Our apologies for the tardy post…reliable internet connections are sometimes hard to come by!
As I mentioned in the previous post, this is a unique adventure for our team, in many ways. The first of which is just our many modes of transportation, though the duration of our first day travels rivals that of some of our previous journeys. That said, we have endured the overnight in the Ft. Lauderdale airport…and I do mean endured! We made it through Port au Prince customs and baggage check with the benefit of Melila’s Kreyol and the gentleman who found us with a sign which simply read “Adam Sarbin” (never been so happy to see my name in print); he helped us locate our new friend Gary who was our driver for the day and we proceeded to make the five-hour long road trip to the south and west to Les Cayes – a first for our group (we had an air-conditioned van and NO dry riverbed roads…how refreshing!). This is where we met Nora and her husband Léon for the first time, before heading to the pier to board a boat for our next leg; we boarded our boat (another exciting first) and made the one hour ride to our ultimate destination – the former haunt of infamous pirate Captain Morgan!
We were welcomed to the island by a few of Leon’s employees and the welcome site of a pickup truck to transport the heavy bags and a few exhausted travelers up the hill to the guesthouse/orphanage/school site…and maybe the future site of a medical clinic?! Under different circumstances, one might think we were on an ecotourism vacation, but we remember why we have traveled so far off the grid.We were greeted by the curious eyes of some of the orphans living here, but they were soon playing soccer well into the dark with the new ball Kitty provided. Once unloaded we were treated to a delicious plate of spaghetti and a promise for a later evening meal. We then went about unpacking some personal belongings and hanging the all important mosquito nets…hopefully no Zika for this bunch!
We are treated to a true oasis at the end of our long journey, with the happy sounds of children playing in the air and a gorgeous view as the sun sets. Not that we ever need to be, but we are reminded why we strive so hard, again and again, to return to this inspiring nation! I wish my friend was here…but then again, he is probably looking over my shoulder right now…
So, we are 8 strong and have arrived safely to our new, even tinier Haitian island paradise – Ile a Vache. We may be exhausted by the journey but I believe our level of excitement for what tomorrow holds has never been higher. We have enjoyed a delicious meal, so far…and a cold beverage…or 2, settled into our accommodations and have met our hosts for the week. We have some scouting plans for tomorrow and maybe a short journey to the local village. We hope to meet with some community leaders, with the help of Léon, as we work towards our ultimate goal. We are even told the children will most likely take us back down the hill for a dip in the ocean, once school and chores are completed…my mind races as new experiences most definitely await.
But now, we settle in for a night’s rest…hopefully. Never know what the night wildlife will have to say about this (no shortage of goats, sheep, chickens and even cattle on this tiny island). I am guessing the exhaustion will eventually take over though. Please be comforted knowing we are safe and in good hands. Our new chapter is just beginning and there will certainly be more to tell, but that is all for tonight.
Love to All,
The Team
Thank you for sharing your adventures and letting us live vicariously through you. Hugs and kisses for Chelsea. Be safe 🙂
Have a wonderful trip Adam and Team! Our hearts and hopes are with you and all you are helping! Love you, Deb
Looking forward to following your trip! Thanks for sharing it with us here