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Similarities and differences between Haiti in 1983 and today

2/1/2018

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

Haitian flag 1964 - 1986

Haitian flag 1986 - today

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By B1mboCoat of arms :Lokal_Profil and Myriam Thyes - based on Flag of Haiti.svg, Coat of arms of Haiti (1964-1986).svg, and Flags of the World - Haiti - Historical Flags, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=750076

haitian flag since 1986, red and blue with emblem, current haitian flag, caribbean flag, coat of arms

By Madden, Vzb83, Denelson83, Chanheigeorge, Zscout370 and NightstallionCoat of arms :Lokal_Profil and Myriam Thyes - Coat of arms from: Coat of arms of Haiti.svg by Lokal_Profil and Myriam Thyes, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=433156

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!

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Stunning images of Haiti by Photographer Hunter Kittrell - #notashithole

11/1/2016

4 Comments

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.

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Behind the scenes with Chef Alain Lemaire in Haiti {Gout et Saveurs Lakay}

1/22/2014

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Here's the video...enjoy :)

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Meet + greet = ♥

12/1/2013

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It's taken me weeks to process this. And many drafts. My husband thinks I am a little nuttier than he thought before and my heart is so full of love from people who I didn't know 30 days ago.

I've been posting about the Art Creation Foundation for Children for a while now. It all started in January of 2011 at an event in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. I met and interviewed Judy Hoffman, the founder of ACFFC. She told me about the foundation and how several pieces of the art displayed at the event were pieces as art therapy that the kids did to heal after the trauma. I bought a few pieces of art at the fundraiser that the kids made from papier mâché (future blog about why this is important!).

This past March, I had the pleasure of visiting ACFFC in Jacmel. Most of the kids were on Easter break, but we were able to stop by a site where there were some creating a mosaic wall near a gas station {blog and video about it}. It was awesome, but I didn't know exactly why I loved this place and the idea of ACFFC until this November 2.

Ten kids from ACFFC - they are 16-22, but I am calling them kids - got visas to visit the US to work on a mosaic project with Toussaint L'Ouverture high school in Delray Beach {press release with details}. On November 2, we attended a meet and greet gathering with all of them. This was the beginning of a journey that took my heart on a ride and I will treasure forever. Food, dancing, DJ Endy and most of all, an experience of so much love from "strangers" and now friends.

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It was more than a photography assignment...My experience working with a Haitian photographer.

10/20/2013

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He was dressed in a red button down shirt, dress pants and dress shoes. He had his camera bag full of equipment and his PRESS pass around his neck. He pulled out a notebook to show me how he keeps track of the details of the photos he takes. The front of it has the CNN logo and he told me his friend from the US sent it to him. Inside it reads:

Ki moun?
Kisa?
Kile?
Ki kote?
Kijan?
Poukisa?

I am writing about Fedno Lubin, a 20 year old young man who lives in Jacmel, Haiti. Ten years ago, he moved from the mountainside to live with his aunt in the city to go to school. Fedno’s aunt knew about the Art Creation Foundation for Children (ACFFC) and signed him up. Over the years, he learned many forms of art, but his passion is photography, who he learned from Jen Pantaleon…his teacher and guide. He mentioned Jen’s name a lot throughout the 2 days we spent together for Gout et Saveurs Lakay, Haiti's Food & Spirits Festival to celebrate the country's Gastronomy. His appreciation for the art of photography is great. He inspires me.

Fedno and I at the Best Western hotel in Petionville before the events.

Behind the scenes

We covered Gout et Saveurs Lakay on Friday, Sept. 27 and Chef Lemaire behind the scenes at La Reserve Hotel on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Flashing lights, the Minister of Tourism of Haiti, Mayors and other government officials were all in the building at the event. Yet, my most memorable experience is the time shared with Fedno. Giving him this opportunity to photograph an international event in PAP was one of the most memorable experiences I hold close to my heart.

Until next time...!

Relaxing after traveling from Jacmel to PAP to photograph Gout et Saveurs Lakay.

Behind the scenes

Click here to see Fedno's photo album from the events!

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"Where did this white guy come from?" Haiti's President Martelly

9/8/2013

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Repost by Haiti for Christ: Joel & Yvonne Trimble (great supporters of ours!)

Learn more www.HaitiForChrist.net
La Bonne Nouvelle http://www.youtube.com/telelouange

Our visit with the First Lady!

Greetings!

Haiti's First Lady Sophia Martelly called a couple weeks ago to invite Yvonne and I to a private meeting at the National Palace. The next day we purchased a French bible as a gift and presented ourselves at the Palace. We were immediately ushered into a conference room and served coffee; before we finished, we were told Madame Martelly was ready for us.As we entered the First Lady's office she greeted us with a big smile and said, "I've got to hug you guys; I love you so much!" We spent hours chatting; she asked me, "How did you come to Haiti? Why did you start producing La Bonne Nouvelle?" She said that she has been watching the show for years and loves the format of visiting different villages and featuring the beauty of Haiti.

She also confided that when she called, she did not think I believed it was her; I confessed, "When you said 'This is the First Lady of the Republic'. I thought, 'Yeah, and I'm the Pope!'" We all laughed heartily and I asked Yvonne to share the word God had given her concerning the relentless opposition to Haiti's beloved President.

Chosen by God

Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker. 2SA3:1

Madame Martelly read the text in her new bible, Yvonne explained the animosity between Saul and David; but that God ordained David and he won in the end. The First Lady's eyes welled; she rubbed goose bumps on her arm and said, "Wow! Wow!" I said, "We do not want to take up all your time." She said, "Oh no, I cleared my entire schedule for this. I hope you don't mind if we get some pictures."The presidential photographer was summoned; then she walked us out and said, "I want you to meet the President. I showed him La Bonne Nouvelle and he said, 'Where did this white guy come from?'"
Learn More...

Fan & Friend

She led us to another building where the President had just met with a Taiwanese delegation, and was now doing a photo op with a Haitian soccer team. As we entered the room, photographers, security guards and soccer players called out, "Frere Joel! Pasteur!" The President walked over, threw his arms around me and said, "La Bonne Nouvelle!" Cameras clicked, laughter filled the room as President Martelly quoted lines from our show he watched the day before! The Premiere Dame then accompanied us to the parking lot and said that she wanted to use La Bonne Nouvelle in 140 remote villages! She gave me her card and said, "Call me anytime".
La Bonne Nouvelle...

You can help

Every Creole Christian show we produce costs us about $3000.00; Yvonne directs, films and hosts! I produce, film, host, drive and edit! Though our work is tightly budgeted,we are reaching millions of Haitians. Now even more will hear as the First Lady airs our shows in villages without electricity or TV!
We have no sponsors, no big donors, no advertising; but we are reaching into homes and hearts that will never grace the doorway of a church. Please pray and ask God what He would have you to give to help us reach Haiti for Christ. Please use this secure donation button and write to us today. The rewards are eternal!
Soul winners...

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Some people volunteer at kitty shelters.

8/2/2013

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Some people ask me why I have The Real Haiti. Some tell me to open my eyes, that I am being taken advantage of by offering too much info/resources. Some ask me how will I ever make money.

Going to Haiti is always an experience to learn, appreciate and envy for me. I learn that what I used to think is untrue. I appreciate things that I have/grew up with. I envy the simple life, the culture and the family bonds that Haitians have. All of these experiences have changed me as a person....for the better.

I don't do this to get ahead, to impress anyone or to get rich. I experience things unbelievable to my previous judgements of a country misrepresented. I do it to educate others. I do it so that my children one day will have an archive of info different to the ones they will see on TV.

Here are some of my favorite moments in Haiti...

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WATCH out: Palm Beach County fundraiser for Haiti July 12 ($5 donation + great entertainment & fun)

6/17/2013

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July 12 - West Palm Beach event to raise $ to send school supplies to Haiti
This event is for both art lovers and W.A.T.C.H supporters!
Artist JaFleu will be hosting "THERAFLEU" his solo Exhibit Opening Reception and all proceeds will go to What About The Children in Haiti?

Come out for a night of fun with performances by The Rapper Blaine, Durell, Celo J' Adore and bring the entire family.Music by DJ Da Nurse (Endy from The Real Haiti)!

We are asking for a $5 donation at the door. All proceeds will benefit the children at the orphanage Organizasyon Secours d' Enfants in Haiti.

Those of you who pledged to Donate backpacks to our Small Blessings in a Backpack event may do so at this event!
RSVP NOW to the FB event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/529755890415470/

CONTACT
561.291.9924
info@watch-now.org
www.watch-now.org

Raising $ to ship these new supplies we've collected for 75 children!

If you can't make it, but want to still help, please consider donating a backpack full of supplies! THANK YOU! MESI ANPIL!

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Cap Lamandou hotel - review

6/7/2013

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Aesthetically, this hotel is beautiful. There is authentic Haitian furniture, art and staircases all over. The views are spectacular. There are turquoise water ocean views, garden views within the hotel, and it’s a quiet place to relax at.

The rooms are up to date with the basics in them, and one of the nicer private hotels I’ve stayed in. There’s a basic tv, bed(s) and furniture. The bathrooms are definitely newer and nicer than some hotels we’ve stayed in, but certainly not first class. The service is just ok and breakfast is included in the price (around $150/night).

The food at the hotel is bad. We did not have one good meal (even the ones we paid for). A lobster dinner was about $35 US, where I got the same meal at a local beach for $7 US and it was better. The hamburger and lambi was awful and very over priced.

Best part: The view from the rooms and the pool, as well as the access to a small local beach. Our room looked over the pool and ocean.

Tips: The walk down to the beach is steep and with lots of steps. This will not be accessible to someone with health issues. It’s a hike and it’s a long way down (and worse back up). However, it is worth it because at the bottom there’s a local beach with fishermen and amazing views!
Some of the pictures on their website are NOT from there. It doesn't look anything like some of those pictures. View my slideshow below for current pics.

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Why getting sick on the car ride to Jacmel was worth it!

5/1/2013

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The car ride to Jacmel, Haiti

On a twisty-turny bumpy ride down to Jacmel, I anticipated a visit to a place that I always heard about. Every time I’d mention Haiti to people when speaking of my blog, I was asked, “Have you been to Jacmel?!” How could I promote the most beautiful places in Haiti, but still had yet to see this desirable place?

First tip I can give to get to Jacmel is hire an experienced driver or ask someone you know that has experience. It's not somewhere you want to try to drive yourself if you're not used to mountain driving and Haiti driving. Also, make sure the car you're traveling in can handle mountain driving. There are also professional companies that have buses that go to Jacmel as well.

Our experience in Jacmel

We arrived at the 2 story freestanding building at ACFFC - Art Creation Foundation for Children - with beautifully decorated in mosaics on the front, including the choublack (hibiscus flower) with inspiration from Haiti’s logo. We entered the little shop where the art is for sale to visitors with so much to look at…papier mache masks, ornaments, wall hanging, bowls and glass mosaic bottles. We were given a tour downstairs and upstairs where we saw the computer room, the pharmacy and the library. Art made by these children is everywhere…it’s absolutely beautiful. Aside from its aesthetic beauty, the beautiful children were sitting quietly waiting for their professor to come. We chatted with them and hung out for a little bit while we enjoyed the view of the city of Jacmel.

The city of Jacmel is covered in beautiful mosaic walls done by the children of ACFFC throughout the years. We got to drive around and see all of the different designs and creativity!

Carnaval in Jacmel

We were lucky enough to see Carnaval in Jacmel, Haiti...a kind of toned down version of Carnaval in the capital. During Carnaval every afternoon (around 2 p.m.), the city shuts down and everyone starts celebrating...it's pretty wild!

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Bassin Bleu in Jacmel, Haiti

Bassin Bleu is a must see in Jacmel! Again, you will need an experienced driver and a local to help you get there...it's quite a journey, but so worth it!! There's lots of walking and climbing, including roping down a small rock. Don't worry, everyone's super helpful! I was definitely nervous to do it at first, too. Look at this amazing view.

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Lakou New York in Jacmel

Lakou New York is a beautiful mosaic boardwalk in a public area, perfect for getting some exercise or strolling around with your honey. It's right on the ocean and you can find vendors selling classic Haitian goods and snacks.