Heading to Haiti

Trying to get down myself, heard through Richard Morse (owner of hotel olafson) that ‘the road from Port-au-prince to jacmel is cut’, impossible to get through on anything, including motorcycle…

Are you going through Santo Domingo?

flying into PAP. I tried calling Oloffson. Do you have a number that may work?

you can send via email: gary@garyfabiano.com

gary sent you an email

I am trying to go as well. Who is a good contact on the ground?

Flying into PAP commercial or humanitarian? I may be heading there, trying to figure way in. Anyone knows if the road from Santo Domingo to PAP is doable?

houston to PAP is doable I am now told, delta, $850 one way…
keep in mind- without the resources and backing of an org, you are basically another body to feed, house and take care of. all images have to go out via satellite, so youll need a bgan. power is sketchy at best, more likely nonexistent. no food, no potable water, shelter or security- looting and violence is almost assured. you are another body, a drain on the recovery and aid system. if you have backup and backing of an org- and someone who will take your pics, since its already getting flooded right now- partner up with others and go for it. all out there- be very very careful and best of luck

Good advice Eric….

Well said, Eric. I think you guys should be trying to hooking up with a NGO

I’m seriously thinking about dropping everything and heading to Haiti as well.
The NGOs are slammed right now; do you have any contacts?

Not for any working there. If you can not hook up with a NGO, team up all togheter

NYC based people, I just heard that the volunteer ambulance team from Bed Stuy is going on Friday and they are open to others coming with – http://www.bsvac.org/ – would strongly suggest you talk to them asap.

Yea I’ve personally been making contact with a lot of NGO’s to hook up with them. Some apparently were getting calls all day and nearly hung up on me. Others were much more open to having me with them. I’m going to be headed down sooner or later. I may miss the first week due to some prior obligations. But I’m sure there is going to be plenty to cover in the coming weeks. My prayers go out to all the workers there already and the Haitian people. They’ve got one hell of a situation after another.

Most NGO’s I talked with have running lists for future flights. AP has a few for 1/14 but for serious money. Reuters has no flights scheduled for the immediate future. Heard that there are a few commercial flights but haven’t found details.

Eric is right. I think you need to prepare for anything and everything. A CNN journalist reported hearing gunfire on the streets last night. Another declaration I read was that an assistant doctor said that they “don’t have water. We don’t have anything. People are going to die of thirst”.

I had a ticket to Puerto Plata from Toronto for this morning but I kinda panicked and backed out of it with a full refund mainly cause I started reading the forums. I covered the quake in China 3 days after it happened. This is very different. Does anyone have contact with anyone on the ground or maybe in Domincan Republic at least?

I am most probably heading in with a South African NGO in a few days time. Any local contacts would be greatly appreciated. shayner@citizen.co.za

I’ve found flights from NYC-PAP from Sunday on. Anyone thinking of making the trip?

I read that PAP is shutdown for comercial flights. Even the humanitarian flights are being redirected to Santo Domingo due to the intense traffic.

no commercial flights…. a/p airlines, airport is bottle necked…..

Heading to DR tomorrow. Going to try to get in that way. Anyone want to share expenses?

i am now arriving to DR (via miami) on monday. need some logistics figured out. If someone has info on flights or how to go by land please post or email.

Will arrive there on Sunday with a small French NGO. I will be completely autonomous but my concern is transmitting as we have no satellite phone. Anyone has tip on Internet access (which apparently still works in some places) ?

So what is so different that you guys are going to do as photographers that locals are doing. Other than taking their job opportunities?

I’m gonna head down on the 24th as I’m sure there will still be plenty of stories that need to be told at that point. I had a wedding booked on the 23rd and decided not to pass it off. I have a few friends in the DR and I wouldn’t mind any travel buddies from the DR to Haiti if anyone is interested in going down at that point. I’ll probably be flying in to Punta Cana then busing to Santo Domingo as I can fly to Punta Cana for free :) I’m gonna contact my friends in the DR and see if they have any thoughts for getting to PAP from Santo Domingo. Though by the time I go down flights may have started again.

I’ve been wondering about all this as well, wracking my brain a bit actually. If we head down there are we more in the way than anything? Are we needed or is it better that more of us don’t head down there. It seems like coverage is already quite extensive. Thoughts?

Here are my thoughts Nick, I’ve been wondering the same things, though for me I have people to stay with in Haiti. I struggle a lot with the point of photographing this sort of stuff and I’ve been struggling with why as soon as this happened I was ready to hop on a plane with a camera. I’ve been looking at the news and listening a lot to stuff and your right there is good coverage and it is only going to get better but I think in some ways that is irrelevant to you going. There is always a need for meaningful and insightful coverage and if you can offer a way to tell one story from there to the world that may not have gotten told otherwise was it worthwhile? As far as “being in the way” I’d say get as prepared as possible and try to have some support before going but sometimes you just have to go for it. My dad was a firefighter and I remember them having to pull each other out of fires all the time. I’d say do not take stupid risks but sometimes you do have to take risks.

Maybe people should think about bringing medical equipment (EMT knowledge) and shovels instead of cameras. Ya’ll want to to some good? More cameras aint gonna help Haiti. Then again, photojournalism isnt always about helping others as much as it is about helping ourselves. And I say this as someone who rushed down to Haiti several years ago amidst catastrophy to photograph an over camera saturated coup. Just be clear about your intentions, and be very, very careful. There will be plenty of dangers in such a chaotic environment.
Tetnous shots, gama globulin, respiroators, and BGAN if you really want to file pictures. Also a simple power convertor that plugs into a car cigarette lighter slot, if there is any gasoline left to power a car. watch those powerlines. trial by fucking fire if your on your own.

And when you get there please tell the people that the whole world is watching and following the situation, and that it’s not that no-one wants to help but that it’s really difficult to get the help there.

I guessed someone was going to say it. What is the motivation for going to Haiti?

The people in Haiti are in a desperate situation and what they need is doctors, medical supplies, clean water and shelter.

Consider the serious implications of the situation on the ground. If you have a firm assignment and the necessary gear than you are potentially going to do some good but if your motives are to make images for your own agenda than….Fuck you know the answer to that one.

I know the chances to recognize one of the thousands missing persons is minimal, but maybe some of you who are heading to Haiti (or are already there) could bring back the hope to one of the families with missing relatives in Haiti: http://www.photography-news.com/2010/01/looking-for-loved-ones-in-haiti-photo.html

I am go to DR and then in to Haiti. I heard they are charging people money to go in to Haiti. Is this true.

Anything related to haiti is all over the place re price. There are sometimes random fees when things are normal…

250,000 dead is probably a more accurate estimate. Another 100,000 may die in the next six months due to malnutrition, violence and starvation. Another 100,000 may die in the next 12 months due to disease.
Without a mass evacuation of at least 500,000 people the country will spiral into even greater chaos. Considerable unrest growing on the streets and anger towards Haitian government and UN. Could lead to real civil unrest in very short order.
Point is…. its one thing to be prepared when going to Haiti….but if your not representing a major media outlet and have their resources available then…what is your plan B to get out of Haiti in a hurry if you need to?

If you dont have one.. you shouldnt be there.

Always have a exit plan. If you dont have the resources for an immediate exit if needed. Dont go.

I think there’s some really important points coming up in this post – anyone going to Haiti at this time with the situation that is currently occurring on the ground there needs to seriously consider their motivations for doing so. Will your work be published or broadcast? If so, then you may actually make a positive difference to the situation by encouraging aid donations and awareness, etc from the general public… however if you’re going down there to add to the shock effect of your own portfolio then you may want to reconsider. From everything I know at the moment there is an extremely chaotic situation in Haiti where most people are struggling to eat and drink, find shelter, medical care, etc. Do you have a plan for how you will eat/drink/sleep/stay healthy? Or, are you planning to wing it, “take the risk”, and fly by the seat of your pants? If so, you may well end up eating the flown-in rations that would otherwise make it to a Haitian whose home and meagre possessions (probably worth less than the value of your camera + plane ticket) have just disappeared into rubble, dust and smoke.

What if you get sick? Even eating the wrong thing and getting the trots could put you in a bad way in a situation like that. What if the whole place goes completely nuts with rioting as the situation continues? Who is going to pull you out?

By all means media workers should be in Haiti and documenting the situation… Hell, I’ve gone and flown by the seat of my pants enough times now to know how much fun and excitement it is, and that taking risks like this IS important as a young journalist who is interested in covering stories like Haiti or other risky business… however, if you’re not prepared for the potential of basically ending up in a war zone then don’t go down there… Haiti appears to be a pretty special case. Perhaps at least wait until the social infrastructure for you to eat/drink/sleep on the cheap gets going again and THEN go down there to cover the aftermath… The last thing aid agencies, the US military and hundreds of thousands of starving Haitians need are more lenses being jammed in their faces. There will be plenty of other opportunities for filling out your folio.

i’m heading into DR on thursday with an aid organization and then onto port au prince. would be keen on meeting up with other lightstalkers, perhaps sharing a room at hotel olaffson since it’s so crowded.

Everyone thinking of going should read this post:

http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/haiti-volunteer-relief-remains-risky

I just finished this piece this morning. Will be here till monday.

http://www.time.com/time/video/player/0,32068,62315274001_1954802,00.html

Great work Nick. Thanks for sharing it with us. May I ask why you are leaving Monday? Ive seen several well known correspondents leave Haiti in the last few days and am curious if this is because US media feel the story is growing cold with the American public or because of conditions within Haiti?

PS. Nice to see Time using social media content sharing unlike NYT or CNN.

some food for thought:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/19/AR2010011904293.html?hpid=topnews

Well since I didn’t head down right away I decided to try a local angle and am seeing if any local papers will pick it up. 3 min multimedia piecie: http://www.josephmolieri.com/haiti.html

It looks like I may be going down next week with an organization for a few days though once I’m there I think I’ll probaby try to stay longer.

i am now arriving to DR in 3 days. need some logistics figured out. If someone has info on flights or how to go by land please post or email.

dear eros,

i am amazed to read your post. are you saying there is no role what so ever for journalism here is haiti. are you saying that all the information/images that are leading to aid, donations etc etc is coming from nowhere?

having been in haiti for awhile now-i have been amazed that i have run into so few photographers on the ground even though there are dozens here. why? because this story is so vast and so multi-layered that there is a need to tell the world what is going on from day 1 and beyond from more the one person.

as someone who i respect i sincerely hope that you reconsider your statement.

Hi Ron. I have considered and reconsidered my ideas for years. Of course there is a role for photojournalism, everywhere. I never said anything to the contrary. But how many cameras does Haiti really need? Maybe some of those cameras should come to Iraq right now at a pivotal point of this country’s future. But none of those to be seen during the days of American combat and news interest are touching the ground here. Why is that? There a million untold stories here. As for Haiti, Network news is running full time on every station, the new york times has a whole squad there, the wires, freelancers, radio etc etc. how much information do we need to understand that a country is in trouble? The gaggle of photographers and news teams seem to invade Haiti only when there is crises. Now I’m not talking about those who carry on long term projects in Haiti or any other country. I’m talking about career minded self indulgent thrill seekers who hide behind the guise of “concerned journalism.” I have no problem with people doing what they do for personal reasons, but they should understand their true intentions. Im sorry to disappoint you, but I find the the rush of journalists (especially those wearing the disguise of crusading truth teller) to the next disaster/war to be on the pornographic side.
You speak of aid and donations. Great, but where does that money go? Really. Where does it go? Throwing money at a problem quite often makes things worse. Americans love throwing money at problems. Gas on a fire in many cases.
I do believe you are true of heart Ron, but I think the vast majority of journalists out there are fooling themselves if they think they are saving the world with pictures and reports. The door of propaganda swings both ways. Respectfully
Eros

Judging intentions is a tricky business as is looking for a way to quantify the most compassionate/sustainable way to take pictures of tragedy.

Each person must decide for themselves whether or not their activity is responsible. Thankfully the world has a way of making those who are chronically irresponsible into those who are also unsustainable.

I have noticed many more small bands of relief workers behaving like disaster tourists (being insensitive, consumerist, etc.) then I have photojournalists. So the fact that this dialog even exists here might be an indication of something.

Ron, I wondered and wondered about my potential role in Haiti, whether my intention to go there could be deemed as ‘getting in the way’. After having spent last week there I have no doubts that we do need journalists there, the more the better. Why? Every journalist who goes down there will find something slightly different, will add something of his or her own to what we’re all seeing or reading in our media. An independent photojournalist for example is likely to show a different angle. After posting my photos and sending even just to me contacts, I have had an outpouring of comments about how shocking my images are and how people are happy to see things through my eyes, how it fills in gaps for them. I truly believe that journalists who go down there are effecting help, people close to me have been donating simply because I have gone and I have shown them my personal take on the situation. The only worry we should have is that too few journalists will be down there as the story dies down. Sure, everyone’s intentions are partly selfish, but it seems photojournalists whom I meet do what they do with great sensitivity and passion, wanting to make a difference. I think it is quite out of line to say that photojournalists, especially independent, would put themselves in such a dangerous situation simply for personal career gain. There are much higher paid and safer jobs out there. I think that most photojournalists have a passion for what they do that stems from wanting to inform and make a difference.

nick

interesting piece on NPR’s On The Media- http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2010/01/22/02

Totally agree with Nick, Ron and Mark. I worked on foot without a fixer, guide, or anyone of that sort— not for everyone but I know my way. In four days at the most heavily damaged area downtown and near the palace, I have seen one other photographer on a moto….there is need for more photographers….photographers are not the problem, we take up a small imprint compare to the huge problem of logisitics in distributing aid. And the Haitians are much appreciative of the attention, working in the ruins of a block, with scavangers chased by police, no problem…..I was continually smiled at a patted on the back by Haitians.
Of course there are areas 5 minutes moto ride that look untouched by the quake, with cheap street food cooked.

The main problem in “covering” this is that without a firm understanding of Haiti and what has happened on all levels, it can be hard to understand what you are really looking at, ie is this the norm, or affected by the quake, aside from the toppled buildings that is.

So I gotta free photo essay idea for y’all kitty cats in Haiti..

Photograph as many obese American journalists eating food (preferably hoagies) as possible against the backdrop of starved, possibly crying Haitians.

Extra karma points if the obese Americans that you photograph are wearing Rolexes, designer clothes, or shooting with Leicas.

Try specifically to capture the obese journalists who are getting paid large sums of money to report the crisis.

No offense to any obese Americans out there, in fact many of my best friends are obese Americans.

P.Money. You’re right, there is that aspect to everything, I did see some of that but most journalists/photojournalist whom I met were genuine. There are many ways of looking at all of this but again after going I am now convinced that we need many people down there reporting, we are definitely providing an essential service.

Yes, there are assholes there Patrick. And the pack press is not a pretty sight….but there are a bunch of folks who really care and are going on there own dime, and all the respect in the world to them.

I appreciated Jeremy Cowart’s perspective on his upcoming trip: http://blog.jeremycowart.com/2010/01/haiti-trip.html

So I’ve finally got my business in order and after much back and forth I am headed down. I have a small gig and after that I’m on my own but I’m gonna stay as long as I can afford.

Anyone else headed down interested in sharing a room to help with cost? There’s a couple spots I’ve been told are available.

Take a couple of bags of rice with you . . . or maybe a pick and shovel instead of the camera

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2010/01/201012715614901344.html

What spots Joseph? Can you post that? Almost everyone has been outside due to aftershocks….

I plan to be arriving in Santo Domingo on Sunday, has any one got any tips on the best way to get to port au prince , and how easy it is to find the essentials to work accommodation, food and water. i am open to sharing resources by the way ,

For what is worth (regarding the previous posts about too many journalists out there) the Haitian Story is already fading from the main news agenda and therefore big issues like canceling the 800 million debt and general aid needs are less likely to get positive attention. i’m guessing most Haitians are pleased to have a lot of press out there. Its important to keep this story alive.

A lot of people staying at the Plaza hotel (which has food, internet, beer etc). Bring a sheet or a sleeping bag though, because everyone I know there is too afraid to sleep inside and is sleeping on chairs and mattresses around the pool. I think it is $150. I know people at the Coconut Villa, as well.

thanks, if you get any more info especially on travel i would appreciate it,

Well, you can either come in on an aid convoy (there are logistics guys set up at Santo Domingo airport) or just hire a driver to drive you in. You might want to talk to someone who came in more recently, though.

I just returned from Haiti. Getting in overland is easy… Go to Santa Domingo hire a car and drive across. That is what I did. You can also get small charter jets into PaP with Aid workers and doctors. That is how I got out. Places that are operational are Villa Creole in Petionville (water, food, cold beer, electricity, internet) it is where AP is set up as well. There are no rooms to be booked but you can sleep out around the pool and in the gardens for free… they give out sheets at night. And they have free breakfast for everyone. Lunch & Dinner are $14.00

La Plaza in downtown is where CNN is set up. And the Oloffson is operational as well and that is where the NYTimes and many others are setup. There is also a journalist encampment just north of the PaP airport…about a 5 minute walk. And the French Ambassador’s residency is a great place to make HQ if you can get it… they are letting people stay on the lawns and it is safe with walls and guards. If you need more info you can email me.

Also check out http://bit.ly/b4jH5g it’s a multimedia piece I put together from the situation on the ground.

If you can bring medical supplies… and go to the hospital in downtown and talk to anyone from the International Medical Corps. The operation is headed by Dr. Rob Fuller

Be safe.

From all the photos I have seen and captions I have read, it seems to be apocalyptic.

Anyways.. Thought I would share this – http://www.zoriah.net/blog/2010/01/the-haitian-earthquake-in-pictures-photos-of-the-earthquake-in-port-au-prince-haiti.html

Anyways.. Thought I would share this – http://www.zoriah.net/blog/2010/01/the-haitian-earthquake-in-pictures-photos-of-the-earthquake-in-port-au-prince-haiti.htmlSome quality photojournalism by Zoriah Miller who is in Haiti..

OK, information for you. Terra Bus runs in both directions for $40 US each way…..luxury coaches, bathrooms, they handle your “immigration” at the border where the Dominicans are shaking everyone down. Petionville at 6:00am, and Santo Domingo at 5:30am.

Thanks for the tip on Villa Creole Simon, its a bit of a moto into the damaged area from there (Petionville was barely touched) but its a comfortable tourist area. Yes, folks despite all the hype and the terrible loss of life in the damaged areas, its surprising how much of Port au Prince is OK and daily life manages to go on.

Thanks for the advice it is gratefully appreciated

Sure, Louis, from Petionville you can head to Villa Creole, and then hook up with a motodriver….find one who speaks a bit of English, and arrange for him to stay with you for a day or more. In Santo Domingo buy a cheap phone (I believe its Claro) and then swap in a Voilla SIMM in Haiti, DIgicell SIMMS won’t work. At&T roaming is expensive but has the best service in Port au Prince. Sat phones are expensive but reliable, and maybe bring a bgan if you need to ship.

I paid 68usd for Port-au-Prince to St Domingo by bus with Caribe something, leaving around 8:30 from Petionville. Watch out for the delay though: we got stuck 2h at the customs. The other way round must be easier (lots of Haitians are leaving the country). The Oloffson let you stay in their garden for 100$ (might be less now ?), the French ambassador’s residence is free (also outside), incl. French military ration and water, but you must be French to get in (at least in theory). Think hard about why you’re going and which story you’re going to tell: the emergency is over, the news is getting cold, so you need a good, focussed and original story. And that might not be so easy to find, esp. without knowing the country, and it implies probably a lot of time.

Hughes Leglise-Bataille, good point about needing to find the right story and the logistics involved. The Canadian embassy was taking in journalists as well with military rations handed out. I took a strange local bus from Santo Domingo to the border and then from there other beat up local truck/buses all the way to Carrefour, I was lucky though, I had two Hatian guys who I was tagging along with who took good care of me, I would not otherwise recommend this way. In many ways it is apocalyptic and in many ways life is going on.

By the way thanks for advice all, I arrive on Sunday, having spoken to a few people, it seems to me there is food and water available in the hotels, some where to sleep all be it without a bed or blanket, and a bus can get me in to port au prince. any one disagree let me know. i take on board your points about valid stories and in principal agree. any ideas about what i can bring in which most Haitians would appreciate if i meet them whilst working , cheers

Cash, of course.

James, Paul, and I are in PAP and the people of Haiti are the strongest people I have ever seen. We worked in the camps in carrefour, the people love to come up and talk to us about there lives.

Kevin, try and stop by and say hello in Jacmel, will be there from wednesday next on….

I have been watching this forum for awhile and although I did not go to haiti for the very reasons that have been stated I need to say something. Many of you have gotten your starts from probably being in places where you weren’t being backed by a publication like the new york times, and in all honesty you shouldn’t have been there on one hand, but on the other, it may have been the breaking point. I have been very annoyed by the judgement on the forums responding to who “deserves” to be in haiti. If you have the means and want to cover the situation then do it compassionately and make sure people see it. There are plenty of photographers who have been commissioned to be there that have taken mediocre images, so which is worse? the freelancer who makes people stop and look?

just my two cents.

absolutely agree, ‘let he who sits in judgment’ ect ect

Louis its this bunch of fools Duckrabbit who have nothing to do all day but sit around and viciously attack anyone who doesn’t approach their ethics…..of course their ethics are actually anonymous attacks, dumb cartoons attacking photojournalists, inneudo, so I suppose its all a bit of a joke to them anyway.

Other tip bring lots of single US dollar bills…

Louis, its this bunch of fools Duckrabbit who have nothing to do all day but sit around and viciously attack anyone who doesn’t approach their ethics…..of course their ethics are actually anonymous attacks, dumb cartoons attacking photojournalists, inneudo, so I suppose its all a bit of a joke to them anyway. They said that no one should go to Haiti, which is absurd, meanwhile they pass off their own photography as something that is on a higher level “moral” level.

Other tip bring lots of single US dollar bills…

The alert attacks on Andy have become quite excessive and in my opinion should stop.

Andy, do you know if the terrabus that leaves from Santo Domingo leaves from the airport? Thanks, bud.

-Edward Linsmier
www.edwardlinsmier.com

Edward, the one I took left from Petionville office, you need to get there just after dawn to sign the list.
There is another Terra Bus office/stop nearer to the airport in Tabarre, I am not sure when you have to get to Tabarre to get a ticket, because the bus I took stopped at Tabarre after Petionville. They give you a snack on the bus. Rice and chicken. Its kinda cool.

Patrick….no problem. I think its all a joke to them….they play to the “hate” factor. I will help anyone who wants to go, workshop or not…..

Matthew. Very well put. I’ve been doing everything to get people to see my images and the fact that I have profoundly effected people closest to me already justifies my going to Haiti, that’s what I believe. I think it might be time to link you all to my images on flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickkozak/sets/72157623281980748/

Regards,

nick

Folks, I’ve been preaching about this till I am blue in the face……in most cases its not enough to just be just a photographer these days. Its what portal you have…..its a cocktail these days not straight whiskey.

As far as justifying, all of us who have actually sweated bullets to go need no justification because we realize that we are welcomed and the there really aren’t that many there, it only seems that way from Lightstalkers….and that most of us, who are not the press pack, are operating in a guerilla style and reporting outside the propaganda flow.

Many who want to go and can’t lash out (its understandable and we all have been guilty of bad judgement) but in this case our dollars are needed, as anything that directly impacts the economy by putting dollars directly into people’s hands is useful, as most of the so-called aid will never get there.

So true Andy.

I think most are missing the real story in Haiti. Its not downtown where most are congregating, its not the bodies, but where the aid is not reaching and what a small few are doing about it. Working outside the boundaries, outside the norm. There is a magnificent story in Haiti.
Having been all around PaP, IDP camps, communities and met with many community leaders, its startling to see how bad the media has covered the earthquake.

I completely agree with Andy and Phil. The tone set by the media about what PaP and surrounding aras are like is very different than what is actually happening. It is shocking how vastly different people’s views are compared to my experiences there. Luckily enough, I am a French speaker so I was lucky enough to be able to converse with many people – especially in the tent cities that sprung up. Having lived in a refugee camp for several months as a child, such massive displacements and the problems associated with them holds a special interest for me…

…I can tell you that people are very welcoming and desparate to have their stories heard – especially now as interest wanes and new issues and problems are developing, and no, there are not that many photographers in Haiti anymore. 10 days after the earthquake and I ran into maybe one or two other photographers (or none sometimes) in a given day.

By being there, you are not taking away resources from the Haitian people, but rather the opposite. Perhaps it’s true that going immediately after the earthquake may not be a good idea for one reason or another, but I believe it’s a different matter entirely right now.

I’ve been reading these posts since the beginning of the thread, at first trying to find a way to get to Haiti to roll up my sleeves and help in any way I could. Of course I would have made pictures, too, but my primary motivation was to provide assistance. With no rescue or medical training, I was unable to find any organization with which to travel there. I also began to realize, based on posts here and advice I was getting from others, that I would possibly be taking up space and resources needed by people far more helpful than I could ever be. I have been heartened to read notices such as Lung Liu’s and am now thinking this may be a good time to try again to get to Haiti. I want to tell the stories of orphaned children. I am the founder of an organization that assists orphans in Uganda. For three years our fund has significantly helped 190 children orphaned due to war and/or AIDS. The stories I tell with the photographs I make of them help raise funds. I would now like to consider expanding our efforts to Haiti. If anyone reading this knows of a non-faith based, well-run, trustworthy orphanage in need of some extra assistance, please contact me or add a post to this discussion. I would also be open to any advice at this point on getting there, sleeping, eating and drinking while there and getting around while on the ground.

Gloria, the only way I know is to fly to Santa Domingo in the Domincan Republic, then take the bus (either Caribe Tours or Terra Bus) in the morning to PaP.

Eating: Bring your own food. In fact, bring as much as logistically possible to donate to the orphanage you are volunteering to. There is food there, but the problem is one of poverty and distribution. People are either too poor to buy food or the food that comes as part of the Aid effort is not reaching them due to distribution problems (distribution is a very complex problem). Things like rice goes a long way since they’re compact and lightweight and will feed a lot of people.

Drinking: I didn’t have that much problem with water…certain areas may have problems, but the cost of actually bringing in your own could be better spent on bringing in food, in my opinion. I brought in some of my own, but it wasn’t necessary where I was.

Sleeping: Bring a large tent and sleep outdoors – possibly at the orphanage you’re volunteering at. When you leave, LEAVE THE TENT BEHIND. Tents are very much appreciated there.

Getting Around: Motorbikes are the cheapest and fastest alternative. Many roads are damaged and traffic is a nightmare for cars. Hire a motorbike for a day…friend of mine hired one for $25/day or $100/week. If you can’t speak French, it might be good to hire a translater…I met many people in the tent cities that spoke English and some of them were teachers before and are in need of some money for food and other essentials (as I mentioned, supplies are there, but it’s just not getting distributed to them). I never needed one, but the option is there.

Good luck…bring in as much food and medical supplies as is possible. Buy a good tent and don’t forget to leave that behind…that’s all I can say.

Gloria,

Getting There: Fly to Santo Domingo in the DR, then bus to PaP (Caribe Tours or Terra Bus offers this).

Food: Bring your own…ie. lots of rice, etc…bring in as much as you possibly can and donate them to the orphanage…supplies are there, but it’s a question of poverty and distribution. People either can’t afford to buy food or the food is not reaching them due to problems inherent in distribution of this scale and in this situation.

Water: Brought some of my own but didn’t need to where I was. Personally, money and space spent on transporting water is better spent transporting food and medical supplies.

Sleeping: Bring a large tent and DONATE IT AFTER LEAVING. Tents are also in high demand there and they will appreciate it.

Getting Around: Motorbikes are fastest and cheapest, especially considering gas prices and traffic. Expect at least $25/day or $100/week.

So really, bring in as much as you possibly can and then donate what you won’t need upon leaving. Good luck!

Let me know if anyone needs a translator in PaP…. I have a small list of great local translators that live around Cite Militaire. Its cheap and a great way to really help the local economy. They literally cost around $5-$10 a day.

If you are in Port-au-Prince and can do a job – please have a look at my post (link below) & reply ASAP.

http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/urgent-one-day-photo-video-assignment-on-offer-in-haiti-re-posted-8th-feb-2010

CAn some one suggest hotels / lodges in PAP. I tried a few listed in this thread , they are all full .

I will be heading to PAP from Leogane and need a place for the the 16th and 17th night. Any suggestions welcome

suchitra

I know of a great place go to my profile and email me and I can pass you the info.

i spent a week there, we had a local driver and a guide. never felt unsafe and yes the situation is bad but not dangerouse. we were also delivering water to the popoulation on city du soleil and port au prince. here the link of the guide we used.

good luck Ale.

http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/haitian-guide

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