Happy Halloween
Trip Start
Aug 19, 2003
1
7
14
Trip End
Feb 20, 2004
Today training is finished! This morning I had my final language interview and I feel like it went well. Yesterday, Fred, Pat and I gave our final technical presentation on the importance of trees and the dangers of eroision. Our presentation was environmental education for children so we incorporated a couple of games to emphasize our message. It went well and I know the kid's had a great time. Tomorrow is the day of the dead and there are going to be a lot of Vodou ceremonies throughout my neighborhood. Everyone goes tot the cemetaries and the vodou practioners become possessed by the spirits that have passed away. The day is a holiday through which you can reconnect with your loved ones that have passed. Sounds scary to me but we shall see! Sunday we have a final party for our families to show how much we appreciate all that they have done for us. On Monday, we are off to Port Au Prince for swearing in on the 6th of November. A few weeks ago we took a trip to do some tree grafting near Port au Prince. We learned a lot about increasing orchard productivity and afterwards we visited the "OK Corral: Bar, Restuarant and Saloon." Who would hae thought there was a country western bar in the heart of Haiti? The owner was an older Hatian with a ten gallon hat, cowboy boots and a lasso to boot. He had a huge grill with a smoker attached; it made our mouths water at the thought of steaks in Haiti. There was sawdust on the floor, wagon wheels, saddles and a few ragged horses. These unlikely hideaways are all over Haiti. When you enter, you can not believe that Haiti is just outside. These unique retreats are like portals out of Haiti to a place more familiar. Sometimes I need an escape, so the OK Corral it is! Last week we visited Jacmel, the beautiful southern town near incredible beaches. Jacmel is a pretty wealthy place so it is similiar to other Carribean towns outside of Haiti. PS: Packages do not reach me! I haven't received one for a month and half and I know at least 9 are MIA! I will have an address in Florida within the next two weeks that will be a lot more reliable. (Sorry, my spelling is off, I speak Kreole now!!!!)
