Haiti
Welcome
Motto on traditional coat of arms:
"Inite se fòs" (Haitian Creole) "Union makes strength"
Anthem: Desalinyèn (Haitian Creole) "The Dessalines Song"
The country of Haiti is located in the Caribbean on the western third of the island Hispaniola. It is bordered by the Dominican Republic to the east, the Caribbean Sea, and the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Haiti's terrain consists mainly of rugged mountains interspersed with small coastal plains and river valleys.
Capital: Port-au-Prince 18°32′N 72°20′W.
Population: 11,335 million inhabitants.
Gross Domestic Product - GDP (PPP): $34.189 billion.
Official languages: Haitian Creole & French.
Area: 27,800 km2.
Water (%): 0.7.
Currency: Gourde (G).
Safety rating: Ranked 115 on the Global Peace Index with a score of 2.25.
Food
Diri djondjon Kribich nan sòs/Black Rice Shrimps (my personal favorite)
Commonly known as "black rice", it's one of the country most unique and delicious dishes. Djon djon translates to "mushroom", specifically those mushrooms grown in the northern part of Haiti. As a result, the mushrooms aren't easily available overseas. The substitute is cooking the rice with a Maggi cube. The substitution is frowned upon by some however is offers a similar taste. This recipe delivers amazing flavor and once you make it, you'll never want to eat rice & peas any other way. Add to it, Haitian Shrimps in creole sauce for a perfect Caribbean meal.
Makawoni au graten
This is not your ordinary mac & cheese. What differentiates the Haitian makawoni au graten (also spelled macaroni au gratin) from mac & cheese are the noodles – there are no elbow macaroni here, since they are replaced by larger pasta types such as rigatoni and penne, along with some unusual flavorings such as mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and white pepper. All of the ingredients are placed in a casserole dish and sprinkled with grated cheese.
Haitian Patty
These Haitian delicacies consist of puff pastry that is shaped into small squares and filled with various types of meat such as beef, chicken, pork, or even fish. They are regularly served at numerous special events and celebrations, but Haitian patties can also be paired with rice and beans as a filling meal.
Griot
Griot is a typical Haitian dish consisting of pork meat cubes slowly simmered in a sweet, spicy, and tangy marinade of chile peppers, onions, and orange, lime, or lemon juice until tender, then fried in a skillet. The dish is an homage to the griot, a person of high social status in many West African countries, traditionally a local historian, diplomat, warrior, tribal chief, community leader, or a teacher.
Legim (or Vegetable Stew)
Legim is one of the most popular Haitian foods. There is an essential Haitian seasoning base called epis. To make legim, you will need to marinate the stew meat overnight in epis. You can make epis with scallions, parsley, garlic, scotch bonnet chili, bell pepper, thyme, cloves, sour orange or lime juice, oil, and salt.
Pikliz
Pikliz (or Pickled Vegetable Relish) is a pickled vegetable relish that you often find on the table to add to dishes and enhance their flavor. Think of it as a spicy, vinegar-based coleslaw, similar to Korean favorite kimchi.
Akra - Malanga fritters
Malanga fritters are a popular appetizer and snack in the Caribbean. Malanga is a tuber with an earthy taste and a texture similar to potatoes. You’ll find malanga used much the same way as potatoes are, and akra is one of the most popular ways to eat them in Haiti.
Bannann Peze
Other countries of the region call fried green plantains tostones. However, in Haiti, they’re bannann peze (or Fried Green Plantains). The simplest way to make it is to fry sliced green plantains in oil, remove-smash them, refry them and salt them.
Transportation
Personally, the only form of transportation I have used there is the car. However there are other the ways to explore the country side. However, few Haitians own or have access to a personal vehicle, nor do they have access to more common forms of public transportation like city buses, trains, or subways. Instead, most Haitians rely on walking, biking, or hitching a ride on a ‘tap tap.’
Taps-taps
Buses and minibuses (tap-taps) are the cheapest way to get around Haiti. The 5 main private bus companies Capital Coach, Haiti Trans, San Souci Tours, Caribe Tours, and Terra Bus all have comfortable 52-seat buses with air-conditioning. The most common form of public transportation in Haiti is the use of brightly painted pickup trucks as taxis called "tap-taps"; decorated with vibrant local artwork and the occasional graffiti from street artists. They are named tap-tap because when a passenger needs to be let off they use their coin money to tap the side of the vehicle and the driver usually stops. Local transportation in Haiti costs are around : 1.60 USD per day, 4.00 USD per weekend & 9.60 USD day per week.
In addition to motorcycles, donkeys are sometimes used as a means to transport goods to market or up a mountainside to a neighboring village.
Train
There are currently no functioning railways in Haiti, and there have never been any rail connections with the neighboring Dominican Republic.
Port
With regards to water transport, Haiti has one of the oldest maritime histories in the Americas. The port at Port-au-Prince (Port International de Port-au-Prince) has more registered shipping than any other Haitian port, though the port at Saint-Marc is now the preferred port of entry for any and all consumer goods coming in and out of the island.
Planes
Transportation by air is mainly coordinated through the airport located in Port-au-Prince, though there a few other active Haitian airports. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport (formerly known as Port-au-Prince International Airport) is Haiti’s only jet way, and as such, handles the vast majority of its international flights. Air Haiti, Tropical Airways, and a handful of major airlines from Europe, the Caribbean, and the Americas are currently serving Toussaint Louverture.
Taxi & Tours
If you are a foreigner and booked a hotel, you may request a private shuttle or car the get around the country. It is always safer to book it directly with the hotels.
Renting a car
I don't recommend especially if you are from overseas. Not because it is difficult to rent a car but because of the driving manner. Lots of areas don't have stop sign or traffic lights. Local cars honk at each-other to signal, pass-by or make turn. If you are not accustomed to it, it is best to hire a driver or a shuttle.
Best things to do
La Citadelle
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Citadelle is a mountain top colossal fortress and one of the largest in the western Hemisphere. Built after the country gained independence to protect it from French invasions, the fortress was fitted with 365 cannonballs and old weaponry. A symbol of country's strength, the Citadelle is also famous for getting stunning vistas of the natural beauty around it.
Labadee
Labadee is a gorgeous private port located on the North-western coast of the country. A 260 acre private beach resort owned by the Royal Carribean, this complete tourist oriented resort has been rated as one of the most charismatic destinations in the country. Featuring white sandy beaches along coral reefs and lagoon like bays, this secluded paradise located amidst a ring of high mountains is also a hub for many water sports, snorkelling and zip lining.
Jacmel
Jacmel is a Southern commune, renowned for its arts and crafts and faded colonial charm. Located a short drive from the capital Port-au-Prince, is the beautiful town of Jacmel which has been accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town preserves some of the best examples of 18th century French architecture. The town has earned the title of being the Arts and Crafts capital of the country, making it a hub of boutiques ideal for souvenir shopping.
Sans Souci Palace
The magnificent Sans Souci Palace was the royal residence of King Henri I of Haiti and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Recognized as the Caribbean equivalent of the impressive Palace of Versailles in France, the Sans Souci Palace is one of the most remarkable attractions in the country. Home to the country's most famous king and leader Henri Christophe, the majestic palace was built in European style as a symbol of Haiti's prowess and power of the black race. Even though the palace was partially destroyed in a earthquake in 1842, it retains its charm and is a must visit place of history buffs and heritage lovers, the palace is located just 5 kilometres from the grand Citadelle.
Gelee beach
Located in Les Cayes, Gelee is one of the most popular beaches in Haiti. Long stretches of white sand contrasted with clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean make it one of the most sought after destinations in the country.
Musee du Pantheon National Haitien
Situated in Port-au-Prince, Musee de Pantheon is an impressive museum dedicated to Haiti's freedom struggle and history. Considered as an architectural marvel, this concrete structure preserves many artifacts and paintings that have fascinated its visitors. Its best to explore the museum with a guide who have many stories to share, bringing the place to life.
Bassin Bleu
Located close to Jacmel, Bassin Blue is one the most beautiful natural attractions of the country. Essentially a waterfall, Bassin bleu is a secluded paradise, hidden in the rocky hills near Jacmel. Hike to Bassin bleu and spend some time jumping from the rocks and cooling off in the blue waters. There are several pools and caves here worth exploring. As the place is rarely crowded, relaxing at this tropical oasis makes for an unforgettable experience.
Fort Jacques
Fort Jacques is regarded as one of the oldest structures in Haiti, located on a hilltop of Port au Prince. It is a perfect destination to learn more about Haiti’s journey toward independence and provides a stunning view of the nature around. Travellers can relax in the fort area and arrange a mini picnic in the forest behind the fort. Seating arrangements under the shade of trees are available.
Heros de Vertieres
Heroes Monument of Vertieres is an open-air sculpture park, located near the city of Cap in northern Haiti. Also known as Héros de Vertières, it portrays the memories of the historic 1803 Battle of Vertières, the last major battle of the second war of Haitian independence.
Kokoye Beach
Located on the south coast of Haiti, Kokoye Beach is one of the most exotic places in the Caribbean. The beach is encircled by tall palm trees and is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and evening walks. For convenience, it also has locker rooms and shower rooms. Kokoye beach is also one of the best places for camping. You can rent tents on the beach.
Saut-Mathurine
Saut-Mathurine is the largest waterfall in Haiti, located in Camp Perrin within the Sud Department. This waterfall is 89 feet high and 98 feet wide and originates from the Riviere de Cavaillon. Half of the pool is accessible for tourists to swim, while the other half is encircled by jungle, slippery rock beds, and green plants.
Best time to visit
The months from December, January to March are your best bets. This is when promoters plan the biggest events of the year, all over the country – and there is something for everyone. For good beach or festival-like party, it is the place to be!
Haiti's geographic location in the path of Atlantic hurricanes, combined with the steep topography of its western region from which all major river systems flow to the coast, makes the country particularly vulnerable to hydrometeorological disasters, especially between June and December. Specifically from August-October, it is the Hurricane season.
Daily temperatures typically range between 19°C and 28°C in the winter and 23°C to 33°C during the summer. Northern and windward slopes in the mountainous regions receive up to three times more precipitation than the leeward side.
Quick tips
Over a third of the population lacks access to clean water and two-thirds have limited or no sanitation service. More than a third of Haitians—4.4 million—live with food insecurity. It is currently not a a recommended place to travel, but it did rank 115 on the Global Peace Index which is higher than the United States at 129.
The strongest earthquake in Haiti happened on August 14, 2021 (during the pandemic) with a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale & it is still developping.
With common sense, caution and a little preparation, Haiti is a feasible destination for women travelling alone – easygoing, exciting, and safe in summer and winter. However, as of November 2022, it is advised not to travel due to civil unrest.
