The End

The internet was not cooperating my last few weeks in Haiti, so forgive me for the lack of posting. I am now back in the States and began school today, but I'll give you a recap of my final weeks in Haiti.

I spent a few whirlwind days in Haiti's second largest city, Cap-Haitien. It is Haiti's former capital and, being a more popular tourist destination than Port-au-Prince, has a more relaxed feel. I attended several concerts, hung-out with some majorly bourgeois Haitians, and spent some quality time at a beach resort. It's so easy to get sucked into the bourgeois lifestyle, but it's not the reality for all but a few select Haitians.

While in Cap-Haitien Erin and I visited a citadel built by one of Haiti's first leaders following it's independence from France in 1804. It lies on the top of a mountain about 30 minutes outside the city. We were lugged up this mountain by two pitiful-looking horses and were accompanied by several tour guides, although the term should be used lightly. The view from the top is quite stunning and is worth the trip.

We wouldn't have managed this little day trip if it weren't for the generosity of one of the aforementioned bourgeois, who lent us his car and driver for the day. Having drivers isn't too unusal in Haiti and many organizations and wealthier individuals in Haiti have them.

The following weekend we anxiously anticipated Hurricane Dean, but fortunately he didn't make much of a show. A little rain and some dark skies is all he amounted to.

I did do some work in Haiti as well. I finished up my work at Norwich House, which culminated with the annual meeting of scholarship program students and their parents. It was a very rewarding day to see the appreciation of students and parents as we handed out books and backpacks to the students.

It's been about a week and a half since I've been back and the adjustment hasn't been too bad, although I have had the occassional urge to honk at times that are inappropriate in American culture. It's nice to be able to drink water from the tap once again, although I have found myself hesitating at times before I run my toothbrush under the faucet after six weeks of being so careful NOT to do that.

Thanks for joining me in my experiences for the last several weeks. I'll leave you here until my next adventure with a photographic taste of Port-au-Prince.