April 25, 2010

Sunday may be the sabbath, but I spent all day working. This project of moving all the data from one system to another is just not easy as I thought it would be. Unfortunately the data from the online system cannot be just exported and imported into the new system. So I have been creating a data file that I can import. As I write this I am still not finished but figure I should get it wrapped up sometime tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed that it will update with no errors!

Sunday's on the project are the off days. Our cook also has the day off so we are on our own for food. Since I have had some GI issues for the past two days (nothing bad, just annoying) I really have not been all that hungry. But I decided it would be a good idea to try and eat something. I went to egg lady outside base and split a fried egg sandwich with a friend. It was tasty...just egg, bread and butter! I opted to stay away from the lettuce, just in case!

For dinner we walked down to the place Masag... a local restaurant that many of the HODR folks visit. There is a local guy that sells artwork outside our base (Peter) that offered to walk three of us there, since we didn't exactly know where it was and we wanted to walk...it was only about a mile or so. It was entertaining to walk at night. The roads are smaller than normal do to the fact that they have rubble on them, and there are lots of mototaxis, bicycles, a few cars and quite a few people. Peter was very protective and took good care of us. He made sure we stayed close to the side of the road...he said the mototaxis are crazy! I never once felt as though I was in danger. He said Leogane is a very safe place. Masag was crazy...loud carribean based music and tons of people (mostly locals) all crowded in a small area. I jumped in line and made my way to the front. A skill that comes in handy here! This place is known for its burgers, fries and shakes. I was looking forward to ordering a burger, but they were out so I ordered a chicken sandwich and fries. One of the guys I was with was not comfortable being there so we decided to take our food to go. It was his first time in Haiti so I can understand how overwhelming it is. I didn't really care for it myself the first time but have found it to be comfortable this time. Even the heat and humidity are starting to grow on me, despite not sleeping as well as I normally do since it has been so warm at night and where I am sleeping there is little circulation of air.

All in all, it was another busy yet productive day! I can't believe I leave in a few short days. I am kind of sad. I have really enjoyed getting to know other volunteers and the locals.