Hello to all,

We have arrived in Haiti. Yesterday was an intense travel day. We left Miami - late by about 1 hour. Made up a little time on the way to Port au Prince, but still late getting in. There was a welcoming committee - the staff from the Guest House in Port au Prince where we worked. What a great reunion with them , especially our god-daughter, Jessica. The time was too short as our driver from Cayes was waiting and wanted to get on the road as soon as possible.

The trip was about 4 hours. Some parts of the road were very good, and some parts were terribe - many potholes and a detour on a road that was so rough and dusty that is was almost impassible. It was around a place where the hurricanes had completely washed the road away.

It was dark before we arrived which is extremely difficult driving in Haiti. So many people walking along the side of the road, so many bicycles, cars without adequate lighting, more pot holes and such. Finally we could see the "gates of the city" and were thankful to have arrived safely.

The Pumpkin Soup was ready. That is the traditional New Year's dish. It was hot and spicy and lots of it !!! We were hungry after only stopping for a plate of fried plantain and a few pieces of fried pork as we left Port au Prince.

Today is quiet as most people here enjoy a few days of "holiday" with family and friends at the New Year. That is good as we are both a little travel weary. I did not remember there being so many "different" noises in the night. Birds singing, roosters crowing, pigs snorting, cars and horns and a few firecrackers !!! Morning came much too quickly !!

Until later, Jack and Virginia Bell Stay well and warm in 2009 !!!