Tom,

>Carnival is of course a celebration, which seems to have been a tradition to enjoy a huge party before the beginning of Lent, and as we all know, Brazil has the world’s largest celebration. I have been in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, and once was enough. I would like to see Carnival in Brazil.

Be my guest ! :)

>
>In San Francisco, the gay and lesbian community celebrates Carnival during the month of May, and it has nothing to do with Lent or Easter. I make a point to miss that celebration, as it does not interest me.

This party possesses a connotation much more politics than of party.. They are trying to find a "position" in the society and this party is used to show themselves.. (IMO, they got in the party, a so much more negative impression than the positive)

>
>In Germany Carnival is called “Fasching”. During Fashing in 1963 I met a man from Germany named Karl and his fiancée from Peru, Lucy. I married Lucy’s sister Enriqueta (Katy), 37 years ago and that was the happiest event of my life, and I enjoy every day more and more because of Katy!

How nyce ! You and Katy, must go there for at least one time in each year to renew all the spirit of yours relationship ! :)

Claudio