Superbowl Weekend

The Superbowl is finally upon us!  It's been crazy to be here this week. So much energy and excitement and of course, so many PEOPLE everywhere I go. It's been really fun, even though I don't think I could possibly care less about the football part of it! Lots of music, people in great moods, and food for sale on the street. Almost every night here already feels like a summer night, but this week, it's been even better. I am SO excited about upcoming Mardi Gras week.

Yesterday my roommate Sarah & I got up early to go check out the Celebrity Beach Bowl, which took place in a ginormous tent next to the Convention Center and Mardi Gras World (less than a ten-minute walk from our house). We made mimosas and (legally! how crazy is that) drank them in line, because, I mean, how often is the Superbowl in your town? Almost never. We only had to wait a few minutes to get in, and while we waited we were regaled by high school marching bands. They really are serious about the marching bands here.

Mardi Gras World is basically a gigantic warehouse where Mardi Gras floats are assembled and built. It's full of half-finished floats and souvenirs from years past-- giant Charlie Chaplin heads, twice-lifesize Reggie Bush statues, and a manta ray the size of a small car. Just to name a few. Also the world's largest mural made of beads. I can't speak for the size of any other murals made of beads, but this one was pretty impressive. All of this made for a carnival-funhouse atmosphere, and we amused ourselves by taking photo booth pictures, playing weather people in front of a green screen (I have the video) and playing unreleased video games (the appeal of which was completely lost on me). The boardwalk between Mardi Gras World and the tent for the Beach Bowl was full of food & outdoor games and a ton of Ravens & 49ers fans. The Beach Bowl itself was fun, it was cool to see Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Lolo Jones, Deion Sanders, Shawn Johnson, the Mannings, etc. etc. etc. up close. To answer your questions: yes they are all extremely short, and most of them are actually pretty awkward interacting with each other and also kind of weird looking. It's strange to see humans wearing so much makeup in real life.

The Superbowl is actually happening right this moment, and Sarah & I are studying with it on in the background. Hope y'all are having a lovely Sunday night!