Historically, Haïti is not usually talked about in the highest regard. Oftentimes the country is marked up with labels of extreme poverty, violence, a failing government, and so many other atrocities, it’s probably never been included on Fodor’s list of “Top Travel Destinations.”
I had the pleasure of visiting the country and indirectly unmasking my own truth’s about Haiti.
Haiti, or Ayiti as pronounced in Kreyol, has been a country that I first found fascinating when studying as a French Minor in college. During finals, we were asked to provide a report on a Francophone country and its cultural identity. I chose Haiti. I didn’t know much about the country other than I had lived amongst Haitian immigrants while growing up in New Jersey and that they were Black people who spoke Kreyol – a French dialect.
The report’s research was filled with incredible facts. I learned that Haiti is the only nation to successfully lead a African slave revolt resulting in becoming the firt self-ruled country on the Western Hemisphere. The Kreyol dialect is a unique blend of French and African languages created while slaves balanced their field relationships with their French owners. The French and African influence is largely present in everything from the delicious food to the brightly colored homes painting the hillsides of Port-au-Prince and Jacmel.
I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to visit Haïti myself. My boyfriend happens to be Haitian-American, but taking a trip to his motherland has only been a more recent conversation in our five years of dating. When the opportunity to go came up, wanderluster in me could not resist.
The Culture
I’m still beating myself up for not taking many pictures. I was so enarmored by each and every moment that I just really wanted to enjoy experiencing them.
One of those unforgettable moments was when I dropped in to see an incredible dance performance about the History of Haiti soundtracked to the beautiful sounds of traditional music like the percussionist-filled, Kompa.
The beaches of Haiti were absolutely breathtaking, and according to my local friends. I didn’t even began to scratch the surface on what the island has to offer.
We spent a day at the popular Wahoo Bay Beah Resort basking in the seemingly closer sun while jet skiing and eating fresh conch and lobster grilled as it was pulled from the ocean. The clear, jewel-toned water was cool to the touch and made for the perfect backdrop to the hot Summer day.
The Food
The food. My God, the food. Griot with picklese may actually be the country’s official dish. If not, it most definitely should be. The fried pork treat may not be the healthiest pick, but it is most definitely the tastiest. The picklese sauce is almost like a pickled and very spicy cole slaw. The picklese pairs well with just about everything, including the Middle Eastern-inspired Kibbeh – a croquette filled with ground beef, onions, and mint.
The fresh coconut, mangos, and bananas were not even comparable to US fruit. The flavors were almost foreign in their almost perfect taste. Would have loved to bring some back with me, but the fight through Customs just wouldn’t have been worth it.
Volunteering
Volunteering was top priority during our stay. My boyfriend was in town to support a local basketball camp that recruited young athletes for a week-long workout, training them on the fundamentals of basketball and offering them the opportunity to go to college in the U.S.
100s of boys and girls were all given brand new sneakers from Under Armour and will continue to be trained by local coaches with hopes on one day playing abroad.
Towards the end of the trip, we spent time at a beachside orphanage where a good-hearted hotel owner was compelled to open up her home to children whose parents were too poor to take care of them. The children range in age from 6 months to 18 years old and are provided everything from shelter and food to educations and work training.
The children were hilariously funny as the tugged on my braids and asked me to dance with them. I fought tears while knowing of the backgrounds and meditated on enjoying their smiles in the moment.
Haiti now holds a piece of my heart. I’ve already made plans to visit again before the end of the year to soak up more of the country’s beauty. I encourage you to look past headlines and explore the world through your own lens. There is so much that is untold.
The Refined Drifter 