Yin and Yang

It seems that for everything lovely in this world there is something dark and dangerous; For everything dark, there is a beauty to even it out. After spending a few days in Cite Soleil, we took a short day and a half off to go to the beach North of Port au Prince. Although it was only 30 miles outside of the city, it took us nearly an hour to arrive due to the disrepair of the roads. As we departed the crowded city and began our journey through the countryside, the massive overpopulation ebbed slightly. Although, the countryside was still dotted with tents, small houses under construction, and some houses that were still crumbling from the earthquake. The ocean breeze whipped into the van we were in and kept us fairly cool despite the blistering heat and lack of air conditioning. I really didn't even notice the heat until we slowed to a crawl to wade our way through the villages. We travelled rapidly on the "highway" and barely at all through the village towns. One of our Haitian friends, Wilson, told us the name of each town as we passed through. I wish I had thought to write them down, because they're all escaping me now.

We passed plantations filled with banana trees and mango trees, but the sparse housing remained. In the towns, masses of people lined the roads selling everything from pencils to clothing to plantains.

We turned into the hotel area we were staying at and the image changed drastically. Immediately, we were surrounded by lush grass and trees. We walked into the hotel and were greeted with complete chaos at the front desk. It had the air of a tropical hotel with absolutely no order. After about 3o minutes, we were checked in and made our way to the beach. It seemed as though I had stepped into a different world. The hotel was clearly a place where wealthy locals and UN members came for the day or weekend. The beaches were pure white sand that met up with a crystal clear turquoise ocean. It was incredible to think that just outside the walls we had left a world of poverty and need. I felt a bit guilty laying on the beach and enjoying the ocean, but I feel like it also was a good quick break from the endless stretches of people, cars, and pollution in Port au Prince. Returning tonight, I'm ready for my next venture in the St. Damien hospital network!