Flew in to Port au Prince yesterday afternoon. The airplane that we were supposed to be flying on had mechanical problems and had been canceled. The only option was a Cessna 182 a small single engine 3 seater plus the pilot. We had 8 adults and 14 50lb bags.
So we all had to stand on scales with our bags and Maria and I devised this flight schedule that could handle the weight.
The streets of Port au Prince while driving to the hotel.
The presidential palace in Port.
Overall four flights up into the mountains. the first two flights made it ok while myself, maria, and her mom waited at the airport. Funny thing was Dr. Fogarty negociated three flights before he left but it was going to take four and told the guy the tall guy with glasses would pay. Only problem was I didn't have any money! haha So I had Dr. Roge loan me the money from his stash, plus mine, and Sandy's and we were able to get enough. It was like some deal at the airport to get us on a the last minute. Dr. Roge and his wife and some bags made it on the second flight. However the weather in the mountains worsened and we couldn't make it out. But the experienced team members with all the money and the two French speakers had already flown away! haha So here we were stuck with about 8 bags and three people at 5:00 pm in port au prince with no contacts! yikes. Luckily the driver Nadar showed up to check on us. Was really a great guy and drove us to the Le plaza hotel in downtown port au prince.
The poverty along the way was startling. Overcrowded. Crazy drining, no stoplights or stop signs. People hanging off the bus. But we made it to the hotel fine with a shot gun weilding security guard. Met two nice Americans from St Louis for dinner. Had an ice cold shower and washed my clothes in the bathtub with a bar of soap. Dinner was great. Haitian rice, carrots bread, water and beer (Called Prestige). Excellent comarardary and a safe, fun ending to a long day. Heading up into the mountains today at 9:00am (10:00am est) on the 182! wish us luck. I have lots of pictures but the computer has locked me out. So I will update them when I can.
Cheers!
Cheers!
