As a Carnival newbie, I’m learning that I’m way more stubborn than I like to admit 😭. When the older locals and Carnival vets said “PACE YOURSELF,” I should’ve listened. I’m a Jamaican living in Mexico (two countries that KNOW how to have a spirited time 😂) so I thought they were being dramatic. They were not! And when they offer you that “little sip” of fire water aka puncheon?! It is NOT little. It is NOT friendly. It does NOT care about your plans for tomorrow. So let me be your Carnival newbie bestie for a second to prepare you for next year: Drink water. Eat real food. Sit down when you can. And for the love of all things Carnival… say NO to the fire water (at least before noon 😭). I’m listening now. #trinidad #carnival #trinidadandtobago #tribecarnival #puncheon