Saint-Marc

Saint Marc is a city in Central Haiti.

Talk
Talk to and befriend young people. Many speak some English and most are eager to learn. And once you have a friend there, you are safe.

Get around
One can get around on foot, by 'moto', 'taxi' (sit on the back of a 'moto', by taptap (pickup trucks in various stages of disrepair): 'tap-tap' on the side to get on, or off, or by car

See
Downtown St Marc was once, clearly, a nice place. The houses and buildings are typical Caribbean with balconies, ornamentation and, at times, gardens. The is a large, older building located at the park in the center of St. Marc. The park, surrounded by a metal fence, could be lovely. It has several large trees, open grass areas and a large central fountain.

There are banks, stores inside as well as on side walks and the usual bustle of a city, but not as crowded as others. There is a store with imported goods across the park, near which is also the Western Union which, in turn, is near the ocean.

If, hopefully when, St. Marc is restored and fixed up, it will once again have a wonderful city center.

Do
ASK people what they need, and don't assume you know!

Stop at the unique places where they make iron work, carve wood furniture etc.

Volunteer through an organization, your church, whatever.

The beach has really nice spots, but stay far away from the river outlet. When seen from a plane, you will know why.

Let a vehicle take you for a ride through the neighboring countryside to absorb more of the culture, the Artibonite, the rice fields and the villages.

Don't 'see' the poverty, but 'see' the beauty, survival and strength of the people.

Smile, say 'bonju', and you will receive the same. It is a Haitian custom, strictly observed.

Visit a church service, especially Baptist or such. Very joyful. If possible, visit one outside St. Marc, a small village nearby. The singing is fantastic.

Visit a public school (not a church-related or orphanage-related school). Ask for permission in advance, make an appointment if allowed, and just watch and listen.

Go to Verrettes (road east) for the greatest Wednesday and Saturday markets! There are all daily fresh foods of all kinds and a great look at Haitian life, including a donkey-lot.

Take a walk along the 'coridor' from Verrettes directio Deschapelles, even if just a little way.

Take a car ride with a Haitian friend before sunrise along Route Nationale (1), and see what is done at that time of morning. No longer will you say that people are lazy. Just smart mid-day!

Eat
Eat fresh deep-fried chicken, citrus, dried, salted little fieshies, breadfruit...

Drink
Grenadine and rum!

Sleep
There are several nice, inexpensive places...

Stay safe
Understand that, for example, nobody yet has arranged regular garbage pick up. Someday they will. This happens when people do NOT have a functioning tax system!