Haiti - Day 1

April 6, 2019

So...I’m in Haiti! How did this happen? I’ve wanted to explore here for many years but it seemed to be constant obstacles for me with the great tragedies of hurricanes, earthquakes, and political upheaval.

As I was searching for a late winter/early spring destination, I was stumped. Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines...both above my price cap. Venezuela...well I don’t need to say anything more, now do I. I looked at Bermuda but I’ve really saved that for when I’m just bored and need a really really quick getaway.

Then, it came to me. The place that has been so high in my list but so out of reach...I should try, Haiti is usually quite pricey so...didn’t hold out much hope but when the config finished, I had ticket options below $400. We. Have a winner.

The next day I was bragging about my success when it was brought to my attention that there had been rioting in Port au Prince. Oh no...what now? I emailed the 3 Airbnb’s I was considering. They all said that the rioting had been over for a week and that it was the opposition party trying to oust the president. Well...I can’t say too much about that...now can I.

A friend of a friend, at the state department said I was fine to go. As I’d already purchased he ticket and honestly been through worse...Haiti here I come.

My research lead me to some side trips in a particular area of the south coast, they were expensive tours. It finally came to me that maybe I needed to just check out Jacmel as it is the cultural heart of Haiti,

I’ll tell you more about that later. Let’s just say...I made the right move.

Work stress has really gotten to me. I’d even considered canceling the trip...never made me feel better the few times I’ve actually done it. I did my best to prepare for my absence...of two days. Yes, I know it’s crazy but even a long weekend away is significant to my business. Ugh

Anyway, I got it at 4am, without too much trouble. Wow...it’s been a while since I’ve done that,

The Uber took 12 minutes to get there...what’s up with that? Then he let me out in the wrong spot at terminal B...really?! Fortunately, TSA Precheck get me though security very quickly.

On time departure and some sleep here and there really helped me. Not a bad flight. I did have Belgian waffle with Nutella and berries (preordered). That’s the way to go.

In Miami, I remembered that I needed to get some cash. That and my bagel stop had me in the group 9 people instead or priority. Omg...is that what other people deal with?! I’ll do without next time. It was a full flight and we were even late leaving due to stupid people...all in front of me. For all of these people, next time, take the boat instead of my plane.

Screaming baby, tour group taking, am I in hell?!

I made it through.

Somehow I got through Immigration and to customs without paying the $10 visa charge that was not on the forms or signed anywhere. Anyway...after a staring contest, the agent had some one take me to a desk and pay my $10 and I went on my way with no fanfare.

Exiting the customs area, and to the terminal, I was accosted by numerous people offering their transport services. But it is in the matter how many times I told him that I had transport, they kept trying. This one man kept trying to get me to follow him but I saw a sign with my name on it until the man thank you but I was taken care of.

Remember to sign happens to be a one armed man. He took me to find a driver for my journey, and of course with expectation of a tip for the assistance. That’s fine, I gave him two dollars and he was good with that.

There was a guy in tagging along I could speak pretty good English. He told me the story of being at the airport I am finding out that is passport was expired. He was saying that this is why you couldn’t leave to go to New York. Not likely but he was hitting on my back to Jacmel on my dime.

We were in an older Toyota van, actually had air-conditioning, but rattle and shake with every bump. Getting out of Port-au-Prince was pretty much a cluster! We were going nowhere fast and with no lane markings there were at least four lanes of cars and what should’ve been three and no understanding of why we weren’t going anywhere. All I can say is eventually, eventually we ended up breaking free. It’s inconsistent that as this was Saturday afternoon, with each village we entered, traffic was horrible was market gas station ram overflows tutors cars piled up onto the street this is crazy it was a comment saying my house to try pig looking for somme treasure buried within. I also saw cows and chickens and goats, and even a donkey.

It was Very sad when one of the many dogs that I would see running across the street as all the traffic was past by, had his head crushed by a tire. I witnessed the aftermath😞

We reached a point where we started ascending. The path was across mountains and beautiful valleys back across mountains again and finally reaching the south coast. The land was quite varied on that part of the journey, very rocky and rugged to green lush valleys, terraced like Vietnam.

Finally at the hotel, I entered the picturesque courtyard, just as in all the photos that I had seen.

The manager checked me in and the Bellman showed me to my room and attempted to unlock the door. As this was not working and went down for a second set of keys. There seem to be a problem with the lock and whether it would stay locked or potential he not unlock. Also the fans about work. He went downstairs to find an alternative and an upgrade. He returned and tired of me too a room with a larger bed and a very nice location. At this point the manager walked in and said I have another room for you to consider. I walked with him to a very spacious room with tall ceilings, with beams, and a king size 4 post bed. I’ll take it.

I settled in and changed into shorts. I was already very hot and sweaty. I meandered my way back to the front desk taking pictures along the way. This place is so photogenic. At the front desk I mentioned my interest in the art of the town in it’s artist also manager introduced me to Enrico, A local guy and his English was America. This would be helpful in my understanding the details surrounding the city that’s hard and it’s history.

We walked around from shop to shop with a bit of history in between. Some people would stop and immediately begin putting down canvases for me to look at. Sometimes two or three will be doing it at the same time. This is really a bit much. I just wanted to experience first it took me to some shops with different specialties. There were paintings on canvas. There were painted papier-mâché mask, metal art, and carved wood art also.

I met an artist named France and he doesn’t have a shop, he used to before the earthquake. Now he draws on pieces of cloth play pen and ink and sells to whomever he walks up to. He showed me some of his work, had three pieces with him. He was obviously very talented, Has his own unique voice. Several of the pieces were scenes of the city but there was one that looked a bit abstract but was the rubble from the earthquake… Very interesting. This is not something our time anywhere else but he had included his experience in his work. At first he wanted more money than I was looking to pay for a piece of art. I really wanted to look around before making a decision on anything. He was leaving the next day and wanted $80 for the earthquake piece, That’s a lot more than I normally pay for working so hard when I travel. I do agree to purchase and $30 it’s not the greatest of all story behind it is very interesting and personal c that’s a lot more than I normally pay for working so hard when I travel. I do agree to purchase and $30 it’s not the greatest of all story behind it is very interesting and personal so I’m happy to Have it.

We stopped at a gallery When are a few of the towns more prominent artist are on display. One of the artist really speaks to me in his work is a unique perspective and shows a love for this town. I took a photograph of the one that I like and she was asking $80 for it. I may have to return them and offer her a lesser price, if it is to be my own.

We didn’t make the finals st One of the artist really speaks to me all his work is are unique respective and shows a lot for this town. I took a photograph of the one that I like and she was asking $80 for it. I may have to return them and offer her a lesser price, if it is the email

We didn’t make the final stop at a gallery that was showcasing all the different types of traditional Haitian art. At one of the local painters on display really intrigued me and I decided to bargain hard and hope for the best. I did successfully purchased the small painting for $20 and I’m very happy with that. I know I shouldn’t have everything… You should always do you want to hang or something… A memory. I can get the other container for a reasonable price then I will leave here with three pieces of art. That’s not what I usually do but if it’s meant to be then I will have it.

He showed me more of the town and it’s architecture. The old market which is it ruins right now but will be rebuilt for a tourist arts Center. The old market which was the food market has been moved about 30 minutes away. It’s sad that the businesses that support that old market cap all moved closer to the new market. This is created an awesome gulf between the old market at the new market.

The architecture of Jacmel is certainly familiar as the Creole brought these designs to Louisiana. The plantation style, the bayou shanty style, and even French “New Orleans” style are all over the place here.

Returning to the hotel, I took a break and then headed to the Cozy Café for dinner. I had a nice salad, a Panini, and a rum sour. It was all very good and the drink was pretty awesome. I will have another.

I retired for the evening, wrote a bit, posted some pictures, and relaxed

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