Weekends in Leogane are somewhat slow. I did manage to sleep in, though foot and automobile traffic increases considerably around seven or eight, making continued slumber a slight struggle, even for me. All in all, Saturday consisted primarily of a random pattern of dozing, reading and eating. As the power is generally off from noon until six (unless of course, the government is supplying electricity; from what I have heard, this supply is sporadic at best... the longest span of time without government power can be up to a week!), there is little else to do.
Nonetheless, Saturday evening was considerably more exciting. Jackie frequently travels between NC and Haiti, and during this time, has built a little social network of various individuals working in Leogane and Port-au-Prince. The group currently residing in Leogane (at the nearby Hopital St. Croix) consists of three public health workers, as well as one fourth year medical student spending a two month elective in Haiti. We had a delicious, home-made dinner courtesy of these new friends, after which we went to the local disco for some salsa and compas. Even with some liquid courage (in the form of red wine and then some Presitge, a Haitian lager), I was most reluctant to embarrass myself on the dance floor, where my spasticity was readily augmented by the superior dancing of the locals. I was dragged out on a handful of occasions, but in general, was more content just observing!
Sunday also proved to be fairly laid back. We managed to get to the beach for a few hours, which required taking a canoe-like vessel to a small island just off the shore. Apparently, there are plans for a new hotel and various amenities within the area. Some Haitians (the self-described planners of said hotel) were having a barbecue and were eager to provide some authentic cuisine (which I politely declined... I still cannot get past my seafood phobia, though my fellow travelers raved about how good the conch was); they also offered us a brief boat ride, showing us the amazing coral reefs on the other side of the island... not a bad ploy in terms of advertisement, as we were all quite impressed.
I would love to be in a place where there is no power for extended periods of time. I might become a productive member of society that way. So jealous of the scenery especially the coral reef. Glad you put a picture up 'cause I already forgot what you looked like. ; )
ReplyDeleteLook at you saying Bon week-end!! I love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat pic. You look like you're enjoying yourself down there. Also, I love hearing about cultural tidbits about the clinic being closed a cause de la Carnaval.
Haha. I have actually become less productive and when I do actually have internet, I definitely waste more time than usual (which I didn't think was actually possible... but alas...). As for the picture, what a sin (thank goodness there were none of me "dancing")
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