As I stepped off the plane, I could immediately feel the dryness in the air. Haiti had not experienced a decent rain in seven months before our travel there in April 2019. The airport was tiny, but we got our bags loaded onto the church bus and headed to Fort Liberte. The smell of burning trash was throughout all of Cap Haitien and did not fade until we exited the city. There were no traffic laws, so the largest vehicle on the road was given the right-of-way. This was my first time in Haiti, but many in my group had been several times, so the closer we got to the church, the more excitement that filled the bus of the reuniting of old friends.
The church was the best part of Fort Liberte. We lived as royalty compared to the living conditions of many residents. Most houses were more like shacks with dirt or cement floors, cement walls, no electric, no water, and, of course, barely any food. Women were not likely to be seen out as much as men, and most young girls were in school or at home. It was painfully evident that we were in a third world country, and things like waste management were not a viable option. There were big things that I noticed we take for granted, but the little things are what matter. We do not realize how truly blessed we are to have vaccinations, dental care, health care, clean water, and even electricity.
On most days we had a choice to stay at the church and bag beans with rice for distribution in a different city that evening or head out to an outpost clinic in a random village. I tried my best to split my time evenly and help in both directions, but the outpost clinic was where I enjoyed spending my time, typically managing our limited pharmacy. Communicating with people who didn’t speak the same language was hard, even with interpreters, but the blending of cultures was beautiful as these villages accepted our help, even if that help was only a thirty-day supply of medicine that could be as simple as vitamins or ibuprofen. The sad reality was that these people waited all year for our team of doctors and nurses to come back for a simple check up in a makeshift clinic set up in a church. Hospitals were not common in Haiti because most had no form of transportation and no way to pay if they did happen to find their way there. I learned that dental procedures consisted of pulling rotten teeth for around 40 dollars. Yes, that was about it.
We spent most of our downtime watching the boys play basketball and walking the streets. My favorite part was letting the little boys on the street play with my phone and watching their faces light up as they were exposed to something brand new. I will never forget the connection I had with some of the boys playing games like “patty cake” and “concentration” as we sat on the sidewalks.
As sad as this trip may seem, it was easily the greatest traveling experience I have ever had and the greatest overall learning experience. I pray that I get the opportunity to return next year and see my friends I had to leave behind. The bonds that were created are unbreakable and the memories will last forever. Haiti may not be on many peoples’ bucket list, but this trip was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.
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John, glad you liked the story. This park is in Ohio where the weather can be unpredictable! It’s warmest between late April and November, but even April has the risk of some snow. If you’re camping with kids, the safest bet is June to August, because it’s warmer and there’s little rain. Enjoy your trip.
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It’s truly magical being there. I love the art this country offers. Their wall arts and crafts are just lovely.
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The history of Cuhahoga valley national park seems interesting and must be a new experience when we observe scenes of National park from their scenic campgrounds.
which season do you think is the best time to visit this national park?
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Hello Michael, glad to hear your family is interested in a dude ranch holiday.
Since your kids are older and, hopefully, everyone in the family rides, you have lots of options. The Dude Ranchers Association is a really helpful resource in sorting through the many types of ranch vacations. For example, you can go here: https://duderanch.org/by-activity-amenity and search for ‘Advanced Rides’ and “Cattle Drives’ and that would get you some real working ranches that would have more of the lifestyle you seem to be looking for. One of our authors recommends the Hideout in Shell, Wyoming for this type of trip.
Looking for a real ranch experience with horseback riding (lots of it) and time in the open air with my son (15) and daughter (12) and my wife (49). I am 62. We live in NJ, my children have been sheltered but I grew up in a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania. I want my children to see another side of life.
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Of course, you can do travel freely and easily through these two countries yourself, but I enjoyed having the trip curated for me, including well-chosen local guides, comfortable transportation on call and some superb private tours, such as a Khmer cooking class or historic walking tour of Saigon, with flexibility in the itinerary for our group of five to follow their own paths, such as making an emotional detour to the moving Genocide Museum housed in the old S-21 jail in Phnom Penh.
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For Richard re: dual citizenship US-Nicaragua… can I use the same to travel back to Nicaragua with the same Power of Attorney (Specific to Minors) since wife is staying back in Nicaragua to keep eyes on the house.
Hi Richard, In our travel experience, this type of document should work well for your travels, but if your wife is available, it can’t hurt to download the sample forms we have online and also have her fill out and notarize one for your trip with your child. The agency responsible in your case will be the carrier — we assume an airline — and if they can make a note in your travel record that they have approved the Nicaraguan documents you should be fine on both departing and entering.
Safe Travels!
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As a signal parent, your life, world, actions are based on your childs well fair. Not your happiness or anything that has to do with you.
It should list where they are going, the dates that they are allowed to go and grant your permission for that trip. You want to include your address and phone number and probably the contact info for the adult traveling as well.
The grand archways and the paintings of Lord Krishna and his cows are a visual treat. Wander through areas opened for tourists and you shall witness the impressive aura and architecture of the Royal state of Rajasthan.
Thanks for Sharing
Hello guys my wife and I have dual citizenship US-Nicaragua, I’m planning to travel to the US with our son also dual citizenship for 3 weeks, with a Power of Attorney (Specific to Minors) from Nicaragua, can I use the same to travel back to Nicaragua with the same Power of Attorney (Specific to Minors) since wife is staying back in Nicaragua to keep eyes on the house.
Congratulations to the winners! A question to all the professional travelers here, how are you planning the route ant the places to see while visiting a new country? As for me I just google the most touristic and popular places. It works mostly, but there were a few times when I realized that I have seen only some the places this country or city is famous for, and that’s sad. On my last trip to Armenia, I decided to take a tour and it was quite productive. It’s much more informative when somebody is telling you history and some interesting facts. If someone wants to save their time – make sure to ask them to help if you’ll ever be there.
Curitiba é uma lugar lindo, além de ser considerada uma das melhores cidades para se morar em Brasil.
Realmente a muito o que conhecer por lá, como também diversas outras belezas do nosso brasil.
Principalmente as praias do Brasil que são muito procurada por inúmeros turistas internacionais e nacionais.
As Praias do Litoral Paulista, divididos entre Praias do Litoral Norte e Litoral Sul.
As mais conhecidas são as Praias de Ubatuba com mais de 100 belas praias no litoral norte paulista.
Já no litoral sul, a região mais procurada são as Praias de Guarujá, a região conta com 23 praias de pura beleza e preservação ambiental.
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Aloha!
I would like to add my baby equipment company, Nana’s Baby Equipment. I serve the entire island of Kauai with aloha!
Mahalo,
Sharon Hackleman
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Was an honour and pleasure to host you both in the Maori Whakata/Welcome to Wanaka. Welcome back anytime to this wonderful part of the world.
Kia Kaha/Stay strong
[http://www.wanahaka.co.nz]