11-21-2012
Exploring a Brighter Side of Haiti
In previous posts, I have focused on rebuilding in Haiti as it relates to hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. However, there is another aspect of the country that is often overlooked. The country is also home to breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks. In an effort to help encourage tourism there, our family spent our annual vacation this year exploring some of the history and wonders that survived the 2010 earthquake.
The Citadelle
Positioned atop a mountain in Northern Haiti near Cap-Haïtien lies the Citadelle Lafièrre. Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1982, the fortress is often seen as an icon of the country. My dad and brothers decided to travel North and hike to this large fortress because it serves as a reminder of the country's fight for independence; plus, the views are spectacular.
My brother, taking in the view
For my own excursion I opted to venture to the South East region of Haiti to the town of Jacmel, to see Bassin-Bleu. Accessing the site, which is nestled in the hills above town, requires a one and a half hour-long drive through the jungle, a ten to fifteen minute hike, and a short climb down a rock (upon which I demonstrated my total lack of upper body strength). With the help of our local guides, I reached the bottom, where I was amazed to find a stunning waterfall plunging into three 57-75-foot deep basins of blue.
I was so delighted to witness all of the progress, clean up, and reconstruction that has occurred thus far. Furthermore, my family and I counted at least three weddings during our stay, and the general spirit and energy of the people of Haiti was much more positive than it had been on previous visits.
New music on the radio boasts of Haiti's beauty and the need to collaborate to make it stronger and better. It's definitely a long road ahead, but I'm confident that together, Haiti and its citizens are moving in the right direction. And for that, I am thankful.
Images provided by Marlynne Bidos unless otherwise specified.
The Citadelle Positioned atop a mountain in Northern Haiti near Cap-Haïtien lies the Citadelle Lafièrre. Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1982, the fortress is often seen as an icon of the country. My dad and brothers decided to travel North and hike to this large fortress because it serves as a reminder of the country's fight for independence; plus, the views are spectacular.
My brother, taking in the viewFor my own excursion I opted to venture to the South East region of Haiti to the town of Jacmel, to see Bassin-Bleu. Accessing the site, which is nestled in the hills above town, requires a one and a half hour-long drive through the jungle, a ten to fifteen minute hike, and a short climb down a rock (upon which I demonstrated my total lack of upper body strength). With the help of our local guides, I reached the bottom, where I was amazed to find a stunning waterfall plunging into three 57-75-foot deep basins of blue.
I was so delighted to witness all of the progress, clean up, and reconstruction that has occurred thus far. Furthermore, my family and I counted at least three weddings during our stay, and the general spirit and energy of the people of Haiti was much more positive than it had been on previous visits.
New music on the radio boasts of Haiti's beauty and the need to collaborate to make it stronger and better. It's definitely a long road ahead, but I'm confident that together, Haiti and its citizens are moving in the right direction. And for that, I am thankful.
Images provided by Marlynne Bidos unless otherwise specified.