorch? It was amazing! Had a great time because EVERYONE was having a fantastic time jamming in the blazing sun at sea to D.J. Private Ryan and consuming copious amounts of alcohol. This is a cooler cruise/walk with your own drinks. You are provided with chasers, ice and cups and everyone was pretty generous in sharing their drinks as well as waist!  Eye candy GALORE, at one point I asked the guys if they all went to the same gym! I don't think I stopped dancing on this cruise until we docked. 

A definite must do for Cropover 2012 if it is the ONLY event I go to, it was that good.

Bliss All Inclusive 

The ONLY thing I regret with Bliss is that it was on the same day as Scorch and I honestly needed more time to recover as well as we got there at night with only a few hours to party. This event started at 3PM so we missed a lot of the good stuff owing to the fact that Scorch cruise departed late and returned late.

The venue was absolutely beautiful, a tree lined driveway led to a gorgeous villa with sprawling grounds. It was nicely decorated as well with decorated tents, ambiance lighting , Chinese lanterns and out door seating with couches set up on the lawn. 

There were several food tents and I did sample the Caribbean and Pasta which were good. There was a main bar where I had lots of water (had enough alcohol for the day). Like I said I was recovering from Scorch so after mingling , dancing and liming with some of the Trinis I saw I just chilled out on one of those lovely lounges on the lawn until I was ready to leave.

For 2012 I hope I can do Bliss again as it was on par with one of the nicer All Inclusives in Trinidad,  however if it is the same day as Scorch I am going to have to think long and hard as I felt as if I missed out on the total Bliss experience. 

You can view photos of Bliss HERE and HERE.

Booze Cruise

This was the most anticipated event for me based on previous reviews as well as the fact that securing tickets were a nightmare. Luckily Triniscene stepped in and got my tickets for me. The cruise was so popular that it was split in two; Caesars Army and crew were on a Booze Catamaran while we were on the original Harbour Master cruise.

For the price you got breakfast at the Boatyard, I liked the set up with coconut man and breakfast made on the spot. You also got lunch and drinks were included. 

The weather was not the best so the vibes on the cruise was a bit slow in the beginning I could not help comparing to Scorch which was crazy from the moment we dropped anchor. However after lunch the party picked up on the top deck with performances by Allison Hinds and Swappi .

Once we came back to land the after party continued at the Boat Yard and I have to say I enjoyed this much more than the actual cruise as we had several performers give a mini concert in the rain. Overall I would do Booze Cruise again just to see if with better weather it could live up to its reputation.

Baje International 

I played in the Island People section in Baje International, Flashing Lights. From registration to costume pick up I had zero issues with service. Registration at Island People's mas camp was very easy and efficient and pick up in Barbados was also hassle free.  We even got a "goody bag" with a cup and bandanna in it. The costume fit out the box with no adjustments needed and was pretty cute; came with all the accessories as pictured. Again, I was not expecting costuming on the level I am used to in Trinidad but was pleasantly surprised that it did indeed fit well and looked good. The only complaint was that my bra was bare at some point during the day as the decoration to the top fell off, and it was a problem with most of the bras in that section from what I saw. I guess glue on spandex plus rain means that the decoration just does not stick.

We started off with sun when we met the band but by the time we reached the Stadium the sky opened and DRENCHED us as we crossed the "stage". You would think the rain would put a damper on things but no, we just drank more rum and wined some more. It was the best! Eventually the rain stopped , feathers dried and the band continued along the parade route (I am not familiar with the exact route we took). Masqueraders in Baje were a fun bunch, no inhibitions and plenty wukking up, also there were many Trini faces in the band.

All too soon we were at the end of the route and headed for lunch... which signaled the end of Kadooment for Baje. The lunch tents were pure chaos for food,one of the guys I was with had to get my lunch for me. Plus rain started to drizzle again and this was not Trinidad, so no blankets, no tents nothing but grass and open sky. As much as I enjoyed Baje and would play with them again I wish they offered scotch in addition to the rum and Banks, that the parade could continue after lunch and the actual distribution of the lunch was not such a mess.

Here is looking forward to Cropover 2012.. the countdown is on!