When you move to a new town, a number of things change. In my case, Carnival is part of that. I often just stay in the immediate area and go out with my friends there. And that circle of friends has changed now, so it's taking some getting used to. Some people like it, but celebrating Carnival in the big city isn't my favorite. I prefer to celebrate Carnival with my friends in my own town or a nearby town. Sometimes I go back to the town where I lived for a while and know a lot of people. But Carnival on my own isn't something I do very often. And don't get me wrong, everyone has their own way. It's just not my thing to go to the city or a festival during Carnival. Dancing and singing along to cheesy hits, in the town where you know everyone (or almost everyone). That's Carnival for me. And of course, during the day, watching parades with family or friends and enjoying all the hard work they've put in. That's always wonderful!

My boyfriend is from north of the rivers , so he didn't grow up there like I did. Still, he comes along, and he thinks it's really (or really) fun! Now that I have a full-time job, I don't have the time to spend all day every day on it. It's possible, but I think it's a waste, and if you ask me, it's all about balance. So I often choose to work half days and then go out in the evenings. It depends on my friends' and my plans whether I work mornings or evenings. Maybe I'm just getting old or wise, that's also possible. Either way, this is the best way for me to do it. Everyone has to find their own balance. Since my boyfriend doesn't think it's important to celebrate, he only comes along on weekends, but he doesn't ask for time off. I wonder if that will ever change...