1. Jacmel
Two weekends ago Zizou and I got the chance to travel to Jacmel, Haiti. We, along with four friends, went by car through the hills, twists, and turns of the Haitian countryside. Upon arriving and after asking 10 different people directions, we headed to a hotel that I read good reviews about online. When we got there it was everything that I expected. The area was thick with trees, shrubs, and flowers. The rooms were tucked away behind all the lush greenery. The front desk welcomed you with wind chimes and mosaic tiles. The people were friendly. The drive seemed absolutely worth it. It even had a private beach. Unfortunately, and very unlike me, we failed to make a reservation and every single room was taken for the night. So, we got back into the car and head 15 minutes further south to an area recommended by the hotel staff.
Fifteen minutes later we were positioned in the middle of town with our eyes open for a hotel. We found one that seemed to suit our needs and we sent Zizou in to get a room. In no time he returned with the unfortunate news that this hotel was also full for the night. My panic mode started to kick in. Would we have to turn around and go home? Assured that we would find a room we kept looking. After calling around we decided to drive the 15 minutes back to town and stay at hotel we saw on our way in. The hotel was named Hotel Florita and it was absolutely charming. We decided to get one big room with enough space for all of us. The room was quaint and winsome. The walls were covered in brick patches and the windows were painted metal that opened to the outside. It had enough beds for almost all of us and a deck with 6 wicker rocking chairs overlooking the quiet street. It was the just the getaway I needed from the noise and hurry of the city.
After settling in and knowing that the setting sun was upon us, we quickly changed into our bathing suits and headed for the pool. We swam until well after dark and called it quits only when our food was ready. The rest of the night was filled with talking, laughter, coca cola, and good stories. In different intervals we all nestled into bed ready to wake up early and dip our toes in the sand at the beach located about a block away.
The next morning we ate breakfast and drove to the beach. The atmosphere was just right for spending time by the water. After drying off we hopped back into the car and drove 3 hours back to Port-au-Prince stopping only for fruit and drinks. We got home just in time to enjoy one last meal together before my friends had to go back to the states. It was definitely a trip worth writing about. What a sweet escape. Pictures below!
Our private patio
Jacmel beach
A couple of our visiting friends
2. Cooking with Derline
Almost a month ago I decided that I wanted to learn how to make Haitian food. Not only do I like eating Haitian food, but soon I will be adding a Haitian husband to the mix of my life. Learning is essential. Im not sure how I convinced sweet Derline, Zizou's sister in law, to accept the position as teacher, but she seemed willing and ready. The first week I came prepared to learn. I had washed hands and an open mind. I soon found out how spoiled I am in an American kitchen. The first thing we had to do was light our own fire over coals, outside. In fact, everything was done outside. So, while I was busy searching for lighter fluid she lit the fire with matches and wood. How very smart of her.
Next we hand washed the vegetables and rice in a series of dishes. Finally, we set the pan over the fire to get hot before adding our ingredients. Two hours and several intricate instructions later, our meal was finished. I had learned how to make white rice and Haitian sauce with okra! Might I also add that it was the best meal I have tasted since my arrival. Coincidence Im sure. The next week I was determined to take pictures, but I forgot. I was instructed on how to make Haitian milk juice. It sounds disgusting, but is quite refreshing. Finally, last week I kept my camera out and photographed our progress. Our cooking was a success. After three hours we made Haitian fried chicken, fried plantains, and picklese. Below are pictures of my third cooking adventure.
Our fresh ingredients
Oh, just watching as she sets up campfire
Cutting the chicken and adding our spices
The chicken boiled and ready to fry
Our delicious picklese
Where my forearms were resting during my serious cooking lesson. Clearly it was intensive.
Our plantains cut and resting in salt water
The plantains first fry
Our contraption to press the fried plantains flat before their second fry
Our flattened plantains
Their second and final fry
Unfortunately, I didn't get time to take a picture of our finished products. Zizou and his brother ate a good portion before my camera could snap a shot. Hopefully there will be more good food to come and pictures of my experience!
3. The clinic I work at, that was started by a famous man, and that must not be named
I recently realized that I had been caught in a cycle of performing all the ultrasound exams and not training the doctors. After much nail biting, I put my foot down and went to the head of the hospital. I explained to her that my time here was being somewhat wasted if I didn't impart what I could on the people who would be working here for years to come. Much to my surprise, she agreed. We quickly came up with a plan. The plan consists of partial teaching and partial one on one training. The challenge now was getting more than two people interested in learning this skill. Happily, I can report that after a brief introduction last week, I have 10 people signed up for my class! I am very excited at the prospect of teaching ultrasound. I realize that I have my work cut out for me, but I am willing to be patient and work hard with them. I will continue to blog my progress on this matter!
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