Dear Readers, Roxane Kerby. #magichaiti

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1 JUNE / JULY 2015

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3 Dear Readers, Heat, extreme heat. What a blessing that we do not have to drive too far to immerse ourselves in the bluest of beaches. It is the right time to put on your tourist hats and venture out of Port-au-Prince. Travel south or north, east or west, and you are bound to stumble upon a body of water that will bring some relief to the tropical summer heat. Port Salut, Ile-à-Vache, Côte des Arcadins, Amiga Island, are some of my favorite places and if I included waterfalls or caves, and other such places the list would be too long. So do not hesitate, just go. Let me be one of the first to welcome you to Ayiti. In this issue of Magic Haiti you will indubitably develop a better understanding of the abundance, richness and diversity of our culture as you read the articles on chocolate bars made in Haiti, a designer who creates hand-painted fashion pieces, a talented artisan, and the fishing experiences that await you. In addition, you will discover a carwash that offers much more. The goal of the magazine is to share many different aspects of our culture so that you can delve into and experience the vibrancy of this remarkable island. Take advantage, go snorkeling, hike in the mountains, leave your footprints, collect memories, and be sure to showcase your travels as an ambassador. As you wind up your stay in our slice of the world, I encourage you take a piece of Haiti home with you. Be the voice that acclaims Haiti so that others can come and Live the Experience! Roxane Kerby #magichaiti

4 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2015 Take the Plunge 10 Lamanjay 15 An Pale 12 Escapade Executive Editor Roxane Kerby roxanekerby@magichaiti.com Copy Editor Angela Galbreath Rachele Viard Just a girl and her fishing pole 19 Contributors Graphic Designer Photographer Printed in Haiti by Kristine Belizaire Christina Jean-Louis Carolyn Desert Regine Theodat Mildred Boivert Lara Elie-Joseph Clarens Courtois Ludmillo D. Pierre Junior Plesius Louis L IMPRIMEUR SA Publisher Le Nouvelliste Artmosphere Spotlight Advertising / publicite@lenouvelliste.com Cover Photo by Hunter Kittrell facebook.com/magichaiti product of

5 Mrs. Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin Minister of Tourism Dear Readers, June and July have been extraordinary months rich in activities and full of good news for the Haitian tourism sector. In June the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Industries of Haiti (MTIC) organized a Roadshow in seven cities in the United States in order to promote the destination. Indeed, from May 27th to June 5th, a caravan comprised of different tour operators and representatives of the private and public tourism sector, stopped in Miami, Atlanta, Orlando, Boston, Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, bringing good news to the cities and also returning to Haiti with good news for tourism. On June 15th, 16th and 17th, Haiti hosted the large annual regional conference of the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean (AACCLA). A first for the country. "A great success for Haiti," testified Philippe Armand, President of the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM-Haiti), one of the organizers of this event. Among small and large ongoing projects and inaugurations, Haiti in early July, did very well at Expo Milano 2015, an international fair held in Milan, Italy. Haitian fashion, agriculture and cuisine were honored on Friday, July 10th, which was specially devoted to Haiti. Culture and beliefs of 150 countries gathered in one place. If Expo Milano is not a competition per se, it did not prevent states from around the world including the United States, Germany, Italy, England, Japan, France, Argentina, Brazil, Angola, Qatar, Nepal, Haiti, Togo, Zimbabwe and the Dominican Republic to roll out their Sunday best to impress and better sell their culture. MTIC ensured a presentation of typical local products and the promotion of the destination at this great event. In the South, MTIC culminated on Sunday, July 12, 2015, two days of training for the benefit of journalists and press staff in the department. It was also an opportunity for the journalists to visit the major ongoing construction projects on Ile-a-Vache. In addition to these activities, a marketing agreement was signed with the French tour operator Look Voyages at the Haitian Embassy in Paris to launch the Haiti destination. An arrival of two hundred tourists a week at Decameron Club Indigo is planned for the coming days, and was announced to the Parisian press. Meanwhile, preparations for CARIFESTA are going well. The heads of delegation and artistic directors of the countries participating in this great festival are already on site and are put the finishing touches for a successful 12th edition. Take the opportunity to plan your summer holidays and participate in the Caribean Festival to be held nowhere else but in Haiti from August 21 to 30, Come! And bring your family and friends with you! Haiti awaits you! Chers lecteurs et lectrices, Quels mois extraordinairement riches en activités et bonnes nouvelles pour le secteur touristique Haïtien que ces mois de juin et juillet 2015! Juin a été chaleureusement accueilli par un roadshow organisé par le Ministère du tourisme et des Industries Créatives d'haïti dans 7 villes américaines, dans le but de promouvoir la destination. En effet, du 27 mai au 5 juin, la caravane composée des tours opérateurs et des différents représentants du secteur privé et public touristique, s'est tour à tour arrêtée à Miami, Atlanta, Orlando, Boston, Connecticut, New York et Missouri, apportant chez eux et revenant en Haïti avec de bonnes nouvelles pour le tourisme. Les 15, 16 et 17 juin, Haïti a hébergé l'amcham, la grande conférence régionale annuelle de l'association des Chambres de commerce américaines d'amérique latine et des Caraïbes (AACCLA). Une première pour le pays. «Un très grand succès pour Haïti», a témoigné Philippe Armand, président de la Chambre de commerce haïtiano-américaine (AMCHAM-Haïti), l un des organisateurs de cet événement. Entres petits et grands chantiers, de projets en cours et d'inaugurations, Haïti a pour ce début de juillet, encore une fois fait belle figure à Expo Milano 2015, cette grande foire internationale tenue à Milan en Italie. La mode, l agriculture et la cuisine haïtiennes ont été à l honneur ce vendredi 10 juillet consacré spécialement à Haïti. La culture et les croyances de 150 pays réunis en un seul endroit. Si Expo Milano n est pas une compétition en soi, cela n'a tout de même pas empêché des Etats du monde entier comme les Etats- Unis, l Allemagne, l Italie, l Angleterre, le Japon, la France, l Argentine, le Brésil, l Angola, le Qatar, le Népal, Haïti, Togo, Zimbabwe et la République dominicaine de sortir leurs plus beaux costumes du dimanche pour impressionner et mieux vendre leurs cultures. Le Ministère du Tourisme et des Industries Créatives (MTIC) s est assuré d une présentation de produits typiques du terroir et de la promotion de la destination à ce grand évènement. Dans le Sud, le MTIC a clôturé le dimanche 12 juillet 2015, deux journées de formation à l'intention des journalistes et travailleurs de la presse de ce département. Ce fut aussi l'occasion pour les journalistes, de visiter les grands travaux de construction en cours sur l'île. En marge de ces activités, un accord de marketing a été signé avec le tour opérateur français Look Voyages à l'ambassade de Paris, pour lancer la destination Haïti. Une arrivée de deux cent touristes par semaine au Decameron Club Indigo est prévue pour les jours à venir, et a été annoncée à la presse parisienne. Entre temps, les préparatifs pour CARIFESTA vont bon train. Les chefs de délégation et directeurs artistiques des pays participants à ce grand festival sont déjà sur place et mettent les dernières mains pour une 12ème édition réussie. Profitez-en pour planifier vos vacances d'été et participer au Caribean Festival qui se tiendra cette année nulle part d'autre qu'en Haïti, du 21 au 30 Août Venez! Et amenez familles et amis avec vous! Haïti vous attend!

6 Artmosphere Himane Eco-conscious Sustainable Designs Article by Kristine Belizaire Photos by Ludmillo Pierre & courtesy of Himane Sustainable Designs Denim, fish skin, wine bottles, umbrellas, and coconut shells are not usually the materials that come to mind when thinking about creating high end fashion designs. However, Hatian eco-designer Catherine Edouard Charlot has been using these exact items to create sandals, dresses, jackets, bags, tables, dining accessories, and more. Using her creative mind and flair for design, these recycled items are taken apart, cut, cleaned, and repurposed into new designs. Catherine explains that her passion for fashion began at an early age. When she was barely a teenager, she began to sew her own clothing, fashioning a dress using material from old shirts belonging to her father. Wanting to refine her skills and enter the fashion market, her love for design led her to enroll at the Verona Alta Costura School of Fashion in Haiti and then at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She started Himane Sustainable Designs in 1998 and delved into recycling a few years later. Himane was the name of Catherine's mother, and she found it fitting to use the name of her strongest supporter, ally and friend. She continues to honor her mother day by day, by reusing forgotten materials, 4 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2015

7 redefining and transforming all of them into extraordinary items. Some of her most popular pieces include end tables. What makes the living room accessory unique is the use of large recycled wine bottles as legs as well as hand painted tables. They come in various dimensions and are sure to be the subject of rave reviews by patrons. Her refined clutches, totes, and satchels are also in demand and are usually made with denim, leather, organic cotton, among others. One of my personal favorite items from DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR VEHICLES ARE? Reconnaissance Group s GPS tracking system enables you to manage and monitor your fleet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our system allows you to track performance of your vehicle and its driver and in turn, reduce operating costs Some of the features include Live vehicle and asset tracking via web and app A 24hr dedicated monitoring team from the Reconnaissance Operations room Historical playback Emergency button Speeding alerts Harsh braking alerts Geo-Fencing The peace of mind of knowing where my equipment and my kids are at all times is priceless! -Marc Andersen Phone: info@reconnaissancegroup.com JUNE / JULY 2015 MAGIC HAITI 5

8 "I see inspiration in everyday things around me, nature and the different people that I encountered. Most of all, I am inspired by Haiti and its culture." her collection is the small bowl made from coconut shells. Every one of them is refined and can used for just about any dining occasion. Through Himane, Catherine is also able to combine her passion for fashion and sustainable activities. She has held recycling workshops in Europe and in Haiti and believes in reaching the youth and educating them about recycling. Her creativity and out of the box fashion sense are what sets her apart in the world of design. Cath- erine says, "I see inspiration in everyday things around me, nature and the different people that I encountered. Most of all, I am inspired by Haiti and its culture." Catherine has been featured in magazines such as Forbes and Oprah, yet she remains down to earth and focused on her goal, which is to positively contribute to the society she lives in by honoring its resources. For Catherine, the repurposing of used materials into design breathes life into each new object, giving it a renewed sense of purpose while also promoting sustainability. Through recycling, she is creating fashionable items that will be around for a long time. For more information about Himane Sustainable Designs or to place an order, visit Himane.com 6 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2015

9 What if urgent care were too far away when you needed it? Ayiti Air Anbilans is a medical helicopter service that transports patients in need of emergency medical care. AAA flies throughout Haiti with highly trained clinicians and the latest in medical technology onboard. By becoming a member of AAA, you and your family will have the security of knowing that if flown, the costly expense of the flight will be covered. Protect Your Family With Access To Medical Care Anywhere In Haiti. SHORT-TERM: 25 USD Ideal for international visitors and Haitians traveling by car for holidays outside the capital. Valid for a maximum period of 14 days. INDIVIDUAL: 36 USD Ideal for people who travel frequently outside the capital or participate in sports or physical activities. FAMILY: 75 USD Access to all services for family members, parents and children under 18 recorded at the time of registration. There Is Hope In The Skies Over Haiti. For more information, visit HaitiAirAmbulance.org

10 Spotlight From Bean-to-Bar, Askanya s Authentic Haitian Chocolate Bars from the Heart of Haiti By Regine Theodat Photos provided by Askanya Some of the world s most prized cacao is nestled in the forests of Haiti. The plant extracted and transformed into delectable chocolate. Cacao is a persnickety tree requiring specific amounts of rain water, a rainforest canopy, and though tropical at times, it desires mild temperature. Luckily for Haiti, our climate is apt just for such a tree. Corinne Joachim Sanon Symietz didn t imagine that she would be evolving in her budding chocolate production business. She grew up in Haiti and went to study in the US with the intention of learning something that would help her create jobs in Haiti. She studied industrial engineering at the University of Michigan and went on to work for various companies including L Oréal, and a defense company. This afforded her the opportunity to acquire industrial engineering chops. She then honed her skills in management, human resources, and finance when she earned her MBA from the Wharton School of Business. In the fall of 2014, Corinne was reading an article regarding Haitian Cacao and she realized that it was time to bring the first Haiti based bean-to-bar company to fruition. Many companies export cacao from Haiti, but a business venture focusing on the production of chocolate bars did not exist. And Askanya emerged in the market as the first chocolate production company. Askanya is co-owned by four partners, Alexandra Lecorps, Andreas Symietz, Gentilé Sénat, and Corinne. Askanya comprises a staff of 15 employees and works with a network of 2,000 farmers. The creation of the company was truly a labor of international collaboration. 8 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2015

11 Corinne met Alexandra while at the University of Michigan. The two along with their partner Andreas put the bones of the business together with the help of several consultants. Alexandra, a Ph.D candidate in Biology, quit work in the US and endeavored to learn as much as possible about chocolate. Alexandra interned at a company in Portland, Maine called Woodblock Chocolate for one month before moving to Haiti to supervise the construction of the "I am so proud that we make such good chocolate bars right here in Haiti. Askanya has become one of my favorite snack," states a foodie as she leaves the store. Upon completion of the plant in May of 2015, only 6 months after the idea came about, Askanya sold its first chocolate bars. They sold out immediately, and quickly went back to work to provide jobs and livelihoods for thousands in Haiti. Askanya has big plans, with a 36 month goal of 1 million US Dollars in sales. It currently has two types of bars, milk and dark chocolate, with plans to add a rapadou (Haitian Molasses) flavor. The name Askanya derives from Andreas hometown in Germany Aschersleben. The Latinized form of the plant. The group transformed Corinne s grandparents house in Ouanaminthe, north of Haiti, into the epicenter of Askanya s production. They then sought the advice of French/Mexican chocolatier, Chloe Doutre Roussel, the former head of Chocolate at Ladurée. Haitian-American designer Marlie Décopain developed the Haiti-centric colorful design. A New York based company assisted with branding. word would be Ascania, which connects to the ancient Roman figure Ascanius. Just as Ascanius became the legendary mythology King, Askanya hopes to become the queen of chocolate in the Caribbean. Askanya products are sold in several supermarkets, Karibe Boutique & Melange. Products can be ordered online at or at info@ askanya.ht. You can also follow Askanya on Facebook. JUNE / JULY 2015 MAGIC HAITI 9

12 Lamanjay Rapid Car Wash A Getaway Right in the Middle of the City! By Daphney Valsaint Photos by This is definitely the best spaghetti I've had in a long time! It was a little bit hard for me to admit that since I am not a big fan of pasta, and I did not even want to try it in the first place. Nevertheless, my friend insisted. You are going to like it, she said. Turned out she was right! As a matter of fact, I liked it so much that I actually went to Rapid Car Wash, the place she bought it from, to treat myself to another pasta dish a few days later. Located in Bois Verna, Rapid Car Wash is a regular car 10 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2015

13 actual car wash works from 9 am to 5 pm while the kitchen stays open late at night. Open air, friendly service, good food, and great prices! Rapid Car wash has all the things a savvy customer is looking for. With its rustic decor, the restaurant is a perfect get away in the middle of the city. And by the way, since I saw the care given to washing the cars, on my next visit (which will be soon), I will definitely have my car washed. Head on to Rapid Car Wash, get your car cleaned and let your palate get satisfied. 5 Bis, Rue Carlstroëm, Lalue (509) (509) wash with the exception that it is not just a car wash. It houses a restaurant that changes the atmosphere and turns it into a cozy place where you can enjoy a well-cooked meal while waiting for your car to be detailed. Rapid Car Wash is nothing fancy, yet it is one of the best places to have breakfast, lunch or even dinner downtown. The restaurant is arranged as a sports bar including flatscreens on the wall, and metal chairs and tables which give a very cozy feel. The menu is very simple, featuring regular local food such as conch and goat, and natural drinks, including fresh coconut water. However, their must-have is the whole roasted chicken that is served with fried plantain, fries or rice. Prepared Haitian style, it is very well cooked and seasoned and is very moist. And when you add their homemade hot sauce, it is simply Delish! One more interesting thing about Rapid Car Wash is that their prices are really affordable. The customers always mention how happy they are with these prices. I live in the area, and I could literally eat here every day! Delivery would also be a great asset. However I really don't mind coming here and sharing a meal in such a comfy place with my friends or my family, says Tanya, a satisfied customer. With no sign at the entrance and any type of advertisement, the restaurant seems to be a place for connoisseur. You could pass by it for months without noticing it until someone tells you that you have to enter that random car wash. Therefore, the restaurant is mostly visited by some regular clients that either work or live in the area. The Your Internet Solution!!! STARTING AS LOW AS $US JUNE / JULY 2015 MAGIC HAITI 11

14 Habitation Jouissant Escapade Cap-Haitien, once considered the little Paris of Haiti, is becoming one of Haiti s hottest new destinations of choice. The small town feel and slower pace of this growing town brings a special charm and atmosphere rarely felt in the bustling streets of the capital. Visitors to Cap- Haitien have access to the most beautiful beaches along the Northern coast, historic sites such as Sans Souci Palace and the Citadelle Laferrière, and a cultural experience unlike any Sets New Norm in Cap-Haitien Article and Photos by Hunter Kittrell found in Haiti. With the arrival of American Airlines to the newly renovated airport, it is faster and more affordable than ever to come stay in Cap-Haitien. Whether you are planning your first trip, or you have visited many times before, there is a new hotel in town that is quickly gaining recognition and setting a new standard for comfort. Habitation Jouissant is a new kind of hotel for the North. Considered a boutique hotel, Habitation Jouissant goes beyond just creating a relaxing and beautiful ambiance for its guest, they want you to have the personalized service that you need to feel right at home. Literally. According to hotel manager Catherine Béliard, No is not an option at our hotel. Whatever you need to make your stay more comfortable, we will provide it for you. If the guest wants slippers and a bathrobe, done. We will make that happen. If the guest likes the painting on the wall, then we will sell it to them. No problem. Béliard explained that service at a standard hotel is offered, but with limits. At Habitation Jouissant, they will fill your request on demand. Why else would the president stay here when he comes to town? Not only is the presidential suite one of the most beautiful and spacious rooms offered in all of Cap-Haitien, but the hotel provides just what is needed to make him feel at home. This ginger bread style villa was not always a hotel though. For years Béliard s family used 12 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2015

15 No is not an option at our hotel. Whatever you need to make your stay more comfortable, we will provide it for you. " the villa as a bed and breakfast. It was so popular that it just seemed right to turn it into a hotel that provided the same level of comfort and personalized service as the bed and breakfast. Since 2010 the hotel has gained popularity and in 2014 was rated as a 4 Hibiscus by Haiti s Ministry of Tourism, and listed as number one on Trip Adviser for Cap-Haitien. The hotel boasts an unmatched bird s eye view of Cap- Haitien and its surrounding coastline. The ocean breeze climbs up the mountain and cools the charming dining and pool areas. Habitation Jouissant s restaurant, Basilik, is host to some of the top chefs in Northern Haiti, and the Lime Bar provides visitors with incredible views while enjoying their favorite drinks. JUNE / JULY 2015 MAGIC HAITI 13

16 Lun / Mon / Lun-Jeu/ Thr/Jue Ven / Fri / Vie Sam / Sat / Sab Dim / Sun / Dom Fériés / Holidays / Vacaciones 8h a.m. - 4h p.m. 8h a.m. - 5h p.m 10h a.m. - 4h p.m 12h a.m. - 5h p.m 10h a.m. - 4h p.m Place des Héros de l'indépendance, Port-au-Prince, Haïti Tél.:(509) mupanah@yahoo.fr If tourism is to grow in Northern Haiti, then the local infrastructure must accommodate the needs of the visitors, Béliard continues. We provide hotel shuttle service to and from the airport, and if getting out and seeing the country side interests you, we have guided tours and transportation to all of the top historic sights. Right now the quaint little hotel has 13 rooms, but big plans are in the works for 2015 and beyond. In the next year, Habitation Jouissant plans to expand to 60 rooms, add a new spa, gym, conference center for 120 people, and a parking lot which will accommodate 80 vehicles. These plans are already in the works and we have already started breaking ground, says Béliard. Truly, this one of a kind hotel could be the new norm for comfort and service in Cap- Haitien. As the tourism industry continues to grow in Cap- Haitien, you can be assured that Habitation Jouissant will continue to stand as one of the favorite hotels for all those visiting this beautiful country. Habitation Jouissant Tel Loc. Cap-Haitien, Haiti #magichaiti 14 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2015

17 Let s Talk! Ann Pale! By Roxane Kerby & Clarens Courtois Illustration by Teddy Kesser Mombrun If you are going to be in Haiti for more than two weeks, I suggest that you plan a local trip to the city of Cap-Haitien. It is Haiti s second largest city and it is also well known for its hospitality. It is a vibrant city which comes to life in the evenings and affords visitors an opportunity to take in Haiti s rich historic past, consume some delectable dishes, as well as enjoy relaxing excursions that are sure to become memorable moments in your life. Don t speak Kreyol, don t worry the following will help facilitate your adventure. JUNE / JULY 2015 MAGIC HAITI 15

18 Artmosphere SAND I LOU Creating wearable works of art Article by Kristine Belizaire Photos by Ludmillo Pierre and courtesy of SANDILOU Art has a way of changing one's perspective and touching a deep place within one's soul. When you find that particular artwork that really speaks to you, there is immediately a need to possess it. As I strolled through Artisanat en Fête, Haiti's largest artisanal fair held annually in the fall, I was immediately struck by the vibrant and refined scarves displayed in a booth. I learned that they were the creations of Sandra Russo, the owner of SANDILOU. Sandra and her husband Alfredo Russo are not novices to the Haitian fashion industry. For over three decades, they have been working in the Haitian ashion industry, under the name of Fred Bernard, a collaboration between Alfredo and his associate Bernard Combette. After Combette's departure from the business in 1986, the husband and wife duo continued to make their mark in the textile industry with their hand-painted materials. 16 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2015

19 The two have known good and difficult times in the past 30 years. During the embargo, the workshop was unsuccessful, and the duo found it necessary to venture out of Haiti to give their business the opportunity to flourish. They ended up in Grenada, where SANDILOU was born. The name is very personal Sandra, as it is a combination of her and her sister's name. The newly-created fashion line brought one of kind hand-painted scarves that were immediately a hit. The reviews were so positive that resort wear was eventually added to the line. Though things were going very well, the couple decided to return back home to Haiti. Now in Delmas 64, all of SANDILOU's items are being created by local, talented artists under Sandra's watchful eye. "It is truly a team effort, the work of many to make these items," she tells me. Using a blank canvas, the artists carefully paint and swirl designs using dyes and textile paint. The end products are truly unique items such as tunics, dresses, cushions, and even accessories. Sandra, who is trained in arts, photography and sculpture, prides herself on using these designs mainly on natural fiber fabrics such as cotton, rayon, linen, and lightweight materials that suit the tropical weather of the Caribbean. One of her the line's most popular items are the intricately hand-painted scarves. Made from 100 percent silk, they can be worn as a wrap, shawl, and of course, a "It is truly a team effort, the work of many to make these items," JUNE / JULY 2015 MAGIC HAITI 17

20 she explains. Passionate about giving back to her community, Sandra also provides training to artists, allowing them to hone their skills and potentially find contract jobs with other designers in the country. A visit to Haiti is never complete without a souvenir, and SANDILOU's items provide you with your very own distinctive wearable artwork to take home with you. neck scarf. Each scarf is given its own name, emphasizing its personality. One extremely vivid scarf is La Marchande (The Tradeswoman) an elaborate item with a woman wearing a vibrant green skirt and balancing a bowl of produce on her head. Another spectacular piece is Oceanography, an array of fish in various shades of blue. "I am inspired by everything, and I also pay close attention to color trends," To find a store featuring SANDILOU products, or to make a purchase online, visit sandilou.com #magichaiti 18 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2015

21 Take the Plunge Just a girl and her fishing pole By Rachele Viard Photos by Hunter Kittrell, courtesy of Marina Blue Haiti & Labadee Charters Haiti is a beautiful and fascinating country. It truly is hard not to fall in love with it. There is so much to discover, especially its beaches, provinces, and people. There is nothing better as far as I m concerned than being on a boat lost at sea with the possibility of fishing, a pastime I picked when I was a young girl which I have been rediscovering here on this beautiful island. My last fishing adventure led me to the south coast, leaving early in the morning from Grand Goâve. I was anxious to get going! Fishing rods, cooler full of drinks and snacks all packed for the day (my uncle is King in organizing delicious assortments for any adventure) we (my aunts, uncle, and two of their friends) are ready to set sail! The atmosphere is quiet and clam as we depart. Though it s a fun ride, it took one maybe two hours, I can t be sure anymore. I was having so much fun, that I don t remember the time passing. Our trip, this time takes us to a small island named Rochelois or "Boman. The captain, my uncle, says the area we are headed to is known for both MAGIC HAITI 19

22 Wahoo and Mahi Mahi, some of my favorite fish. As the boat rips through the sea, we near Boman situated in Petite Rivière de Nippes. It s such a beautiful area one can t help but forget their problems and become one with nature. It is a fishing village with an abundant amount of conch which is the main source of income of the area. There is also a lighthouse with solar energy. Fishermen on small boats offer the catch of the day which will be put up for sale in large cities like Grand-Goâve or Miragoâne. The area is very appropriate for discovery of our sea life which is wonderful and breathtaking. So our day passes much the same with breaks here and there for snacking; jokes; good-humored and fun-loving conversations; snapping a few pictures, and cries of joy as someone catches a fish. The cameras went wild as the fish were reeled in. It really was a pleasure just lying out under the warmth of the sunshine. Fishing is really one of Haiti s greatest past time and you really do get the chance to appreciate the richness that lies beneath our sea. Another trip, like this one is needed for sure, I had an amazing time with great company that I love. I recommend that you jump at the opportunity to fish. Places like Moulin-sur-Mer which is home to Marina Blue Haiti offers fishing trips as well as various types of boating excursions to places such as Côte des Arcadins, La Gonâve, Les Pockets, and Pointe Saint-Marc. Another option is Labadee Charters located in Cap-Haitien, they too provide fishing excursions and diverse types of tours. I for one recommend giving it a try! And as Maxim of Labadee Charters says Expect the unexpected! To schedule a trip in Marina Blue Haiti call Maxim Laroche at or visit their website at www. labadeecharters.com. Marina Blue Haiti can be reached at or or at Info@marinabluehaiti.com or visit their website at 20 MAGIC HAITI JUNE / JULY 2015

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