Today started out like any other day in the Haitian hood. I woke up way too early for one thing, no coffee was made yet so I put myself in isolation until it was made for fear I would unleash my fury. For those who know me, you know how imperative it is for me to start my day first thing with coffee. When I used to go on motorcycle trips, a sacrificial cup of coffee would be left at my door with the unlucky participant who got the short straw to run as fast as they could from my door. It’s like an offering of sorts.
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| Wolton on his way to school. He eventually will call Michigan his home. |
So we took the kids to school like our normal routine and then got 4 kids ready for horse therapy. No Paco this time sad to say. Nonetheless, it is so nice at the equestrian center you actually forget you are in Haiti . The horses are so beautiful there and very well taken care of there. Jamie and I hopped in the back of the truck mostly because there was no room in the cab and I didn’t want to sit with the kids. I like standing up in the bed like a local and sucking in the dust and diesel fumes. I’m so glad I don’t wear contacts.
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| Thoroughbred beauty |
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| On the way to horse therapy |
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| Jean Daniel my other little buddy |
The kids did great as usual and I was so happy to see that the kids have really progressed. Maryce and one of the nannies were off to the hospital to get her cast changed on the way after we were dropped off.
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| My nemesis, Cade |
We made it back home much later than we were thinking but then again time does not revolve on any half-hour system only on the hour or more time zone. I caved and we decided to take the motorcycle to the Sugar Cane Museum. Hey, American people visiting Haiti , this is a really nice spot for lunch and it’s directly across from the American Embassy. Ok, I was not really comfortable going on a bike but hey I figured I’m only living once and maybe one day someone will want to write my autobiography and this way it would make a more interesting storyline.
After all the fanfare of getting the motorcycle out and getting it started, we were off. Within oh, I’d say one minute, we both see something I’ll just say unsettling. It was a dead guy in the street. Yeah, I said a dead guy in the street. I have the pictures to prove it. I secretly wish we were going the opposite direction so I could show you his eyes. We immediately drove around the block and went back to the orphanage. We asked one of the older guys there, hey, there’s a dead guy in the road, do we need to stay in hiding. The answer was, no, don’t worry about it. The police shot him last night. There was no crime scene tape, no nothing; just a dead guy in the road like it was no big deal. I haven’t seen any police with handguns only shotguns. After we found out it was “safe” to go out, we had to in for a second look. I took the second picture. I was a little freaked that all the school kids had to walk by it and stare. It’s in the mid 90’s here and that is not good for someone who is dead. We were thinking either when we came back, the guy’s family claimed him and took him away or we would find him burning. I’ve seen dead bodies but no burning bodies before. I’m pretty sure there was no internal investigation going on for follow up. It’s more like 10-8 no report kind of thing here. (For my cop friends) I guess you get shot if you steal, or rob, or burglarize. I made a mental note to do none of the aforementioned. The dead guy picture will be the last one so you don't get blindsided and you and avoid it if you want.
So onward we went. Now, I didn’t like at all being out cruzin' per se on National #1, way out of my comfort zone. I gave Jamie pointers the entire way of the fine are of motorcycle riding. How the clutch is your friend and is one with the bike and all that crap. I believe my total of white people encounters was five as of yesterday and a handful today only because where we went for beers was across from the embassy and there were a big handful of whiteys there but other than that, no more.
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| Beautiful grounds at the sugar cane museum...mostly outdoors. |
We’re toolin’ down the road and I hear sirens in the distance and they are getting closer and closer and I just don’t want to turn around because, for one, I’m trying desperately to not draw attention to the two white chicks out on a motorcycle. My efforts were a solid F grade. We got pulled over. Yeah, my disbelief too. Seriously what are the odds of the millions of people that I am riding along with? I got off and just backed away from the bike. Thankfully it was UN and we got a tongue lashing for being white girls out on a motorcycle and how this is just not normal. Really, you think? It was funny because the guy is lecturing us and I’m looking at the guy like I told her. Jamie did not appreciate my antics and preceded to dime me out for not wearing helmets. Eventually, we went on our way. I would be more fearful if it was the Haitian police because they just do whatever they want. I’m hoping to get a tour of a real Haitian PD even though I know it was far from state of the art and they get paid nearly nothing to do whatever it is they do here. It’s not like the police at home. We protect your asses and assets so be thankful people! Plus we just don’t shoot you and leave you in the middle of the road on a 90 something degree day. That’s just gross!
We enjoy our beer at the sugar cane museum and have our regular agree to disagree conversation and move on. We're like yin and yang. I trust no one she trusts everyone. We coexist and I tell her I will go out kicking and screaming. I'm kind of silly that way
I’m also happy to report that there were no cockroach sightings last night so he may have been acting alone. Also, ever since I reported how happy I was with the power situation, the power has been out. So who knows when it will be back on. We are trying to figure out how to take a shower without water. I will not be happy because I am coated in dust and dirt.
I’ve had many messages about my voodoo dolls. First voodoo stuff here is unexplainable for me to describe. Many of the voodoo dolls and figures have the Christian relics added to them. They adapt Mary, Jesus and many other Saints and crosses added into their work. It’s kind of hard to explain. I can tell you it’s very artsy looking stuff and for some weird reason I’m drawn to it. I’m hoping that the piece I got, I don’t have to return to get rid of back luck. I’ll be really mad. And I told people it’s not the easier place to go. You need to find someone to take you, drive for an undetermined amount of time, take someone with you to fend off the vendors and help negotiate a price. You then pay a guy to again give you added protection from the vendors and steer you from bad things. I would not recommend taking any children. It was an adventure to say the least and I learned a lot. I’ll see what I can do people but it may be a miracle if I can get back there.
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| American Embassy |
The heat, the lack of power and water are getting to me. That and the sound of about 20 incessant crying children. I feel like a chicken breast dredged in egg and flour and waiting to be fried. My motto is if I drink more I will care less. It's semi working.
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| Storms a brewin' |
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| Free Range Bovine |
Tomorrow we are off to another orphanage and maybe to the earthquake memorial wherever the heck that is in the afternoon. The days are going by way too fast and there is much to finish up and see while I’m here.
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| Departed...in 90 plus degree weather. Obvious head wound. |
Adieu for now.
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