2007-01-21 03:15:27 · 11 answers · asked by Vic 1 in Travel ➔ Caribbean ➔ Other - Caribbean
Yes I have been to Haiti. But i went on a cruise so we visited Labadee which is owned by Royal Caribbean International. It was so pristine and was the most beautiful place we visited!
2007-01-21 03:19:16 · answer #1 · answered by lappie1012 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been there and stayed in Port au Prince and a small village called Guichard not far from Les Cayes as part of a mission team building a school. This meant that we were well protected, which is a must if one goes anywhere outside the country's gated tourist resorts, which are very far from representative of the country. It is quite staggeringly poor -- to the extent that people work naked in the fields to save the one outfit they have and children eat stones just to have something in their stomachs. Since our visit it has become increasingly dangerous and although efforts have been made to get together further teams to go and help, it has simply been too risky for trips to take place. Let me share with you part of the latest letter from two good people who are working there among needy children:
"There are more kidnappings here in Haiti than there have ever been in all the years since we have been here...We cannot leave our village and go to any other village without having several Haitians with us...we would be kidnapped and held for a high ransom. In fact, each time we go anywhere we contact our office and let them know where we are going in case we don't come back. This is how we live our lives every day."
Haiti is a notoriously corrupt country and a failed state. Neighbouring islands face terrible problems with vast numbers of illegal Haitians living by crime. God made it beautiful, with its many mountains and formerly lush vegetation. However, man has stripped it of its vegetation and it remains with very few natural resources. The people somehow manage to smile radiantly despite this. Going there is a humbling experience.
2007-01-21 12:51:16 · answer #2 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I spent a week in port au prince, only planning to stay one day and get out and go to another town but I started to have so much fun in port au prince that I spent my week there. I did not find it as dangerouse as what all the news is making it out to be.... mind you I made sure that I was back at the guest house by dark.
I had great fun trying to haggle at the market, going to the market was the highlight as you meet so many people, and me being the only white person in the area...well I stood out. Everyone wanted to talk to me that spoke english, They say to practice. Many people would come up to me and just thank me for coming to thier country as very few go there now.
there was very little begging, except for by the airport (they are a very proud people) There was less begging then what I see in our contanent of north america even though many of these people did not know when they would get their next meal.
So one does see a lot of poverty but you must not let it get to you, remembering that every time that you buy anything it is giving people money.
I am not a church going person but a friend that I made invited me so I went, and I thought it was really fun with all of the music, people dancing, a lot shouting thankyou jesus (for allowing them to suvive an other week...I think ) But it was fun.
I spent a lot of time riding in the back of a pickup truck taking pictures, and wether if I was on the back of the truck or just out walking around people would shout out blanco (meaning white) and everyone would look, if the children that wnt to shcool heard they would run to the window to stare and wave.... I was a big hit with the children.
I stayed at Wall's inter national guest house and had a great time.
I am from canada and would recomend you to go and just visit and form your own opinion. If you have ever been to Caracus in Venezuela you can handle Haiti with no trouble I hope,... as all travel can be risky.
I am planing to go back in the next few weeks. Woul tell you more but must get some sleep.
2007-01-23 20:53:56 · answer #3 · answered by peter m 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you go on a cruise and stop in Labadee its alright because you just hang out at the beach or whatever. IF you travel there and spend a week or w/e there... no its not so good. The country is very poor, dangerous, and corrupt! I knew someone who went there and on the 2nd to last day they were walking and looking in stores and gun shots started going off everywhere and they decided to sleep in the airport!!
2007-01-21 11:34:35 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. Outrageous 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some parts are beautiful,but you can't help but see the poverty that prevails.However it is an interesting place to visit because they have a rich history.
2007-01-21 23:23:25 · answer #5 · answered by maivas229 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dangerous.
2007-01-21 11:23:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is like hanging out with all the NYC street vendors and drug dealers in one big shack.
2007-01-21 11:19:14 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
excellent and that is about all i can say
2007-01-21 11:17:30 · answer #8 · answered by claire 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
pretty country...lots of poverty
2007-01-21 11:24:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
no
2007-01-21 11:22:38 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋