Viewing the Gasparilla event as a perfect lead-in to my birthday, I took a bus downtown with much anticipation.

Arriving mid-city, I found many streets blocked off. Spectators here and there could be seen slowly making their way towards some unknown destination.

My target was the Convention Center. This appeared to be the best vantage point to see the pirates sail into town. On the way there, the trappings of a carnival atmosphere became more and more apparent.

Along the waterfront it was obvious that I had picked the right spot. Thousands of onlookers were milling about, each poised to observe the spectacle ahead.