I spent 2 weeks in Haiti this week at a clinic/guesthouse called Kay Kapab. It's run by a non-profit organization called Healing Hands for Haiti (http://www.healinghandsforhaiti.org)
It was a fun experience. We were all there as volunteers and we helped the handicapped in Haiti. There are over 100,000 amputees in Haiti because of the lack of medical care, clean water, accidents, etc. You or I will get a cut and get it taken care of. If it gets infected, we'd run down to the local medical center or doctor to get antibiotics or whatever else is needed. That isn't available in Haiti. Also, think about the repercussions of letting diabetes going untreated, which is what happens in Haiti. Thus, they have an inordinate amount of amputees there because people wait too long to take care of things and by then it's too late and amputation is required.
The clinic/guesthouse was pretty cool. We stayed in dormitory style rooms, similar to a hostel in Europe. There were 15 of us altogether although the house can hold up to 22 in the 4 dorm rooms. We had great food and an awesome swimming pool, which was really nice to cool down in the evenings. They had a security guard at night and all the doors were locked after dark.
Haiti itself is a very poor county that is riddled with political problems. However, being with the HHH organization, we were taken care of the whole time. They helped us avoid the areas of town that might not be safe. They provided transportation from and to the airport as well as transportation to nightclubs and different events. You have to arrange this ahead of time with them and there is a charge. The guesthouse cost $45 US per night, and this included 2 meals. Otherwise, without the food, it's $32 per night. They have showers and toilets in each of the rooms. There are medical groups that go down there once a month, so you are typically in the company of US people while you're there.
For more information about staying there, check out the website listed above.
As far as Haiti itself, it's a country rich and culture and colors, despite its poverty. Many things to see and hear and smell and taste. I have never had a bad Haitian meal, whether I've eaten it in the US or in Haiti. I've been there 4 times, totalling 2 years and 1 month. well, actually, I did once have a bad meal. Stay away from the goat-head soup, unless you have a really strong stomach! :-)
|
