The Historic Charm of Cap-Haïtien

• HelloBonjou
  [bon-zho]
• GoodbyeOrevwa
  [o-rev-wa]
• YesWi
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [non]
• Please/You're welcomeTanpri
  [tahn-pree]
• Thank youMèsi
  [meh-see]
• Excuse me/SorryEskize mwen
  [es-kee-zay mwen]
• How are you?Kijan ou ye?
  [kee-jahn oo yay]
• Fine. And you?Byen. E ou?
  [byen. ay oo]
• Do you speak English?Eske ou pale angle?
  [es-kay oo pah-lay ahn-glay]
• I don't understandMwen pa konprann
  [mwen pah kohn-prahn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMwen ta renmen we meni an, tanpri
  [mwen tah rahn-men weh meh-nee ahn, tahn-pree]
• I don't eat meatMwen pa manje vyann
  [mwen pah mahn-jay vee-ahn]
• Cheers!Sante!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMwen ta renmen peye, tanpri
  [mwen tah rahn-men pay-yay, tahn-pree]

• Help!òd
  [ohd]
• Go away!ale!
  [ah-lay]
• Call the Police!Rele lapolis!
  [ray-lay la-poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Rele yon doktè!
  [ray-lay yohn dohk-tay]
• I'm lostMwen pedi
  [mwen pay-dee]
• I'm illMwen malad
  [mwen mah-lad]

• I'd like to buy...Mwen ta renmen achte...
  [mwen tah rahn-men ach-tay]
• I'm just lookingMwen jis gade
  [mwen zhee gah-day]
• How much is it?Konbyen li ye?
  [kohn-byen lee yay]
• That's too expensiveSa tro chè
  [sah troh chay]
• Can you lower the price?Eske ou ka diminye pri a?
  [es-kay oo kah dee-meen-yay pree ah]

• What time is it?Kisa lè li ye?
  [kee-sah lay lee yay]
• It's one o'clockLi gen yon lè
  [lee zhahn yohn lay]
• Half past (10)Demi (10)
  [deh-mee (diz)]
• MorningMaten
  [mah-ten]
• AfternoonApremidi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
• EveningAswe
  [ah-sway]
• YesterdayYe
  [yay]
• TodayJodi a
  [zho-dee ah]
• TomorrowDemen
  [day-men]
• 1Yon
  [yohn]
• 2De
  [day]
• 3Twaz
  [twahz]
• 4Kat
  [kaht]
• 5Senk
  [sank]
• 6Sis
  [sees]
• 7Sèt
  [set]
• 8Wit
  [weet]
• 9Nèf
  [nef]
• 10Dis
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Kote yon/la...?
  [koh-tay yohn/lah]
• What's the address?Ki adres la?
  [kee ah-dres lah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Eske ou ka montre mwen (sou kat la)?
  [es-kay oo kah mohn-tray mwen (soo kaht lah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ki lè pwochen (bis la)?
  [kee lay pwosh-en (bees lah)]
• A ticket (to ....)Yon tikè (pou ....)
  [yohn tee-kay (poo)]

Cap-Haïtien, originally known as Cap-Français, was founded in 1670 by French settlers. The city quickly became the capital of the French colony of Saint-Domingue and was a hub for the lucrative sugar and coffee industries. Its well-planned streets and elegant architecture earned it the nickname 'The Paris of the Antilles.'

Cap-Haïtien played a pivotal role in the Haitian Revolution, which began in 1791. The city was a focal point for the uprising of enslaved Africans against French colonial rule. Leaders like Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines orchestrated significant military campaigns from Cap-Haïtien. The revolution ultimately led to Haiti's independence in 1804, making it the first Black republic and the first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery.

One of the most significant battles in the Haitian Revolution was the Battle of Vertières, fought on November 18, 1803, just outside Cap-Haïtien. This decisive battle saw the Haitian revolutionary forces, led by Jean-Jacques Dessalines, defeat the French colonial army. The victory at Vertières directly led to the declaration of Haiti's independence on January 1, 1804.

After the revolution, Cap-Haïtien became the capital of the northern kingdom ruled by Henri Christophe. Christophe, who declared himself King Henri I, constructed the Citadelle Laferrière, a massive fortress on a mountain near the city. Built between 1805 and 1820, the Citadelle was designed to defend against possible French invasions. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Haitian resistance and ingenuity.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Cap-Haïtien experienced periods of prosperity and decline. The city was a center of trade and culture, but it also faced challenges such as political instability and natural disasters, including earthquakes and hurricanes. Despite these hardships, Cap-Haïtien remained an important cultural and economic hub in Haiti.

Today, Cap-Haïtien is known for its rich cultural heritage. The city's architecture, including colonial-era buildings and churches, reflects its historical significance. Cap-Haïtien is also a center for Haitian art and music, with numerous galleries and festivals celebrating the country's vibrant culture. The nearby beaches, such as Labadee and Cormier Plage, attract tourists seeking both relaxation and a connection to Haiti's storied past.

Cap-Haïtien is accessible via the Hugo Chávez International Airport, located roughly 3 miles from the city center. The airport offers flights to and from several destinations, including domestic flights from Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. Alternatively, travelers can drive from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien, a journey that takes approximately 5-6 hours. Buses and shared taxis, known locally as 'tap-taps', also operate between major cities and Cap-Haïtien.

Within Cap-Haïtien, local transportation options include taxis, mototaxis (motorcycle taxis), and tap-taps. Taxis are relatively affordable and can be hired for short trips or the entire day. Mototaxis are a popular choice for quick, short-distance travel, especially in congested areas. Tap-taps are colorful shared minibuses that follow set routes and are the cheapest mode of transport. For a more personal experience, renting a car or motorcycle is also an option, but be aware that driving in Haiti can be challenging due to road conditions and traffic.

The official currency in Haiti is the Haitian Gourde (HTG). U.S. dollars are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's wise to carry cash for smaller vendors and rural areas. ATMs are available in Cap-Haïtien, but it's recommended to withdraw sufficient cash in advance, as ATMs may occasionally be out of service.

While Cap-Haïtien is generally safe for tourists, it's essential to exercise caution. Areas with higher crime rates include certain neighborhoods like Cité Lescot and Shada. Avoid walking alone at night and keep your belongings secure. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and consider hiring a local guide for a safer and more informed experience. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 114 for police assistance, 118 for medical emergencies, or 115 for the fire department. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Cap-Haïtien has several medical facilities, but for serious conditions, evacuation to Port-au-Prince or abroad may be necessary. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before photographing religious ceremonies or sites. Public Transport: Do be patient and respectful. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir.' A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as griot and banan peze. Don't refuse food or drink offered to you, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Cap-Haïtien like a local, visit the bustling Iron Market (Marché de Fer) for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and eager to share their culture. Don't miss the historic landmarks such as the Citadelle Laferrière and Sans-Souci Palace. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Boulevard du Cap-Haïtien to enjoy local street food and the scenic views of the coast.