*Note this post has been delayed from March 11th due to the website redesign. Enjoy!
Motos
I love the sounds, the looks, the feel and the thrill of riding a motorcycle. There is some inherent danger and little protection at the best of times but riding in Haiti brings that adventure to a whole other level. To begin with there is an overpopulation of motos, they are everywhere. Clearly the rules of the road, safety, weight planning, helmets and numbers of riders per motorcycle are optional. Most motorcycles are used for local taxis. The motos are relegated to the shoulders of the road or right down the middle. It is not unusual to see a whole family of 5 on a single motorcycle. I have seen motos carrying mattresses, 2 X 4 lumber, dragging rebar and several bags of rice or food is not uncommon. Obviously not for the faint of heart but don’t judge it till you’ve tried it.
Dodging down the middle of the road in St. Marc
Sometimes you wish you had a trailer
Just you and your buddies riding the open road with a couple of sacks of grain and a new TV
Lobster pots
Riding like a Haitian – no helmet, no gloves, no protective gear, no license – no problem.
Bicycles
As much as I love motos the HATS children love their bicycles. The rules of riding around the compound are a little better defined and helmets are mandatory. There are always a few repairs to do and the younger kids like Jonathan, Markenson and Dickieson insist on a repair job even if their particular bike doesn’t require it. They just appreciate the attention.
Sandra and Anne ready to roll
Fun fun fun
Josie will make a great taxi driver AND she loves to chat as well
HATS compound traffic jam
~Keith
