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You will have to zoom out to see where Port Au Prince is in relation to the fort

Lots of the fort was in ruins, but we could get into the magazine, the barracks, part of the prison, and, of course, up on top.

One the way we stopped at a Mission that was founded in the 1940s and has since that time been providing medical services and education to the communities in the valley ever since. This community was on the of the first to reintroduce terraced agriculture back into the area. What was once reputedly the poorest part of Haiti, deforested and eroded to barren rock, has been able to pull itself up and become a destination area for wealthy Haitians, and a source of local produce.

Along the way, too and from, we did see some earthquake damage. While dramatic, what you see in these photos is exceptional and not indicative of the majority of the city.

Shortly after we left the fort and headed to lunch at a lovely restaurant nearby, the rains began. It took almost 2 hours, but we wound our way home.

Equivalent to $0.60

It was about a 2 hour trip each way and we drove through some different parts of Port Au Prince. I was able to snap a few more pictures of the reality here:

Once we got to the club, we stepped into a Never-never land of sandy beach, blue ocean, palm trees, music, etc.

I have to admit that this interlude was welcome after the week in our container-rooms and driving through the reality that is Port Au Prince.

One thing, though. Apparently the coconut trees are hazardous…

My first impressions of Port-au-Prince leave me thinking of Africa, though.  The earthquake devastated an already pitifully poor nation, and recovery has been slow to say the least.  I read today that more than 600,000 people around Port-Au-Prince are still displaced and living in encampments like these:

If I didn’t know better, I’d swear I’m in Africa and not just an hour and a half flight from Miami as we drive to and from the office.

Tomorrow we’re being driven out of the city to a beach resort for the day.  I’ll be interested to see what we drive through.

Inside there’s just enough room to set up the basics. A bed, a bureau, desk and bathroom.

The restaurant and pool is really nice, though.  This weekend I’m expecting to get some good pool time.

I also took some pictures at a couple interesting places, though I was pretty discrete with the camera.  First is the Faisal Mosque, in the outskirts of Islamabad. It’s a huge complex, stark outside, but wonderfully ornate inside.

One of the things I remember about Iran is all the different modes of transportation you’d see in the city. People would, of course, walk, bicycle, ride motorcycles, drive various motorized contraptions with 3 or more wheels and, occasionally, you’d see more traditional transport like these.

All exist side-by-side and fill the needs of the people.

I’ve got to say that I’m looking forward to heading back.

Also shot a short video so you can get an idea of the air traffic on Friday. It wasn’t nearly as nice a day, so please forgive the quality of the footage.