Haiti's political strife, poverty and environmental degradation are too well known; this portrait of Hispaniola's mountainous western region is accurate, but incomplete. The modern world's first black-led republic, it boasts a unique culture and an incredible artistic tradition. The language, dance and music of the Haitian people reflect a syncopation between the spiritual and material worlds that shouldn't be missed.
Voodoo, long misunderstood, is a richly textured religion smuggled from Africa and hidden among the Catholic rituals of European missionaries. Haiti's colonial architecture, all gingerbread and plazas, is alive with the music of Africa. Its surprisingly fine cuisine, of Caribbean ingredients prepared according to classical French methods, attracts gourmets from the other side of the island. And, though human need has torn down much of Haiti's forests and jungles, there is still unspoiled nature that ecotourism can yet preserve. Haiti is not yet set up for the Club Med crowd, but the open-minded adventurer will here find a land of contradictions that speaks to the soul. |
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| Haiti Details |
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| Caribbean |
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| Eastern Caribbean |
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