Haiti anyone?
Aug 22nd, 2000, 10:36 AM
#2
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Try posting on www.lonelyplanet.com, that seems to be the adventurous group of travelers youre looking to correspond with. Fodors people seem to be pretty mainstream.
Aug 24th, 2000, 03:11 PM
#5
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Mainstream - well thats polite. I would say the majority of this group are tourists through and through. Not a traveller in the group. Basically all all-inclusive resort never leave the hotel beach or pool crowd who whine & complain about everything. I don't think you'll see many of them going to Haiti !
Aug 24th, 2000, 04:19 PM
#6
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We have not been to Haiti since Baby Doc was in power but it was an experience that we will always remember. Partcularly remembered was our short visit with one of the most renown primitive artists in Cap Haitian who was then in his 90s. He was teaching all of his grandaughters how to paint primitive art. We really were not welcome by the locals at that time and things were not always pleasant. I think things are perhaps about in the same condition now other than the land erosion is most likely worse. It is difficult to see how the nation will ever recover. I think you already know the ropes. I have heard nothing that would indicate things have changed much since 1998. <BR> <BR>To other posters that have made comments on the type of travelers on Fordors. The Caribbean forum does tend to have a lot looking at all inclusive resorts or typical resort atmospheres. However, in my estimation the majority of posters on all forums are independent travelers but they do tend away from disease ridden poverty areas that have little of interest. Many speak more than one language and a fair number do not live in the USA. <BR> <BR>To Mari, I guess we are really an exception in your eyes since we have been to Haiti and also to Santo Domingo where we did not go to a resort or visit a beach. We did stay in old town in Santa Domingo and visited both their lovely art museum and botanical gardens. Yes I speak so-so Spanish and a little French. To know a people and their culture you need to study their language. Their social history is imbedded in the meaning of their words and idioms. However, contrary to some, we have no desire to go to places where we are not wanted, not liked and have no real common interest in the local conditions and culture. It also would appear to me that Pierre does speak French -- almost a necessity if you you are going around on your own in Haiti. Most can deal with a little French. You are much safer in the country than you are in the city.
Aug 25th, 2000, 06:21 AM
#7
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We've been to the D.R. five times...three times in Santo Domingo..and travel independently around the city, market and sights... There is no way in hell I'm going to Haiti..it;s not the poverty, it's the safety issue.. Haitains from this area have gone back to build retirement homes and/or visit relatives and have been slain...Let's not even talk about sanitation problems with open sewerage,disease etc. This may not be the answer you want..but as a tourist to come and travel in Haiti is a little too dangerous for me.
Aug 25th, 2000, 11:04 AM
#8
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Haiti is definately not safe at all! My husband who travelled there earlier this year watched in horror as a young man was slain right in front of the house he was visiting! Why? All politically motivated, what a waste. Its sad to see a country that was in the forefront economically at the turn of the century gets totally eroded by political violence and corruption...so sad. I feel for the average citizen who is so powerless and can't even speak up let alone speak your mind! <BR> <BR>I feel such countries do not deserve tourism dollars since the funds are generally misappropriated by the frauds fronting as representatives of the people. <BR> <BR>Here's to spending our travel $$$ supporting the other less fortunate countries who are truly trying to make a go at democracy!
