West Indies next door

On the way to the Bronx Zoo we heard about the West Indies Day parade was taking place in 30 minutes just a few blocks down the road. We changed our mind and quoting Jeremy found ourselves in a "third world experience." Well, not sure how many worlds are there but this one was something.

First we saw our senator, mayor and state attorney general. Then lots and lots of police officers, correction facility officers...

Then we got to a good part. Costumes and sort of dancing with very little clothes on. People were celebrating their roots. I didn't realize how many countries there are.

We got some Jamaican spicy sea food. It tasted fine. Shrimp was really good. Later on we got sick from it.... there comes the third world part of the story.

Celebration went into the late night. This year there was no shootings or stabbings. Thanks to a dominant present of police in trucks, cars, helicopters, bikes, bicycles, horses and walking.

This was a once in the lifetime sort of a thing. We left quite soon and headed for the Central Park zoo. It was worth it because we saw a polar bear swim and play. When Jeremy and I saw this giant jumping in the water and yelled, Sonia was all excited and chatting about the ball in the water ;-) Some see a bear some like balls better...