Old Year's Night

While the rest of the world celebrates New Year's Eve, Crucians will be celebrating Old Year's Night.  I confess, I like the poetry of Old Year's Night.  It seems to have more weight, more reflection, more umphh, than New Year's Eve.

Yesterday was Juvee.  It's a tramp that begins in Fredericksted and people literally dance across the island following behind bands.  I know you are shocked to learn, I'm not willing to be across island at 5:00am for a double-digit-mile march/dance.

Last year, I had the foresight to arrange to stay with the friends with whom I was celebrating Old Year's Night.  That way, I would not have to drive.  This year, I didn't think so far in advance.  The one thing you don't want to do down here is drive on Old Year's Night/New Year's morning.  Crucian driving is . . . different.  It took me almost a year to figure out the hand signals used by cars without turn signals.  Trust me, you will not find them in any manual.

This year, I've decided to attend Carnival.  Because Three Kings Day falls on a Wednesday, the parade is being held early.  It begins in Fredericksted on Saturday morning at 10:00 am.  I hope will have my camera figured out and can upload pictures. It will be a colorful, wonderful event!  Definitely worth staying home Old Year's Night to get up at Oh-Dark-Thirty to drive across island and get a good parking/view place.

Wish me luck!