London Carnival aka Notting Hill is one of the world’s
largest street festivals, I can’t even begin to put into words how many people
were out and about on Carnival Tuesday.Endless blocks of people ram packed, just a sea of people.London Carnival is said to have somewhere
around 2.5 million attendees. To put that into perspective, Trinidad carnival
has around somewhere around 35,000 visitors for carnival. The parade is well
organized, although at times it was gridlock because the entire planet and even
some neighboring planets were out there.London has an extensive train system so it was very easy to get to and
leave the parade, it also made affordable lodging easy to secure because you
could stay near or far and train to the parade. The costumes & J’ouvert
were very affordable (PS: they do provide limited booze so be sure to bring
your own to keep the party going).
A a portion of my carnival spreadsheet so you can see just affordable the fetes were, they are apparently not about that all-inclusive / drink inclusive fete life over there. No biggie, I had a flask or 2 of over proof rum *wink* Anywho, excuse Tuesday.I like to tell myself that I’m a cool cat, but then other times I have to admit that I’m a dork.This was my first time in London and I didn’t get to do much sight-seeing, but because I am a ginormous Harry Potter fan, I had no plans on leaving London without going to see Harry Potter’s Platform 9 ¾. I’m pretty sure it was the highlight of my trip.Don’t worry you get to enjoy my Harry Potter experience too, it deserved its on Youtube video (below).
So here are few stolen moments from my Notting Hill trip
along with a recap video of carnival Sunday & Monday.
Scorch _uck Work
Pon De Roof
Ruk a Tuck
Kind strangers sharing their booze and cigs after Tribe Ignite
Minimal amount of tourist mode
Geeked Out!
Got to see the famous Tower Bridge only because it was next to my hotel
Jouvert with Chocolate Nation Mas
I met this lovely young lady Jamaica Carnival 2016 & she wore her new collar to Knotting Hill carnival the next year and now she plays mas in the kiddie carnival :-)
Monday mas w/ Chocolate Nation as well
Shout out to my Carnivam Compadres
She was TOO cute to not give my collar too, super early in the day.
I had this idea, what if I bought a $15 flight that I didn't plan on utilizing just so I could go to the airport lounge & drink up all the free booze.
I had a received a few questions so I should elaborate a bit
1) How did I gain access to the lounge? I have a Priority Pass membership. Priority Pass is a network of about 1,200 airport lounges world wide. You can get a Priority Pass membership free with various credit cards such as Amex Platinum, Hilton Surpass Amex, Citi Prestige, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex, Ritz Carlton Card, Mastercard Black, etc. Feel free to use my referral link for the Hilton Surpass Amex.
2) Are there really airlines that only charge $15 for flights? Yes, but these are budget airlines. Don't book a flight thinking you are going to get the same amenities others airlines provide. They charge for bags, seat assignments, snacks/refreshments, there is no wifi, no outlets, minimal legroom and seats don't recline.
