Cap Haitien: Day One

Our apologies for the delay. Our time in Cap Haitien was spent without access to internet connection. The following post is from Friday:

After an early morning flight—that put Timmy in a very unhappy mood—the team and I found ourselves at the northeastern tip of Haiti. The scenery was absolutely stunning with the jagged peaks juxtaposed by the calm Caribbean sea. Unfortunately, the city of Cap Haitien was not as aesthetically pleasing. Sanitation is a massive concern along the waterways and through the streets. I recall driving over a small canal that fed into the open water. Such a sight would have been beautiful had it not been riddled with burning trash and feces. GAG.

After a winding trip through the city to see the ICC Cap Haitien headquarters, we were treated to lunch at nice Haitian bakery/deli. Little did we know what culinary surprise awaited us. The vegetarians in the group—aka Wesley and Melody—were served a mound of rice with a wad of iceberg lettuce; Timmy was given a hamburger he deemed questionable; Brian and I were served a mysterious meat we later learned was goat kidney; Katie and Catherine were given turkey sandwiches; and Kylee was never actually served. Good news: we all survived. Bad news: the majority of the group was still hungry when we departed. We took time to digest as we made our way to Joli Trou. The ride was long (and bumpy) but when we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the villagers. The people of Joli Trou have easily been the most hospitable Haitians we have encountered in our time here. A brief introduction was followed by a formal welcome, a little story-telling, and a tour. We were shown the clinic—the prized jewel of Joli Trou—and later, a bit of cultural immersion. Brian, Wesley, and Melody were quick to jump in to the festivities. Their singing and dancing made the group even more popular among the local people.

Feeling tired and ready to check in to our hotel, the team made its way to Le Jardin de L'Ocean, a beautiful villa overlooking the water. We were all surprised to see such lavish sleeping arrangements but no one seemed to complain. The night ended with a trip to a local restaurant where the group was treated to a Haitian meal made with local ingredients.

Malé Malé,

Nick & the Gang