Angela Philipps, Contributor

I told you I'd remind you, didn't I? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this time in 10 weeks you should be packing your bags to head down to Trinidad and Tobago to PLAY MAS! Sadly, due to certain commitments, I shall not be going myself. But I've booked my bed for 2009 already!

In the meantime, it's not too late for those of you who have not signed up for a costume to do so now. Whether it's Tribe, Island People or Hart's, there are still spaces to be taken. Simply 'google' (we seemed to have coined a new verb in the 21st century!) Trinidad Carnival 2008 and you'll have all sorts of websites to choose from. You'll be able to take a peak at which parties are on and where to go.

Last year it was Bacchanal Wednesday, Island People's Thursday night party, Girl Power and Soca Monarch on Friday, going 'down di islands' over the weekend, Coco Devils J'ouvert VERY early Monday morning, and then Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Phew! Then we all piled exhaustedly on the plane back to Jamaica.

A word of caution to all you party animals out there … pace yourselves! It is non-stop, and if you go head on at full blast into the drinking and the wining, then you'll be dropping down in the hot sun on 'Fat Tuesday', and no one will even notice that something's wrong. Last year there were one or two sprained ankles, five toes under a cart's wheel, several grazed knees, asthma attacks and at least a drama of passing out! Not to mention those of us who couldn't find our band after a bathroom break!

I'm making it sound like hell, aren't I? It's not at all. You will have one of the best weeks of your life. The people are fantastic - both in looks and demeanour. There is no better time to visit our fellow West Indian country than the days leading up to the beginning of lent. Everyone is in a good mood, and those Trinidadians who dislike carnival will be off to Tobago, leaving the revellers dancing in the street, literally.

Worth every penny

Carnival is not cheap, but if you're single in the city with no commitments, it's worth every penny spent. I'm telling you this now, because if you add up and save all the money you would dish out for Christmas parties this year, you'd be surprised at what you could raise for the February fete fund! And while you're weighing up your economical options, don't forget to start watching your own weight and fitness. Trinis take their training for Carnival very seriously. For sure, they're already hitting the gyms, and running up the hills of Maraval and around the Savannah in Port of Spain. Man, even some of my friends have been going to the Mona dam for months now, all in preparation for their post-New Year's trip!

So what if you're not up to the full expense or fitness levels? Don't panic. Just pick and choose what suits you best. My recommendations would be to save the partying for J'ouvert and Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Yes, you can dabble in a session or two before, but don't feel as if you have to go to every event. True, there is nothing quite like seeing Destra Garcia, Machel Montana or Iwer George perform in their own land, but don't waste your dollars or energy on the 'pay parties' if it means you'll have to sacrifice your last days in Trinidad. You won't find anything close to what you'll experience in the last 48 hours of your vacation!

So, my dear Jamaican sisters and brothers, get on line, on the phone, whatever it takes. You only have 10 weeks to go!

angelaphilippsja@hotmail.com