When I was five years old, my father was murdered on Lundi Gras Day in New Orleans, Louisiana. That moment in time began a journey that changed my life forever. After that devastating day, my mother could not bear to live in New Orleans anymore. Against my grandfather's wishes, she took me away with her to live in Rio de Janeiro with my father's family. For ten years, we traveled together around the Caribbean, Central and South America visiting the Carnival People and trying to forget what we lost. My mother was looking for clues and a reason for my father's unexpected death. Just when you thought you knew New Orleans, I am back They say Mardi Gras Day is a time to forget all of your troubles. Here is what happened on my Mardi Gras Day: I lost the person that was closer to me than anyone else. I was supposed to mask for the first time as a Mardi Gras Indian Princess . . . But, I ended up on the run and fighting for my life. I learned more about the Backstreet Carnival Culture than I ever wanted to know. In order to survive, I must train and learn the art of being a Mardi Gras Indian. Welcome to Carnival Time. You will never be young again I AM IZZY RIO.