It's been a while since I've given an update, but we've been doing a lot and I haven't had the time to look for internet access. Anyway, this trip is turning out to be the most awesome trip I've ever taken to Haiti. On December 31, we partied at the Oloffson Hotel till the break of dawn (RAM performed), only to wake up early to show up in front of the Palais National the next day for the Bicentennial festivities.
The palace gates broke due to the crowd out front and people were standing right on the palace lawn as Aristide was speaking (something that would never happen in the US!!) After a while, people started rushing the palace and it got kind of scary for a few moments. (I got a small cut on my hand, and my friend lost his cell phone in the melee.) The ceremony continued, however, and Aristide was then whisked to Gonaives.
Throughout the day there were demonstrations by the opposition, and squirmishes with the police. We had to be careful where we went and took detours whenever possible. Although we saw tires burning, the demonstrations were very disorganized and did not disrupt the city.
Yesterday we spent the day at Kaliko Beach and today, we flew to Cap Haitien and went straight to the Citadelle. AWESOME!!! Truely one of the wonders of the world. My back still hurts from riding a horse all the way up the hill, but I'll be ok.
Tomorrow, we're going to Labadee for some relaxation, then back to PAP, next to Jacmel, and then back to the US.
Anyway, this PC isn't working too well and this cyber center is suffering all types of power failures (Blackawout!), so even though I have a lot more to say, I'll be signing off. We're off to check out Au Cap nightlife.
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Mr. HaitiXchange Himself!
Kenbe Fèm!
 
pascal@HaitiXchange.com |
Topic: HaitiXchange off to Haiti!
