2005 was my best Carnival ever. Since JEK had already invited SBHers to join him at Le Select along with the island's most distinguished resident, I volunteered his services as super photographer for the dance troupe Rhum et Gingembre. It was a fantastic experience to be a part of the action for St. Barth Carnival. As a somewhat independent observer, I'd like to offer the following awards:
Best Photographer - JEK
Best Viewing Action - The "office" at Le Select
Crudest Costume - The man dressed in red from head to toe with "Super Tampax" written on his forehead.
Most Beautiful - Les femmes de St. Barthelemy. What an amazing and almost surreal experience to see the shop girls, wives, daughters - all dressed up, made up, and dancing to the delight of their families, neighbors, and visitors to the isle.
Most Outstanding Costume - The gentleman in blazer and bow tie. Need I say more?
Loved It Too Much(Pretty in Pink) - The muscular young man in the form fitting pink dress, high heels, and full make up who attended the event with his wife and daughter. He still was wearing those heels when we left BAZ around 9:00 pm, and it was obvious to all that he was quite pleased with the way he looked.
Clown Beer Cooler - Like the clowns that keep pouring from the tiny car in the circus, the beer cooler on the Rhum et Gingembre float provided and endless supply of Heiniken and Schaeffer to dancers and other volunteers. Photographers work for beer.
Stole The Show - Andy and his compatriots as "Queen." When their float stopped in front of the crowds jamming the streets at the corner between L'Oubli and Le Select and gave their performance of "We Will Rock You", everyone from eight to eighty was singing along and dancing. It was a St. Barthelemy moment.