Going to Haiti sounded like a great experience. It was. I'm an EMT, ski patroller, and I teach wilderness medicine for NOLS. A medical mission to Haiti sounded like a good way to learn while helping others.
As we were leaving the Port-au-Prince airport, a swarm of "skycaps" began arguing over payment. Most of them hadn't touched our bags, but hustling people appears to be one of the ways that they make a living. I suspect most people give them a few bucks to be free of the conflict. Our driver, a Dutchman who has spent 10 of the last 30 years living in Haiti, wouldn't budge. "They think they can get away with this?" he asked. He then quickly added, "Stay in the truck and lock the doors."
We had a three-hour drive due north from Port-au-Prince to the town we'll be staying in, Verrettes. The sights and sounds in Port-au-Prince revealed the poverty.
Haitian Bartering
First sights of Port-au-Prince
Post-Earthquake Suburbs
Mass Transportation
Mass Transportation
Mass Trash
My bedroom. Goodnight.
