Mole Saint Nicolas, Haiti

Mole St-Nicolas:
We sailed into this very picturesque village just after 2:30 pm Friday, to a gracious welcome by the villagers along the shore line. It felt as if we where Christopher Columbus ourselves!! What a feeling to arrive in a small, very secluded place were very few come visit. Some of the local fishermen came to us offering their catches of fish, lobster and conch. We exchanged a handful of Gourdes (local Haitian currency) for 10 lobsters, which calculated too around 15 dollars US. After which we went to shore, by way of their local wooden fishing boat, oared by young villagers, and were guided through out this small, yet historical village. What a shock for us,,. Ann & I have never really been to a third world country like this, no electricity, no refrigeration with only a hand full of vehicles. During the night, we could only see maybe 3 or 4 houses with lights on (powered by generators), one being the local doctor, somewhat of notoriety. The villagers live off the sea, they have no TV, Grocery stores, McDonalds, you name it.. They grown their own fruit, breed their own chickens and goats and dry their fish for future consumption. Their homes are merely shelters from the rain, no glass in the windows and often no doors.
With this being said, they are still a very happy people. You hear them singing in the streets and always presenting themselves in a polite and courteous manner. Bonjours… Bonsoir monsieur et madame… Bienvenue a vous…. Smiles from ear to ear..

During our visit onshore we were shown all attractions including the new church, the remaining ruins of Christopher Columbus’ fortresses and buildings, their picturesque beaches and roamed through the streets. We were even shown the anchor of the Santa Maria, which is housed in the local magistrate’s office. A large part of history hidden in a treasure of beautiful landscapes….somewhat forgotten by the rest of the world.

If we didn’t know better, we would have sworn we were in Africa. A happy and sad feeling couple in one.

We are very privileged to view this of our very own eyes.

Tomorrow we will set sail for Montrouis Haiti, which is +/- 90 nautical miles south west from here, we should arrive there by late afternoon.

Cheers,
Annie & Eric
www.WeBeSailing.com

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