Day 1, Barranquilla Carnaval

Even though it took three tries, my final Barranquilla Airbnb turned out to be a winner.  After a quiet and restful night in my room, I took a taxi to the parade street, and purchased a seat four rows back for about 100 pesos.  It’s crowded, but not nearly as bad as I had been led to believe (“Don’t even bother showing up without a seat”, says my guide book).  It hasn’t started yet, but who cares?  The crowd is fun and the outfits are great.

I got sprayed by white noodles from the kid on my left.  This happened a lot over the next four days.

The Batalle de Flores begins.

It is now 1:30.  I am covered with white noodles.  I see no other tourists.  I’ve had nothing to eat or drink except one small beer.  It’s hot, the crowd is non-stop noisy, I’m feeling faint from hunger and thirsty, and it is difficult to take photos.  I have no idea how long this goes on.  But it sure is fun.