By: Ford Pierre 

One of the most beautiful tourist sites in the country of Haiti is located in the center of the capital (Port-au-Prince), Champ de Mars is a fairly pleasant space that can be used for meetings with friends, family walks and other activities that can help you relax. Located near the Presidential Palace partly destroyed by the 2010 earthquake and the 2004 Tour, there is the statue of Jean Jacques Dessalines (Icon of the country's independence), the Marron Inconnu (famous sculpture by Albert Mangones), the statue of Alexandre Pétion, the standing statue of Toussaint Louverture, the statue of Henri Christophe on his horse, the Museum of the Haitian National Pantheon (Mupanah) and its flamboyant gardens, as well as artistic exhibitions around the streets and other wonders of the construction of the beginning of the century transformed into a Creole museum and antique shops. All this is to say that in addition to being an admirable place, Champ de Mars is a place full of history. Let's discover together in this article the history of this beautiful place.

Can you imagine seeing the video promo below on Haiti on TV today? It was 1983 and this video was produced for American Express to promote travel to Haiti! I see more things that have remained the same in Haiti than have changed.

Similarities and differences between Haiti in 1983 and today 
​
What hasn't changed in Haiti since 1983:

• Of course, the language, Haitian Creole. You will hear "bonjou" each morning, no matter if you know the person or not. I always come home from a trip saying it to other people in the United States and then giggle to myself, remembering I am not in Haiti.

• Hotels are family owned and operated and usually small, boutique style - You will love this about Haiti. You will feel as if you're staying at someone's private home. If you want personal experience reviews, check out ours here.

• Homey feeling, welcoming with open arms - This is what I think makes you fall in love with Haiti and keeps you going back.

• The weather - Haiti is hot usually year round, but cooler in the mountains. It's so refreshing to get that "break" from the heat if you can up in the mountains.

• Driving in Haiti - Just don't even try it! You should leave it up to the locals to transport you around.

• Tap-Taps - You must experience a tap-tap ride. It look me years of travelling to Haiti to finally go on one. You will get to see people going to work and school, where ever they are off to, it's a lot of fun! It's a great reminder that people in Haiti are just like everyone else, they do life and take care of their business.

• U.S. money is accepted everywhere - You don't need to exchange your money since you can pay with U.S. dollars in Haiti.

• Bargain shopping - Never, ever pay the first price offered to you, especially in touristy areas. You can get a $50 price for an item and eventually walk away with it later paying half or even less. However, this doesn't mean you want to devalue what you're buying and who you are buying from. You should pay what you feel is worth it to you or a little more if you're willing. It's important to know that just like any other tourist trap, you will be given a tourist price. If you're not comfortable with the end negotiated price, walk away. Nine times out of ten, they will come find you and accept your price.

• The beautiful, unique art - You can find Haitian art all over the island. It will become one of your favorite souvenirs to buy!

• Music and dance - Both are still a huge part of Haitian culture, but the sounds and styles of the music have changed a little.

• Publicity - Haiti still gets a bad wrap when it comes to the media. You can travel to Haiti without worry, but the news unfortunately doesn't paint that picture. It's still one of the safest countries in the world.

​

• Haitian food - Yep, it's still delicious!

What hasn't changed in Haiti since 1983:

• The Haitian flag differences from 1983 and 2018

• Architecture - Haiti is known for it's beautiful gingerbread houses, but they are not as common to see as they were in the past. Natural disasters and need to modernize certain areas have contributed to the destruction of the original architecture.

• ​Gourde - In 1983, the Haitian Gourde was 5 to $1 US dollar. Today, it is 63.13 Haitian Gourde to $1 US dollar. That's a drastic difference!

 

• ​Honeymooners - Caribbean islands are popular honeymoon destinations and although Haiti once was one, it isn't as popular now. Usually travelers who have visited the island before may choose to go back for their honeymoon.

 

• Unspoiled, no crowded beaches - There are many beaches throughout Haiti that you can participate in activities or just relax. The island vibe is definitely present!

 

• Club Med - Haiti had a Club Med that closed in 1987, then reopened in 1997, but closed one year later. In 2006, it reopened again as Club Indigo, but was only operating half of the resort. In 2014, the resort was bought and signed a 20 year agreement as the Royal Decameron Indigo Beach Resort & Spa.

 

• Coffee and baseballs are Haiti's largest exports? That is half true today. I did some research and according to the Economy Watch in 2010, coffee was still Haiti's largest export along with apparel, cocoa and mangoes.

 

• Diving tourist destination - I had to also do research on this as I am not familiar with scuba diving in Haiti. According to Diviac travel, Haiti is a pristine, untouched hotspot for diving, but rarely visited.

 

• Airlines - in 1983, only 4 airlines flew into Haiti (Air Florida, Air France, American Airlines and Eastern Airlines), but now there are several options from numerous airports that fly into 2 airports in Haiti. Click here for more on how to travel to Haiti.

 

• Baggage tips - You will notice that when you arrive or leave the Aéroport Toussaint L'Ouverture Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince, baggage handlers definitely don't expect .50 cents per bag as a tip these days! They will try to carry your bags and then ask you for a big tip after. If you don't actually need help with your bags, don't let them help you. Or if they do help you, give a tip, but never give the $20 they sometimes ask for.

 

• Electricity - It's definitely sparse in most areas, turning off and on at any given time without notice, unfortunately. All of the hotels have generators so there's nothing to worry about there, however, not all residents have generators and/or gas to run them.

 

• American Express travel arrangements - I was curious to see if they still offer travel arrangements to Haiti and although there's no specific tour or mention of Haiti, if you are an eligible card member, an agent can help you arrange flights and hotels to Haiti.

​After reading through all of these similarities and differences, you must be even more curious about travelling to Haiti! I promise it will be a trip of a lifetime. Go explore and see The Real Haiti! If you've been to Haiti, drop a comment below on what you noticed that was the same as 1983!

Some think it's a shithole, others know it's not!These absolutely stunning photos were shot in northern Haiti by Photographer Hunter Kittrell. Thank you so much for sharing with us for our blog. 

He is doing a phenomenal job on showing the other side of Haiti. Beautiful work!

Please follow Hunter on Instagram at hunter.kittrell.
His website is http://www.hunterkittrellphoto.com. 

Haitian American Author Nadege Fleurimond created HAITI UNCOVERED, a full color coffee table culinary book with photos, recipes, history and culture to be used as a reference for Haitians and Non-Haitians. Check out this Q&A with her and The Real Haiti! 

- Did you grow up in Haiti? Where are you from?
I was born in Haiti, but left at the age of 7. I was born in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, but my family is from the South Department in a city called Les Cayes. That is usually the city that I represent when anyone ask me where I am from. But from 7, Brooklyn has been home. The only time I moved out was when I attended college across the bridge in Manhattan at Columbia University.

- Who were the biggest influencers in your life, especially related to cooking?
Funny enough, my father. He is an amazing cook. As much as he is against this culinary career that I have chosen, he really is my big inspiration. I saw what he was able to do with food, and I was inspired at a very young age.
 
- What was your "ah-ha" moment that made you trade the courtroom for your passion, the culinary industry?
I grew up first wanting to be a doctor. That was mainly because, as Haitian person that's your first calling. So when I attended Brooklyn Tech, I was on this Bio-Chem track full of math and sciences, then I realized I hated it.
 
Upon attending college, all my friends would praise my analytical skills and ability to keep calm and collected in situations. They loved how fair I was in most situations, and we all agreed I should be a lawyer. And it made sense to me, because I am thinker.
 
I don't think I ever gave up my law dreams. I am not one of those people who believe that we all only have one calling. I still have aspirations to go to law school. I may never practice, but I honestly think my mind was made to function as a lawyer.
 
The kitchen chose me. It initially started off as, let me give this a try. To oh, lets see where this will go. 12 years later, I still don't think I have chosen this as my sole path. But I have enjoyed this journey thoroughly and I will continue to do it to the extent that enjoyment and fulfillment is there.

- How would you describe your cooking style?
Diverse. I love real food. I love food that touches your marrow. It has to taste good. Often time people make pretty food that doesn't taste that amazing. I believe you need both. I love amazing, real food, that taste awesome. I love cooking in ways that reminds you of your grandmother, mother, or amazing master uncle cook.
 
- When traveling in Haiti while doing research for your book, what was the one place that you visited that inspired you the most? Or had the most impact?
I think food wise it has to be Jeremie. Jeremie is in the Grand-Anse region of Haiti. The Grand-Anse is the southern Western tip of Haiti. It is very isolated from the rest of Haiti as the road to get there are not the very best. They are just plain bad. So just the travelling was inspiring, but the food culture there is very distinct.  They have items that are very unique to their region such as tom tom, which is a dish made out of mashed bread fruit with a tasty slippery okra sauce. Pisket is another loved dish from the region, which is a dish made of tiny fish, sautéed in oil, tomato paste and seasoning.

- Tell us your favorite part of the real Haiti and why we need to keep spreading awareness of this beautiful land.
The people. While the food is amazing and down right knee buckling good and the beaches and various scenes are a sight to behold, the people of Haiti are the real charm of the country. The humor and candor of a Haitian person is one of the most amazing experiences one can encounter. 

The book is currently available via our website at http://www.nadegefleurimond.com and also on Amazon.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: 

Annie Byas/Jihan Antoine

TaDaGroupInc@gmail.com

516.808.3487

www.thetadagroup.com

TRAVEL JOURNAL AND COOK BOOK FROM CHEF AND CULINARY CURATOR

DELECTABLE FOOD ART WITH ORIGINAL HAITIAN RECIPES FOR THE AMERICAN FAMILY

HAITI UNCOVERED BOOK REVEALED 

(September 16th, 2014—New York, NEW YORK) Foreword by New York 

Times bestselling author Edwidge Danticat, HAITI UNCOVERED: A 

Regional Adventure into the Art of Haitian Cuisine by Chef Nadege 

Fleurimond, is a culinary coffee table book that embraces every region 

and tradition of Haiti. HAITI UNCOVERED will delve into the art of 

Haitian Cuisine and will bring into focus the beauty of Haiti through its 

diverse culinary traditions while offering to Haitians and non-Haitians 

an opportunity to explore and learn. The beautifully bound and 

illustrated, hard cover book, slated to be released on November 18th

2014, will present and represent the dishes, recipes and cooking traditions, from all the 10 geographical 

Departments.

Fleurimond traveled through multiple cities in Haiti such as Port-Au-Prince, Jacmel, Gonaives, and Cap 

Haitien among others to absorb and discover the nuances that are inherit in the rich and diverse culture

of Haiti. One of the ways to learn about any background that is often unknown is to get to know it one 

on one, breaking bread, and learn about the culture through one of the most social and yet intimate 

way...the food. Fleurimond showcased that through her journey in the diverse provinces of her own 

country and to find a bit of you through her culinary journey. Manje ya pare" Food is ready!

“Haiti Uncovered: A Regional Adventure into the Art of Haitian Cuisine is a book that will present an 

accurate depiction of Haiti's culinary art. Beyond the food, the book will present the reader with a very 

realistic view of Haitian culture and society through pictures and historical information. This is not just a 

Recipe book, but rather a look at Haitian culture through a food inspired lens. In essence, this is your 

chance to rediscover Haiti and to present her in a different light,” said Nadege Fleurimond.

The HAITI UNCOVERED cook book will be on pre-sale from $59.99 on August 18th until September 20th

This self-published Haitian cook book was developed and created in part with funds raised from 

Indiegogo campaign created by Nadege Fleurimond with support not only from her friends and family, 

but from a cross section of individuals with interests in food, culture and history. Fleurimond set goals to 

produce this culinary memoir by any means to uncover and rediscover the traditional aspects of Haitian 

cuisine and introduce a contemporary method to enjoying Caribbean food at its best.

For interview or feature consideration with Chef Nadege Fleurimond please contact 

tadagroupinc@gmail.com and visit www.nadegefleurimond.com for more information.

About the author: Nadege Fleurimond is the owner of Fleurimond Catering Inc. Utilizing her Haitian 

culinary background, Fleurimond pulls in world flavors from Asian, Latin American and European 

Cuisines. She has catered for Ann-Hauser Busch, Paul Weiss, NYC Hall, BET, and The Colbert Report, Dr. 

Mehmet Oz, Vivica Fox, etc. With varying interests in business, government, & social issues, Nadege 

graduated with a degree in Political Science from Columbia University. Nadege has been quoted in the 

New York Times, has appeared on the national television show Chopped on the Food Network, and has 

been a Food columnist for the Haitian Times Newspaper since 2008. She is also the recipient of the New 

York Media Alliance’s Ethnic Press Fellowship for 2010 covering the education beat. She also is the 

recipient of the 2011 Feet in Two Worlds Food Writers Fellowship, which has garnered many awards.

The TaDa Group Inc. is a boutique firm that prides on developing personal, highly collaborative 

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# # # #

A Networking Event for Job Creators in Haiti
Thursday, September 18 
The Hotel Montana in Pétion-Ville 
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Who should attend:   

• Business owners in Haiti who want to grow their network, share their expertise, and learn from others
• NGO staff and churches whose organizations are actively creating jobs in Haiti
• NGO staff and individuals who want to learn more about job creation as an alternative to charity

Why you can't miss it:          

• You will be inspired by short presentations by successful job creators in Haiti
• You will connect  with others during  networking  time
• You will discover the benefits of membership in the 100,000 Jobs network
•  You will have an opportunity to join the 100,000 Jobs in Haiti Initiative

Cost:

• $50 US registration fee includes a coffee break and lunch

Click here to register online.  If you would like to present your work to the audience, you must register by September 10th.  This event will be in English with no translation.  Contact Michele Edwards for more information.

I don't tell hotels that I am there to review their property when I reserve the room and check in. I was so excited to be in my favorite city in Haiti: Jacmel.

The prices on their website are confusing and that led to a big misunderstanding when we arrived. We ended up paying more than we thought based on Internet prices so before you book, just clarify that with them. Because of the hiccup, we moved rooms twice in 3 nights, which was fine because they were trying to be accommodating. The rooms are basic and decorated with Haitian decor...nothing special. {the manager ended up showing us nicer bungalow style rooms when we were checking out, so that's a better option if you want something more modern.} Overall, our stay was good and I was happy they tried to accommodate us after we had the issues in the beginning.

Tip: to save on power, the hotel shuts off the electricity for a few hours in the morning and then in the afternoon. It's pretty inconvenient. I under

stand doing that at home, but it was tacky for the hotel to do it.

The food is okay, but way cheaper outside of the hotel.

Here's a link to their website:

http://hotelcyvadier.com/home/

This last trip we took to Haiti, I naturally pulled out my camera right away and started shooting pics of our adorable little cousins. After that, I decided I didn't want to use my camera on this trip. Being a photographer, this is one of the hardest things to do. I often find myself missing moments or avoiding things because of my camera. So, I packed it up and just used my phone camera and my photographic memory, ultimately living in the moment. 
{I apologize in advanced for the quality since they are from my phone!}

Carnaval
I am not a Carnaval person, at all! I had never been and never really planned on going to it. I didn't realize that there would still be action going on in Jacmel during the time of the national Carnaval in Gonaives. Overall, I am happy I got to experience it…it was crazy! What an amazing experience to see and appreciate the art.

Camionette
I know, I know…how do you know The Real Haiti without riding on a camionette? Well, this is my confession: After traveling to Haiti for so many years, I had my first camionette ride! We were walking down the street in Jacmel with a friend without any destination in mind. Endy said to me, do you want to jump on and just ride downtown? So, we did. We got on and rode downtown for about 20 minutes with people jumping on and off. For those of you who don't know what a camionette is, it's a pickup truck with benches on the back and a roof. You jump on and then tap the glass by the driver when you're ready to get off. Then you get off and pay the guy in the passenger seat. It's super cheap and fun to be with the locals. I always wonder where everyone is always going. Everyone is always so busy in Haiti! 

As a past troubled place, Haiti hasn’t been number one for Caribbean tourists. However, in the recent years, the country has been trying hard to overcome their negative image which usually shows poverty, corruption and disasters. Travel company Young Pioneer Tours announced that they will offer a backpack tour to Haiti as one of the first in the world. As known, tourism in Haiti has been very limited so far; most foreigners are expats working for various NGOs, travelling around or tourists make a one day stop with cruise ships going to Labadee. Hopefully, this tour will start a new flow of tourism and development for Haiti.

The tour aims to show the current reality in Haiti, but also that there’s more than poverty. Beautiful Caribbean beaches, Vodou, special rum, great architecture, and a beautiful landscape all prove that there’s more in stock for this half of the Hispaniola-island. It shows a country that’s dying for positive new impulses from the outside world, which one should be tourism. While the other Caribbean islands are overwhelmed by tourists every year, Haiti has been left alone. Neighbor country Dominican Republic has been more well-known as a holiday destination where many Western tourists touch-down every day. By starting and ending the trip in DR, Young Pioneer Tours hopes to give more insights on this intriguing island and to add something positive to the image of Haiti. The tour includes visits to Port Au Prince, Central Plateau, Bassin Zim and Croix des Bouquets. The trip starts in May, and Haiti can be reached easily through budget airlines via Dominican Republic. Starting and ending in Port Au Prince is also an option. For more information, visit 
http://www.youngpioneertours.com/tour/haiti-tour/. Please tell them you saw this information on The Real Haiti website!

Here's the video...enjoy :)