Nottinghill Carnival 2014 - Do's & Dont's

So it's that time of summer again, when the official party to end summer takes place. Yes it's Nottinghill Carnival, the biggest free party in Europe.

As a proud Dominican via way of both parents, I get happy for my birthday and Carnival. Now it's time to get turnt up one last major way for Nottinghill Carnival (unless you're going to Miami Carnival in October). But some people are still virgins to Carnival, whether going Nottinghill Carnival or taking a proper sewo (that means party, jump up, going ham etc.....) by experiencing a West Indian Carnival. So I thought maybe I could assist with some DO's and DONT's for getting the best out of Carnival.

DON'T - KFC x MCD's etc.....

Listen Carnival is a time to get some authentic West Indian food, from Rotis to Jerk Chicken with Rice Peas and Coleslaw to Plantain with anything, Curried Goat and more!! Please don't be having flashes for food like KFC or McD's etc...... You can have that anytime of the year, so give your stomach a break and love it properly by enjoying some real seasoned, flavoured and properly cooked food. You'll thank me later. 

DO - Take A Whine (It Never Hurt Nobody)

I live by the notion, different strokes for different folks. Now it's almost disrespectful to go to any Carnival and not have a little whine with someone. Listen whining ain't for everybody but everyone has a 2mintue at least of whining deep inside their soul that has been building up for months or years for some people. Well this weekend LET IT OUT!! There is a code that you have to beware of to know that you can indeed get the whine, and if you get it correct they boy oh boy. You and your friend in your pants while be looking back on Carnival with fond memories. Now the code is something like this, little eye contact for the female you really want to enjoy your time with, once that has been done (if you ain't whined before) play close attention to the rhythm of her body. If you're feeling brave don't you dare hold back, you attack that bumper like there is no tomorrow and attack it like the bumper was calling your name via rotation from the waist. It's all a collaboration. If that doesn't work, show you brought up with manners and just ask. HOWEVER.......

DON'T - Harass For A Whine!

Gentlemen this goes out to you and all of us (doesn't include women because I've never seen a guy get harassed for a dance by a female). Women like to have fun in many ways and formats, and dancing is one of their most favourite ways to have fun. But if she looks like she's giving you the code (see above's DO) but when you attempt to capitalise on it she moves away once your body gets in contact with hers, please don't try to grab her or pull her or what alot of jackasses deem ok to do scream abuse at her. It's lame it's dumb and yes the bigger picture is maybe she wants to dance with someone who smells fresh, looks clean and knows how to tame her wild waistline..... I'm on my way ASAP!!
DO - Represent Your Country

London is a multi-cultural hotspot, so this particular time of year you can further represent your country. You got a flag bring that with you and rock it proud, let people know your country is up in this party. Snap you might even meet fellow countrymen/women who you build a rapport with and pow just like that, made some new friends. 
DON'T - Spend All Day At  One Sound System

You're ears deserve better, nobody likes to hear the same thing over and over and over again. I get it you like a certain genre of music that is called after something we all live in, but it's Carnival. Go experience some authentic Soca and Calypso,  I know from seeing clips you ain't getting a whine from nobody when House music is being played. #Fact because the to busy cutting shapes to build more houses.
DON'T - Be A Fiend For Alcohol 

Its the freakin weekend and everyone wants to get turnt up in their own particular way. We all want to get from 0-100 real quick to get the vibe popping. Carnival is once a year and everyone should enjoy it to the fullest. But that's with knowing your limit, and at least try not to go Carnival way passed your limit and looking like a hot mess. It ain't cool if you're a guy and it ain't sexy if you're a woman. You act a fool on the roads, random people who never knew you are will never see you again, will judge you right there and then. So please drink responsibly (in my most authority type voice).

DO - Taste The Rum

Get to Carnival and enjoy some Rum, leave the petty spirits of Bacardi etc.... and have some authentic Rum to warm your cockles. Mix it with some fruit juices, unless you want to get your heart bumping like a rabbit on a trampoline. Then mix it with Redbull but only hardcore crazy heads to that mixture.

DON'T - Think A Dance Is A Relationship

If a Woman or Man who is truly into the Carnival vibe allows you to dance with them, please don't think they want your hand in marriage. NO they don't care what you ate for dinner, no they don't care if you got kids. They don't care if you have a pet hamster and no they don't want your number just because they let you get a little whine. If they do want to find out any of the above, they'll ask. But don't hog up the day with that one person and become known as the "Whine Blocker". Some tags you just don't need in your life.
DO - Have A Damn Good Time

Again just like your birthday this comes round once a year. Carnival is a time to celebrate life, leave any problems or issues at home and just have a great time. Respect the police (some actually are ok, "some") and just enjoy the experience. Guys some of the most beautiful women London and rest of the country has to offer will be present, so have a fresh mouth and clean armpits to be on your A game. Ladies we will be there in full force, we ain't all the same, but when it comes to whining you will see the difference between the boys and the men. On that note ladies and gentlemen have fun!