This is more of a note to self (so I don't have to google them again) than a blog... but there's places and carnivals I know I must visit before I am tied down, committed, or ... simply getting old!!! Here's the selections I've found, feel free to put your name next to it if you like to come along! hehe!! Rio Carnival - top of my list!!! Thinking of plans already
Where: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil When: February to March (from the Saturday before Lent to Shrove Tuesday) Rio Carnivalcommonly believed that the origins of this event date back to pagan celebrations in ancient Rome or Greece. Today the focal point of the festival is the much loved Samba Parade, which often lasts for several weeks surrounding the main Carnival. The parade dates back to the 1930s and is broadcast on TV in several countries. Unfortunately, the tickets can be pricey but the incredible costumes, intricately decorated floats and electric atmosphere make it an awe-inspiring experience. In addition to the Samba there are dozens of costume balls, free street parties and the largest gathering of transvestites anywhere in the world. Unaccustomed visitors might consider attempting the "Mick Dundee test" before heading home with a stranger for the night. La Tomatina Where: Bunol, (Valencia region) Spain - mm possible after my Rio Carnival plans.. mmm When: August 27 It's the only place you'll be actively encouraged to pelt those around you with rotting tomatoes. Each year tens of thousands of people descend on this normally sparsely populated town to take part in an epic, yet ludicrous, battle. After shopkeepers and business owners have boarded up their windows, the blasting of water cannons signifies the start of an hour-long descent into mushy, red chaos. Held in honour of the town's patron saints, the festival's origins date back roughly to the end of World War II. Typically, it's an every-man-for-himself affair once the madness begins but the fights always seem to take place in good spirit. It is estimated that revellers will plough through about 130,000 kilograms of tomatoes during La Tomatina. Leave your favorite clubbing shirt at home for this one. Later in my 20s...Burning Man - omg.. this is both insanely scary, yet fabulously wild fun!Where: Nevada, US When: First Monday in September Everyone should experience this madness in the desert at least once in their life. This increasingly popular event takes its name from the ceremonial burning of a 40-foot wooden man on the Saturday before Labor Day. The act is supposed to symbolise the renewal of life but also creates a great opportunity for people to dance like lunatics around a roaring fire. A fairly new addition to the world festival list, Burning Man began in 1986 and was conceived by artist Larry Harvey. Initially it was hosted on a San Francisco beach with only a handful of people in attendance. It has since become something of an annual pilgrimage to the desert for arty, alternative types. Visitors to Burning Man should be prepared to sweat it out in intense heat and can expect to see anything from neon painted fire twirlers to mock battles in Mad Max type-domes. Not for the faint-hearted. Oktoberfest - can be last on my list since I've already been to Bavaria for 10 weeks...Where: Munich, Germany When: Mid September to early October You're a big fan of beer. When it comes to a good old-fashioned, thigh-slapping, bench-banging, knees-up, Oktoberfest in all its beer swilling glory takes some serious beating. The festival dates back to the early 19th century after a mammoth celebration took place to commemorate a royal wedding. Not many people would claim to remember this, however, and the world's largest public festival is now an unashamed excuse for riotous beer guzzling. With about 14 main beer tents to choose from, Oktoberfest attracts an estimated 7 million visitors each year. Most tents consist of long tables and benches, where strangers can sit side-by-side swapping stories to a traditional German musical accompaniment played by men in lederhosen. Visitors may also enjoy being served their favourite brew by beer wenches in traditional attire. Their ability to carry several heavy stein glasses in each hand has to be seen to be believed. Then definitely Mama Africa in Peru. Even Akon sang about Mama Africa! Cusco, Peru. Everyone that goes to South America wants to see Machu Picchu. Everyone that sees Machu Picchu has to go to Cusco. Everyone that goes to Cusco seems to wind up at a club called Mama Africa's at about 3am. Enjoy. But remember: pick up one of the "easy" locals, and you might not be getting what you bargained for. | 
It tasted good too (sauce that is).. still need work on my poaching technique.. Any ideas feel free to forward! I am truly domesticated now.
Grete Schickedanz... I don't think I can ever be as amazing and successful as you.. but at least I can try.
