Haiti 2012 Continued!
Island Expedition – One Monday the squad went on an expedition to an island far away. We walked for about 30 mins down the beach and then swam for about 30 mins over to the island. The island had some crazy coral and reefs surrounding it. Beautiful, but that also meant it was dangerous to walk cause your feet could get cut real easily. Beautiful view, clear blue waters, and lots of fun. I found a rock and laid out while others explored the island and some of the guys went spear fishing.
(Rachel, Alicia, LeAnna, and Me at the Beach) Photo taken by Rachel Rush
Hike/ Waterfall – Yeah, we went on some crazy hike to get to the waterfalls in Haiti. Thankful this hike wasn’t too bard in comparison to the DR. Only about 45 mins there and then 30 mins back. But I still didn’t like it. The problem was, it rained the night before so the trail was really muddy and then the trail ended so we had to walk up the stream. Apparently it the stream is normally empty but due to the rain it was more of a small river… Sooo I didn’t like it because my shoes got wet…. But the waterfalls were pretty. (not beautiful, just pretty). The other problem I was hungry the entire hike sooo that affected my enjoyment of the hike. But nice day to get away.
Jacmel – As a squad, we took a road trip to Jacmel. A beautiful beach in Haiti. It was gorgeous…. The water… the waves… the view. But for me it was not worth the 3 hour bus ride there and then back. 6 hours on a bus to see a beach and go swimming when there is a beach right beside my tent. It was a good day, because I was able to have some good conversations with squadmates, but at the same time really long. I was exhausted when we got home.
(Squad Picture at Jacmel) Photo taken by Rachel Rush
Going to the Market – I had the opportunity to go to the market with Mary Eve, our awesome cook, and Grace (my teammate). Ohhh what a crazy day. Now this wasn’t some tourist fun market, this was an open air food market for the locals. And we went on a Saturday. All fruits, vegetables, foods, and meats (the whole cow and live chickens). Sooo many people and zero white. Mary Eve walks with a purpose. She had her list and her money and two white girls to carry everything. I learned how to carry stuff on my head fast cause cooking for 46 people equals lots and lots of food. It was a crazy day that I wont forget. We were there for a good three hours.
Bread Intake – Ohhh this month I ate way too much bread. Ohhh it is sooo good, but such a problem. I probably ate like 8 to 10 pieces a day. Now this isn’t loaf bread or store bought. This is homemade bread that is made daily and when it is warm straight out of the oven… Yum! It is all we have for breakfast most morning just bread, peanut butter, and coffee. Then they serve it at the other meals… Bread comes with each meal basically… ohhh it’s a problem. In Romania, I think I will go on a bread fast.
Photo taken by Candance
Taste buds – It is crazy how taste buds change over time. I can eat about anything now (except tuna… the smell gets me). But beans and rice, I actually look forward to eating and I am perfectly content eating that every day. Me and oatmeal are basically best friends. We only get oatmeal about twice a week, but on those mornings I am such a happy camper (And I hated oatmeal before the race). I have to have a cup of coffee each morning to start off the day. (And I never drank coffee at home.)… Ohhhh how times have changed.
(Photo taken by Sarah)
