I have had a few questions on what I eat while I am here, and how do I get groceries, or where I get groceries. This blog is mainly on how the Haitian food I have had in my past trip, and the new foods I have tried so far.
On my first trip here, I noticed that a lot of the dishes prepared for us by Madame Santilia had a rice staple, there was a lot of chicken that is seasoned or put into a vegetable based sauce, and we did have goat meatballs. My experience so far buying chicken is very different than in the United States, I bought my chicken at a little market in Blanchard, which is where I am located, and the chicken is stored cold in cardboard boxes. There are a lot of flies around the chicken so the ladies will tell you to stand across the way so you do not get bitten too many times, they take the amount of chicken you want, and will cut it for you. I asked for four pieces of chicken, cut, so she took out a big piece, put it on a rock, and used a Machete to slice the meat into four pieces. I paid her 50 Haitian Goudes, which is much less expensive than buying a chicken breast in the super market here. When I first tried the goat meatballs, I did not know it was goat, and truthfully, there was not much of a difference between the goat and what beef would taste like. The meatballs are spicy, and they contain corn, onions, and different seasonings, then are put into oil to fry, sometimes they will roll the meatballs in flour before frying them to help them bind, but both times I had the meatballs they were not rolled in the flour. To describe the difference between the little market here in Blanchard and the Supermarkets is that the little markets are wooden stands, with a fabric top, and it is set up like a hybrid between a flea market and a farmers market. Whereas the supermarkets are more like a Hannaford or Shaw’s set up, where you have a dairy section, produce section, and all of the nonperishable items. On this trip I have tried a few new foods so far, I have tried freshly roasted peanuts, that are produced locally here in Haiti, and they were delicious! I have tried a snack called tomtom, which is a dough consistency that you dip into a sauce. The tomtom is made of lam, which is a type of fruit, like breadfruit, that they put into a mortar and pestle bowl, with some lime juice and water, and they slam it until it turns into a doughy consistency. The sauce is green and has a slimy consistency, it is a little spicy, and is made mainly from peppers. To eat the tomtom, you take a piece of the lam and dip it in the sauce, then swallow it, you do not chew the tomtom, I found this an unusual request from the kids I ate it with, and no one would tell me why they do not chew it. Another dish I have heard many people rave about is Pate, which is like a flaky dough, with chicken, sometimes eggs, spicy peppers, and spices, that is deep fried. I have yet to try this dish but it smells really good and most people seem to enjoy it. Aside from the rice staple, the source of protein, whether it be goat or chicken, all of the food so far has been really delicious and really fresh. I have enjoyed trying new things and taking new leaps into the Haitian culture, they live such a different lifestyle here than we do in the United States, and they really rely on the resources given to them on the island.
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The first few days have been fun, I have worked in the clinic, gone to the market, ran errands with Sandra and Emily, and had Kreyol Lessons. The first night I arrived, we went out to dinner at VOL, which is an American restaurant in town by the airport, a few of the kids came with us, Franky, Alexandra, and Miranda.
Working in the clinic has been fun, and I have been learning some of the differences between Haitian health and American health, which is important for my independent study. I have met quite a few new people, and have been trying my hand at Kreyol a bit, there are also a few of the people from the Haitian staff that like to practice their English with me. Everyone of course has been very welcoming and warm, and some remember my face or name from the last time I was here. I have gotten many hugs from friends I made on my previous trip, and lots of smiles. This post is the last one until I am in Haiti! I am seven days away from my travel day, and I found it appropriate to put an update on what is going on.
What is in store for my last week in the States?? I have three bags to pack... I know that sounds TOTALLY excessive, but if you think about it, six weeks in a foreign country with limited supplies! To be fair, most of my checked bag is donations, either clothes or toiletries, and whatever I have brought down for my own personal clothes will be left there. The most important items in my checked bag is..... five loaves of gluten free bread. Can you imagine the looks I will get when my luggage goes through the x-ray machine?! My carry on bags are my most important bags with my school work, laptop, clothes, and gifts for Jonas! My last week also will include a senior ball, a graduation, mothers day, and of course working the last couple of shifts before I leave! Of course all of these festivities are great to have, to keep me from sitting by the door, luggage in hand, waiting for my flight! On a serious note, this last week is going to include a lot of reflection, and mentally preparing myself for my return to the island. The last trip took a toll on my heart, seeing the poverty, falling in love with the culture, and more importantly the relationships I made while I was there. Of course I am very excited to go and see everyone (especially Jonas ... DUH) and spend more one on one time with them, as well as see more of Haiti on my off time. I am not sure yet how often I will post a blog, but my goal is about three times a week with some pictures and possibly videos, everything depending on what I have for electricity!! Until I land in Haiti.... |
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