14-16. Again, you'll have to indulge me on this page. Too many photos of the moment to choose from.
The results are announced slowly, clearly, and formally through the public address system. When it was announced that our rivals, the Witco Desperadoes (who had come in second to us in the preliminaries by just one point) had placed fourth, a stunned roar emanated from the crowd, and the Exodus posse and players had an early, mini-celebration to "rub it in".
It was then announced that there was a tie for second place, and another stunned roar was sounded. We would know the winner from the next announcement. "With 456 points...four, five, six...the Neal and Massey Trinidad All Stars...also with 456 points, Petrotrin--"
...and before the words "Phase II Pan Groove" could make it through the speakers, the Exodus posse ran into the middle of the stage, and the celebration erupted. I was in it for a while, jumping up with the band, getting beer fizzes in my hair and hugs from complete strangers, but retreated after a few moments to make sure I got a picture to remember the event by.
17. Exodus arranger Pelham Goddard is lifted up on the shoulders of band members as the hero of the day.
After the celebration here died down, the posse made its way back to the panyard in Tunapuna for a late-night lime. Local residents show up to welcome the victorious band back "home." I took no pictures of this event, which lasted until sunrise. Suffice it to say that the post-Panorama panyard lime provided a nice, soft landing to the soaring flight that was our experience in the entire 2004 Panorama season.
These were all taken on Carnival Tuesday in Port of Spain. They show a variety of the action, from the steelbands playing "on the road," to the Mas Bands (bands of masquerade revelers dressed in themed costumes). Carnival festivities are held in most cities and towns in Trinidad, but the one in Port of Spain is the largest, and gets most of the attention. Approximately fifty thousand visitors swamp Port of Spain every year for Carnival. Though Carnival here has earned a reputation as being crime-ridden, a heavy police presence this year resulted in only minor scuffles and "incidents." Carnival-goers were generally very pleased with the level of security this year.
18. This is my band, Exodus, playing on the road. I opted out of playing on the road with the band. The hours are long (starting at 4:00 a.m. on j'ouvert morning), and I wanted to be free to see other things. The players are paid for their service during Carnival. Exodus had the largest road band that we saw on Carnival Tuesday, with two long trailers that played side by side for much of the route.
19. Members of the Exodus posse powder up prior to going past the grandstand on the South Quay.
20. Before we get to costumes, let's get the other steelband floats out of the way. This is the only double-decker one I saw. I wasn't able to remember which band this was...might be the Valley Harps.
