We took the kids to their first ever Gasparilla celebration. It was SO much fun, but man am I tired!
If you're not familiar with Gasparilla, it's kind of like Mardi Gras on the water. Boats of all kinds - from multimillion dollar yachts, to tiny fishing boats, to gigantic pirate ships - "invade" the harbor and throw beads from their boats to the hundreds of people lining the shore.
It's a very old tradition here in Tampa, one that many people take very seriously by joining pirate "Krewes." But for people like us who aren't really tied in to the history behind it, it's mostly just a fun way to spend the afternoon. Especially people watching. WOW... there was some great people watching!
Here's a brief summary in photos:
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| This is what a typical boat looks like. Packed with people throwing beads at the onlookers. |
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| The kids (and adults) stand on the water's edge yelling for people to throw them beads. |
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| This guy made some amazing bead catches! |
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| Some people party like it really is Mardi Gras. This guy was passed out at 11:30 a.m.! |
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| Then the big pirate ship invades the harbor, shooting off "cannons" and signaling the start of the street parade. |
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| How many people would you guess are on this ship?!? |
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| We had a wonderful time with our good friends who live right by the water and spent the night after the parade. |
Monday:
- Chicken Nachos (Shredded chicken, black beans, shredded cheese sprinkled over Tostito chips and warmed through under the broiler)
Tuesday:
- Garlic Rosemary Oven-Roasted Pork Loin
- Oven-roasted potatoes
- Broccoli
Wednesday:
- Black beans & yellow rice (Goya brand for both - I follow the black bean recipe on the back of the can except I don't add as much water as they recommend)
- Crock Pot Chicken Parisienne over brown rice
- Green beans
- Biscuits
Friday:
Pizza & salad, or take out
Pretty simple week of cooking, which is great for me.
I hope everyone's week is off to a good start!
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