Yesterday we went to Carnival opening. The only reason I agreed to go is beacause all these big events are one big advertisement and sometimes they give away free stuff! So, we kept asking around and we eventually ended up on some steps downtown. Fifteen minutes later, a dog walked up and lay down by the steps. But, before you hear that story, you have to hear this story…
We had just pulled into Dominica, and we had to go to customs. Unfortunately, I had to come along. After about 15 minutes, my sister said, “Mama, there’s a dog following us,”. And sure enough, there was a little tan dog with big ears, which looked like it had puppies or was going to have puppies. A few minutes later, we passed a bar with two dogs outside. We all looked back, and sure enough, there was the dog. The two dogs went over to sniff it, and we thought we’d lost it for sure. But a minute later, who came into view, but the dog. Thirty minutes later, when we walked into customs, the dog was right behind us. When we went inside, it sat down on the steps to wait. We saw our friends from Scott-free who we met on a river tour with our guide. After we told them about he dog, they left, and the dog got up to follow them. At the gate, the dog paused and looked back at us for a few seconds, before running after them.
Now, back to the present. Right down to the Chinese-like markings on its collar, it was the same dog! After a while, my dad decided to go get fried chicken, and he asked us if we wanted some. While we were eating our chicken, four dogs came up and parked themselves by the first one. Later, we heard some loud music and saw a truck inching its way toward us. Then, when it was about twenty-five yards away, it stopped. Thirty minutes later, some people in costumes with plastic strips glued all over and fright masks, started parading down the street. After these people, who I have nick-named the evil chickens, had walked down the street a couple of times, my dad and I decided to go down and see what was the hold-up. Nothing much was happening. There were some people drinking beer and sitting around.
When we came back, a lady had taken my spot and my dad asked, “Hey, do you know what the hold-up is?” She said, “Oh, they’re just setting up for the parade. It takes a while.” And sure enough, thirty minutes later, the truck started moving again. Let me tell you, it was loud! If I didn’t have my ears plugged, I’d be deaf by sixteen! I also know why Portland has an open container law. People were drinking rum straight from the bottle and getting refills from people in the trucks.
Now, my dad had had enough of waiting, so he said it was time to go. When we were walking back to the boat, a few trucks were giving away stuff. I got a hot pink blackberry shopping bag and three pieces of candy, but I ate them.
