5 photos
Just back from Port-au-Prince
Hey guys
A few things to keep in mind. This was my third trip to Haiti with many more to come in the future. I am a middle aged white guy, speak limited Creole (I'm learning) but decent French. I have travelled alot but swore I'd never go to PAP (haha). I am not an aficionado specifically of black girls (any color is OK with me).
The BAD:
- A US standards hotel will run you $75US a night + heavy taxes so it comes out to about $85+ a night. See photo below for where I stayed in Petionville. There are cheaper ones. I tried one that was recommended by a member. It had a pool and a decent restaurant, but the rooms were small and dank. It was however cheaper at $48 a night. I had no real problem with it but I suspect alot of others would. I moved to the one in the picture below as it was only 2 blocks from the CaribeTours bus station and I had to catch an early morning bus the next day.
- Driving is impossible if you don't know you're way around. I have driven in the DR, Cuba, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, etc but would NOT drive in Haiti. Besides being lawless as far as obeying any kind of road rules, road signs are scarce and many times a road is called something other that what it says! Plus, gas is expensive and traffic is unbelievably heavy in PAP. I rode the tap-taps which was very cool but I would have NEVER been able to navigate the system without the local I was with.
- Food can be expensive. Restaurants on par with US restaurants are more expensive than here. However, with a little digging, you can find decent places with good food that won't get you sick. I can tell you that Haitian Creole cuisine is EXCELLENT and would say that the food in Haiti is better than anywhere else in the Caribbean (PS I was in the restaurant business for many years).
- The garbage (Haitis government offers almost no services) takes a little getting used to. It's everywhere but remarkably, the city smells pretty good as the ocean breezes whisk it away. Also, the poverty takes a little getting used to. We've all seen poverty on our travels, but this will probably be worse than you have ever seen outside of Africa.
The GOOD:
- It's easy and cheap to get to from the US. AA flies direct from Miami several times a day. I also understand there are direct flights for you Euro boys. Customs was a breeze with absolutely no hassles or questions. Be sure you have pre-arranged transportation from the airport to wherever you are going. Also, if you go to the DR, the bus ride back and forth to PAP is only about 5 1/2 hours and painless.
- Safety was a non-issue. I never felt threatened or that I was ever in any kind of danger. I'm from NY and can usually smell trouble a mile away. Can it happen? Sure, but it can also happen in Anytown, USA just as easy.
- AIDS prevelency is <3% in Haiti according to a WHO report which in relation to say Cuba (0.6%), is quite high. However, you shouldn't be barebacking ANYWHERE in the world. The girls I was with were not street ho's, I always kept it covered and never really worried. I bet if you measured the AIDS prevelency among pro girls you fuck in other Latin American places (Sosua, Medellin, Rio), you might get higher results. Just food for thought.
- Haitians are REALLY nice people. They don't smile much on their own, but one smile to them and they beam. They will normally bend over backwards to help you. I never felt threatened at all during the day but also wasn't out much at night. I found Rio to be much more dangerous. Just practice your street smarts (don't be flashy, be respectful of others, walk with confidence, etc) and you'll be fine.
- The girls are PHENOMENAL. These are marrying quality girls. Sure you could go to Petionville at night and pick up a prostitute, but why bother? All you really need to do is smile and approach them (see BadBear 2000's reports....they're right on). Guys, these are sweet, hard working, loving girls who will absolutely rock your world. They are very conservative when you meet them as Haiti in general is a conservative society and conscientious of what people think about them (ie the neighbors and family). But man, when that door closes...watch out. Anything goes :)
BTW, a typical non-pro Haitian girl will be very happy if you treat her nice and give her $15 - $20 US dollars for the afternoon :)
Alright, now I know that alot of you guys read this board but a very small percentage of you will actually ever go. Haiti is difficult but not impossible. I will be back next month and am looking to put together some ex-pats and trusted locals who can put together some trips. They would include:
- putting you up in nice, girl friendly hotels
- having transportation w/ drivers available
- having translators on site
- making you feel comfortable
- and of course introducing you to a bunch Haitian sweeties.
Why? Haiti got a bad rap from the 2004 troubles with the kidnappings, etc. Haiti is great if all the elements are in place and needs tourist dollars. Besides, what's wrong with discovering a new place and having some fun?