Haiti - Day 2

April 7, 2019

The club next-door was pumping out loud and thumping music until after 3 AM. This would normally affect me less as I travel with earplugs and I mask but I forgot them at home. I tried my best with a pillow over one here while laying on my side but that wasn’t proving to be effective. I did have the ceiling fan on and then an oscillating fan also. At some point in the night the ceiling fan started making a very loud squealing sound and I had to turn it off. Sleep was not coming to me easily.

I had my alarm set for 9 AM but reset it several times and finally got up close to 11. I feel tired or a bit sick, I wasn’t sure.

I meant to check the shower last night but forgot to. I wanted to check and see if I would have water pressure and or warm water. So, I turned it on and waited for discovery. There were three knobs and I wasn’t quite sure what each would be responsible for as it wasn’t quite obvious. I got the shower head to come on and there was cold water coming out. I turned another handle and it fell off into my hands. I put it back on and continue to turn and the water pressure increased. There was no difference in temperature… Room temperature.

It was at least some water coming out if not a strong strain. This is something to be thankful for. Upon getting into the shower and I realize that there was a hose coming out of the wall below and that was operated by the third knob. That was strange but hey whatever. The water wasn’t too cold after a minute of getting used to it. It was very hard water and so tough to clean myself but, again, I had water.

All clean, a protein shake and a bag packed I had it out for some thing to eat. The café next-door was quickly becoming my hang out and that is where I went. I had the same Panini as yesterday evening due to them not having a breakfast menu. It was 1130 right now so what was I to expect.

I literally ate and enjoyed a strong Internet connection to post pictures of yesterday’s walk around the town. I was still thinking about some of the art that I had seen. Some of it was of continued interest and some of it was just provocative.

I walked down to the promenade so I can have a walk along the beach as it was unexpectedly sunny. The cul-de-sac at the promenade was filled with guys on scooters but they quickly left as I was approaching. I was actually a little happy about that.

I quickly ran into Frantz, the pen and ink artist from yesterday. He had said that he would be leaving this morning to visit his son in Port-au-Prince. This is why he was negotiating so hard to sell me one of his pieces. I did not regret helping him due to his story but I also found connection with his piece. Finding them today and his very weak explanation as to why he was here, let me know. He said that he was able to leave due to barricades between here in Port-au-Prince. As I have come for Port-au-Prince yesterday and had no barricades in my way, I didn’t believe him. We had conversation for probably 30 to 45 minutes surrounding various topics. We talked about vegetarianism, economic impact of tourism, and stereotypes, just to name a few. he then brought up offering me a gift of a pen and ink of the rooster that I had seen yesterday. He remembered that the colorful bird was of interest to me. He quickly went from a gift to $10 or $20. So I discovered that he was just as opportunistic as everyone else. I should not be surprised but sometimes I feel like there is a different connection when people discover that I’m not a “tourist”. Anyway...

Finally continuing on, I was immediately accosted by the guy who was standing close by during my conversation. He started rambling on and I kept trying to stop him. I was telling him that I was interested in whatever he had to offer for sale. He kept telling me that he wasn’t trying to sell me something that he was trying to tell me something but as I had already learned from the previous day such conversations were consistently about extracting dollars. I just wanted to enjoy my time.

I left him behind and continued my walk as I did hear in the background him arguing with Frantz. A short walk along the promenade, away from town, I found myself being followed or my past intentionally crossed by numerous people that would just stare at me. As I usually do I tried being friendly and it either was returned by friendliness or it would walk the other direction. Either one was fine with me. I just wanted the person to know that I saw them… Not ignoring them.

I decided to walk back towards town center hoping it would be a little safer to do that. The beach there was not pretty as it was much trash but the water was still blue green and the setting, in general, worth the time.

Along the waterfront there were some small vendors selling hats or candy or some even some cheap souvenirs probably from China. I haven’t seen much of that but here it was.

I saw a sign that was for gallery. I know this word is used liberally but there was additional wording surrounding Metalcraft, wood craft, and even mosaics. As I looked I guy approached me and asked if I was interested in taking a look. He said that he wasn’t trying to sell me anything. If I found something interesting it was fine but he just wanted me to come and take a look at his work.

He told me he was a teacher and that some of the work was that the students. Some of the work was his and then the rest were artist of higher caliber. I thought this was odd that he would say such a thing as all art is subjective.

I walked through a doorway and there was a courtyard with a number of people hanging out. It didn’t feel the most safe but I continued cautiously. I had no guide with me. In the courtyard there was the most strange yet beautiful art made from reclaimed objects. Some of the items even look like they could be used in the practice of voodoo… Seriously. One of my favorites, but very creepy, was Adele’s head on what look like crab legs.

I entered the building, no lights on, again very cautious. I did survey the space and saw that there was exit onto the commercial Street on the other side of the building. I proceeded it

I asked if I could take photos of any of the art. He responded with if I did not make a purchase then he would just ask that I make a donation. I felt that this was fair as in many calories I’ve visited around the world I had paid a small price to view.

I was very impressed with the exhibit of art and how varied it was. There were obvious political statements being made, life in the town, And many abstracts which might also include some world view point. I did see paintings who’s inspiration was obvious… Picasso, Gaugin, and Kandinsky, to name a few.

He had papier-mâché pieces such as dragons that were worn during their Carnaval celebrations. I particularly unique piece was a tree trunk sized piece of driftwood who is smooth branches have been carved to reveal a Faces or snakes face/tail… Very unusual.

And has attached shop, there were gift shop size pieces of all of the things in his gallery but there was one piece that was incredibly unique. There was a 3 foot high rooster that was made out of strips cut from soda bottles and then will win together. I have never seen anything like this before. That is truly extreme creativity. Definitely there was an artist with a view point so determined to get out that any medium he could use…he would and did find a way. Even an extreme poverty creativity finds its way to the surface.

I was very happy that I had made the stop as it was putting a smile on my face after my trying time at the beach. I walked back to the hotel, storm clouds in the distance, with a thought to relaxing in the courtyard, being at peace.

I sat there for several hours had a rocking chair. The ambience of the old house with blinds creeping over the walls, white flowers springing forth, was just what I needed.

I wasn’t feeling very well and I wasn’t sure what the problem was so just sitting here and relaxing was the best thing for me. I did have a few chats with friends in different countries. I find that when I’m away it is a perfect time to catch up with you for that I have not had the time due to being so busy. I am thankful for the time and do you try to use it to reconnect with those important to me.

5 o’clock… The loud music start