DAY ONE:
Touching down in Haiti, of course, I did not know what to expect. During my layover in Miami from SFO, I had met a young lady who I thought was quite friendly. I wondered was she representative of the people.
Finishing up at the window where the clerk stamped my fresh Passport, I entered an area to pick up my bags that had no resemblance to an organized baggage area such as in SFO, LAX or Oakland. A man speaking creole, inquired if he could help me find me bag. I guess from the looks on my face, another native realized I had no idea what he was saying, jumped in to translate. How nice I thought. Returning quickly from the baggage area a few feet away, the older Haitian man who picked up my luggage was ready for his compensation. I thought to myself — hmmm — I could have done that. Welcome to Haiti!
My Pepperdine GSEP cohort Valerie Valequez who had visited Haiti before referred me to a young lady Geraldine to pick me up and help get me settled in at the hotel. I was looking forward to meeting her and had hoped she was at the baggage claim. From the time I walked out from the airport baggage area to the car pick-up lot, at least four men approached me to help with my bags. They displayed their badges to validate they were indeed official representatives that could drive me to my desired location. I explained I was okay and had a ride. Well, it was about a hour past the time Geraldine was to pick me up. I called Geraldine a few times and got to answer. Then I realized my cell phone battery was getting low. I am standing in a waiting area with about 70 or more people – mostly men selling this and that. It was extremely hot and not a lot of cover to get out of the direct sun. It was lady cab driver who realized that I was trying to figure something out and came over to try to communicate with me. After realizing that was not successful, she waved over to an English speaking colleague. For the next two hours, he was kind to continue calling Ms. Geraldine and even waited with me. Yes I figured, the people are very nice and caring.
Moving thru the streets to my hotel — Le Plaza Hotel, I could not believe all the people out walking the unpaved paths. If not walking, they were riding three or four on a motorcycle, on the back of a Tap Tap (their local open back truck transportation) or on the side of the road selling something — soda, fruit, clothes, tires – you name it. Most fascinating to see was the high mounds of trash. In several instances, I saw envisioned that our local US recycle environmental professionals could learn a lesson or two from the local Haitian people – who were picking through and separating the orange peels from the plastic from the clothes and black coal blocks, and on and on. I was impressed to see how they had it down to a science. Amazingly industrial people I thought. When my driver finally approached my hotel area – I was quite dusty from the short car ride – I was shocked to notice the hotel was right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. The hotel was across the street from major tent city we see on TV – the Champ Mars Plaza. Several people had told me the hotel was safe and clean… and the likes of CNN correspondents Sanjiv Gupta and Anderson Cooper stayed their regularly when visiting Haiti. Keeping in mind this hotel is not cheap by any means – I was actually expecting much more. But nevertheless, as soon as I was called to jump out the car and before I could hit the hotel door entrance, people swarmed over asking for money with persistent. The guard with a large rifle opened the door and escorted me in. Aha, culture shock had set in. Inside was very calm and cool. Geraldine was nice to stay to help check in at the counter and the language barrier. The hotel concierge was quite cheerful I thought. Once in my room, which faced the street, I could not see anything, but I could hear the energy outside. I did not feel safe or settled so I inquired if I could review other options. When I settled into my new room, I was much more comfortable… but still needed to get acclimated and my nerves settled. A women traveling alone is hard.
DAY TWO:
Mid-morning, I met up with co-founder of WE ADVANCE and Cite Soleil Mayoral Candidate Barbara Guilliume. Today, I was able to see more of the Port Au Prince and even PetionVille. I could clearly see the devastation of the 2010 earthquake, but moreover what was very obvious were the wide disparities. Clearly, the city of Port Au Prince had been neglected for some time. I did get a glimpse of Petionville, which is noted to be where the wealthier people work and reside. Although due to the earthquake and displacement of thousands of people, the tent cities had formed in this area.
Getting around Port Au Prince is not easy — bumpy roads, no highway, but our driver did a great job. Barbara and I met up with the Femme En Democratie’s (FED) executive director Haitian native Marie Carmel Michaud. She was in the throes of a women’s empowerment research project to have ready by the end of February for the organization leaders to make a presentation to the government. The report findings will include focus group data from Haiti women she retrieved from over 10 regions throughout Haiti. She had just returned from driving late into the wee hours of the morning, to jump back into the car for another five hour drive to another region. This organization empowers and inspires women all over Haiti via a host of workshops, focus groups, door-to-door conversations to consider becoming elected officials and entreprenuers. FED works in partnership with We Advance. Their strategic funding partner is the international “Vitale Voices” (www.vitalvoices.org) which they started a Haiti chapter lead by Danielle Saint Lot. Danielle is someone I will met on Monday in Les Cayes, a city three hours from Port Au Prince. Danielle, FED founder, is also running for Senate this year. Danielle will be conducting empowerment workshops engaging the women of Les Cayes.
Later in the day, Barbara Guilluame introduced me the Judie Roy. Judie, a 2006 and 2015 Presidential candidate was warm and interested in Oakland and US politics. Interestingly, in conversation talking about my background and what I do as a long time member of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), she immediately recognized the organization and recalled reaching out to us in 2006 for financial support of her Presidential campaign. Since I am the one who answers the emails, I thought oh my goodness – how did I miss that one and what a super coincidence. I apologized for the organization not getting back to her and she replied ‘It just was not the right time.”
Back to the hotel and I plan to catch up on my energy tomorrow Sunday, to be ready for the early morning departure on Monday at 5am to travel to Aux Cayes with Barbara Guilliume. Team and I huddled to discuss our arrangements for tomorrow’s excursion. I need to get up super early.
DAY THREE
The plans were for a TV camera man, Barbara Guilliame and Executive Director of WE Advance Adele Frishman, plus me were scheduled to sojourn to Les Cayes. Les Cayes is a seaport town southwest of Haiti. Today, I learned more creole. “Mersi Anpil” in creole means thank you very much. In French, you would say “Merci Beaucoup.” The majority of the Haitians speak creole moreso than French, and say it is easier to learn.
Tonight Carnaval begins! Carnaval is Haiti’s most celebrated festive which means there will be lots of energy in the streets tonite. Other cities where Carnival is best known include Rio De Janerio, New Orleans and even Trinidad. From the hotel rooftop, I got a chance to watch and participate in the Carnaval activities for my first time – even though my roots are from New Orleans, Louisiana, where Carnival is a huge deal for the natives. Although, the New Orleans Mardi Gras carnival festivities were a large part of my father’s life, I unfortunately never got a chance to experience with him. Tonite was special to me. I was starting to lighten up from my initial culture shock coming into the country. I actually had a blast, even with my limited communication exchange. I met new friends – hotel guests and staff on the hotel rooftop dancing and enjoying a little beer.
laniecejones 
Incredible journey already!!