…only this time with a much larger bunch. We are 16 strong on this adventure (some new, some returning at long last and some “salty” old veterans), but it started very similarly to our previous 2 journeys – Charlotte with numerous checked bags, dinner and a cocktail at our regular haunt, late flight to Miami where we united with Chelsea and then “settle in” for a “rest” before a 7am flight to Haiti. Our lullaby in the airport was 24/7 CNN footage, muzak in the terminal, security & public service announcements and the constant hum of floor buffers & vacuums. We were all up for nearly 18 hours before we ever touched down in Miami so most of us got at least a few minutes of shut-eye. As for me, I believe I logged about 3 or 4 ten minute naps between 1 and 6AM.
For those of you concerned for our fatigue this evening, rest assured this will likely be the last time we repeat this scene. If our tickets for this trip had not been purchased already, our itinerary would have been very different this weekend. Oh well, we adapt and learn from our experiences with every iteration.
Anyway, our wakeup call came too early, as expected, but we all managed to get freshened up just a bit, get a bite before the flight and make it to our gate for the next leg of the journey. As I looked around the plane, most of the team were nodding off during the 2hr flight. Once in the Port au Prince airport we ran the same gauntlet from immigration to baggage claim to customs and I can assure you Fagin’s boys were in peak form, though when I checked the funds, I managed to get taken for just an extra tensky over what was actually budgeted.
Once we exited the chaos we reunited with Garry who provided us with a large motor coach complete with air condition…all together and livin’ high today. Luckily he also showed with a smaller van in case we needed it for the 60 plus pieces of luggage….and did we ever need it. Turned out to be a good thing he was trailing us since we stopped for mango in Leogane where he was nearly bum rushed by numerous vendors to purchase their crop. He negotiated well and in 5 minutes we were on our way with over 3 dozen fresh mangos for just $12 US. I can’t even imagine how that scene would have played out without him!
We were even more fortunate he was trailing us because 1 hr later our motor coach blew 2 tires! Garry seems to know everyone and drove ahead to remedy the situation. Ten minutes later he returned with another van and in 20 minutes all bags were transferred, rearranged, the team was reloaded between the 2 vans and we were on our way again…still in style with AC all the way…we are getting a bit spoiled, I think.
We were very happy to arrive in Les Cayes and get the chance to see Johnny, though he will not be able to work with us this week, and reunite with Léon and Nora. We had a short pit stop and a small meal while luggage was loaded. Then it was our turn to get loaded…onto the boat that is. Most of us had an uneventful cruise but Chelsea seems to have a knack for the wettest seat in the boat. We made land as the sun was near the horizon and we trekked up the hill to our “home” for the week just in time to miss a small rain shower. We then underwent the settling in ritual of hanging bed nets, searching for packed items and showering before a delicious meal of spaghetti…sorry Rusty…aka “DJ Gruss”…missing you here!
We are too exhausted to sort and bag meds tonight (most of us have been awake for over 36hrs and some of us ain’t gettin’ any younger…Emma). The clinic schedule for tomorrow sounds very flexible due to repeated rains on the island over the past few days. Big Boss will get the word out and we will see what happens, but for now we anticipate med sorting and preparations for clinic after breakfast tomorrow.
We have had some fun after dinner, reminiscing and storytelling and we are getting to know our new family members a little better. We hope to get a GOOD night’s sleep and be energized for the rest of our week. We have much to accomplish and many new friends to make. We are excited to again be working with Wilson, aka “Chicken Nugget”, and Boaz, aka “Pitit”…I have no doubt there will be cards and laughter late into the evening hours. And with JennyMa in the house, we should probably sell tickets for admission.
That’s all for now – finally off to bed…an actual bed!! Definitely more to tell tomorrow.
Love to All,
The Team
See my little Rachel there on the left. You guys are doing a great job!