The Port-au-Prince airport is much improved since I was here last (March 2012). They now have their gangways working and you know longer have to take the shuttle bus from the airplane to the terminal. I was pleasantly surprised.
The rest of the airport is pretty much the same. I was able to find the rest of the group quite easily, or rather they found me. And once I realized I was at the wrong baggage carousel and got to the correct one, I was able to find my bag without a problem. (btw, all the tools and odd shapes in my checked bag caught the interest of the TSA and they went through the bag and then put it back together). But the good news is that everything was there and nothing went missing.
We did a quick meet and greet at the airport, purchased a SIM card for the phone, and then were off to run the gauntlet of people trying to "help" you with your bags all with the expectation of a tip at the end. There was a lot of shouting "no mesi" and I think we made it through with only two hanger ons. (I believe "mesi" is the correct spelling in Haitian Creole.
We packed the cars and heads for the guest house. It is quite a nice quest house and there were a few other groups including a "strength" group, which go around breaking and bending things as well as preaching the gospel. I saw a video of them once visiting a school, but I can't find it fit now.
We also had a very nice dinner and some group time to help us get to know each other. The group from the right coast brought a guitar along with talent so we had some good music tonight and were able to practice for our song during the church service tomorrow, during which I will be mouthing "watermelon". We were also lucky to hear some other tunes include one of from Bob Marley's.
Tried to clean up a bit tonight, but there was no water. It was unclear if that is because they ran out or because a lack of power somewhere. There is no central water system in PaP. No worries, it is what it is and if nothing else there are wet wipes to deal with it in the morning.
Well, it is time for bed, so please forgive any mistakes as I am too tired to deal with it.
The blogs have been great in the past for staying in touch with your work, and particularly to read to Shantia's and my Mom who wants to know all that's happening to her children. Thanks to any and all to post.
ReplyDeleteI know that you all will want to know this news if you haven't seen it already. I got the post on FB from PIH yesterday.
Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais (HUM)
PIH completed construction of the $17 million, 300-bed national public teaching hospital that will open in March 2013. Located 30 miles north of Port-au-Prince, the hospital will provide primary care services to nearly 185,000 people in Mirebalais and central Haiti, and provide advanced care to patients who are referred to HUM from community hospitals throughout the Central Plateau and Artibonite departments, as well as parts of Port-au-Prince.
http://ow.ly/gLUpz
Blessings, Anne Wright