Port Au Prince, Haiti Report of what it's like to live there - 01/06/10
Personal Experiences from Port Au Prince, Haiti
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes. I have never traveled outside of America..unless you want to count going through the Canada.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
I am currently in Portland, Oregon and will return to Haiti again in March or April to continue to help the organization.
3. How long have you lived here?
I was there for 14 days.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I went there to volunteer my time for "people in need" partnership, which is a non-profit organization connecting people living in extreme poverty with people who want to help.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The majority live with dirt floors, no running water, and extremely hazardous living conditions. I mentioned to a Doctor with no border, that I couldn't even see an animal live in these environments.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
There are places to shop but mostly the rich shop there. There is only two types of people in Haiti. Rich and Extreme Poverty. There is no middle and there should be.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
food,books, purification system for water, medical supplies,building equipment, and tools to build, clothes,underwear and shoes. I can not believe how many people have no shoes, and most of them can not go to school because they don't have shoes or underwear to go.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Albadore? I probably misspelled this. It is a buffet style place , mostly Americans , UN and Rich Haitians eat there.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Most of the mosquitoes and small bugs carry malaria then you have a problem with the animals that could carry rabies. It is very difficult to go in and help the people in extreme poverty ..when your risking your own health in the process.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We bring the partners the gifts from their partners. Hand delivery. If anyone is wishing to send light items, and not over 100 pounds for the people in need they can through our organization.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Through people in need partnership, what we do is set up a health for each person who is the partner to someone in the world, and each month they can seek medical help paid for up to $30.00.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
There are some locations that have ATM but they never worked. There are places you can go for Western Union, and if you need to change the currency then Western Union is the best way to do that too.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Majority are either Catholic or Voodoo.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
I never noticed a TV there..I will check when I go back.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
basic directions, hello and good-bye, water, where to buy food, where is internet connection, and anything else that could be helpful for you..which is hard to say at each given moment in Haiti.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Number 1, there are little to know street signs. There are numerous pedestrians with no legs because it was ran over and they have no set speeding limit. Each man for their own. It is the craziest to walk , drive or walk in.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
The local bus or taxis that are called Tap-taps. n my blog, I have a picture of one. Many people fit into them, and they drop off at different locations and some even in the mountains.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
There are vehicles there but everything is over priced in American dollars, so I can see why the people in extreme poverty can not even afford to buy a car or purchase food . The problem that I saw , very often was that Haiti is comparing their prices with Jamaica and Bahamas and their not the same.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
The have coffee shops called, cyber cafe. It costs $4.00 for 1 hour.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Leave your personal cell phone in America or Europe, and buy a pre-paid one in Haiti. They towers are different and so is the coverage.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
I wouldn't take a pet there.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
I never saw any.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Very professional. More then we see here in America. I was so surprised.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
It was horrible breathing conditions through Cite Soleil, it is extremely difficult when temperatures are so high and no clean drinking water for the majority of the people living there.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I hear a lot of people inside Port au Prince, Haiti that have told me they don't think the UN are helping the people. I spoke with a lot of journalist who were covering various stories on the humanity to politics and they each agree that UN are not helping but stopping the people in Cite Soleil from any outside resource's.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Yes. All . Have all your shots, make sure to take bug spray with you and get checked when you return.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It was between 92- 98 degrees every day, with no rain. When it does rain the garbage from the polluted rivers- which are filled with trash and waste, and god only knows what else. The water from this river rises and goes into their sheds, which usually house up to 7 people. While I was there , I was very concerned about the mosquitoes and also small bugs that might possibly carry diseases.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
People in Need partnership, has opened 2 mini-centers which is also on my blog post. The thing that really is alarming to even me is hearing how common it is that there are some 20-30 year old people for the first time going to school and starting the 1st grade. There is a strong need for books, teachers, and more school resources for the people in Haiti.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
There are some special schools. But the people stay away from anyone with signs of skin pigment to a natural growth, or wart. They locals in Haiti consider them to be with disease and something they contain evil spirits.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
I saw a few pre-school but adults attending them. No day cares.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The children say they like soccer.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are many dances and different cultural events.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
no. I told some American's that I ran into that where there helping , I feel that they should get the people out of Cite Soleil and clean it up for people to live in.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are so many wonderful artist. I saw many of talented and gifted people in the arts and wood workers. Beautiful art pieces.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Try not to buy anything, unless you need it. Wait until you go to the airport. Everything is there, and easier to get.
9. Can you save money?
good luck. Everyone is in need there. Like I told a guy that came in from Europe. You will be lucky if less then 30 people a day ask you for help.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. They need help and we are doing everything we can to help them. I am going in March or April.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
go simple. Be modest and don't take any jewelry. If you take you laptop or wallet, keep it close to you at all times.
3. But don't forget your:
common sense. Be polite, Be patient, and Be compassionate.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
My blog is: http://haitipeopleinneed.blogspot.com, and I have links on the blog to other sights that I am working with to try to get more partners to help the people in need in Haiti.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
I have several videos that I am adding all the time to my blog.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Please make a difference in a life in extreme poverty. By becoming a partner with someone in extreme poverty , you are giving them a chance at life. Make a difference , become a partner and a friend. Please visit our website at : www.pinpartnership.orgThank you, Jennifer
