Port-au-Prince: The Heartbeat of Haiti

• HelloBonjou
  [bon-zho]
• GoodbyeOrevwa
  [o-rev-wa]
• YesWi
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [non]
• Please/You're welcomeTanpri
  [tan-pree]
• Thank youMèsi
  [meh-see]
• Excuse me/SorryEskize mwen
  [es-kee-zay mwen]
• How are you?Kijan ou ye?
  [kee-jan oo yay]
• Fine. And you?Byen. E ou menm?
  [byen. ay oo mehn]
• Do you speak English?Èske ou pale angle?
  [es-keh oo pal ang-leh]
• I don't understandMwen pa konprann
  [mwen pa kon-pran]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMwen ta renmen wè meni an, tanpri
  [mwen tah ren-men weh men-ee an, tan-pree]
• I don't eat meatMwen pa manje vyann
  [mwen pa manj vyan]
• Cheers!Sante!
  [san-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMwen ta renmen peye, tanpri
  [mwen tah ren-men pay-yeh, tan-pree]

• Help!Ed! / Sove mwen!
  [ed / sovay mwen]
• Go away!Ale deyo!
  [ah-lay deh-yo]
• Call the Police!Rele Polis!
  [reh-lay po-leece]
• Call a doctor!Rele yon doktè!
  [reh-lay yon dok-teh]
• I'm lostMwen pedi
  [mwen peh-dee]
• I'm illMwen malad
  [mwen ma-lad]

• I'd like to buy...Mwen ta renmen achte...
  [mwen tah ren-men ashteh]
• I'm just lookingMwen jis ap gade
  [mwen zhees ap gad]
• How much is it?Konbyen li ye?
  [kon-byen lee yay]
• That's too expensiveSa twò chè
  [sa twa sheh]
• Can you lower the price?Eske ou ka ba pri la?
  [es-keh oo ka bah pree lah]

• What time is it?Kilè li ye?
  [kee-leh lee yay]
• It's one o'clockLi senk
  [lee sank]
• Half past (10)Demi (10)
  [deh-mee (dis)]
• MorningMaten
  [mah-ten]
• AfternoonApremidi
  [ap-re-mee-dee]
• EveningAswè
  [ah-sweh]
• YesterdayYe
  [yay]
• TodayJodi a
  [zho-dee ah]
• TomorrowDemen
  [deh-men]
• 11
  [1]
• 22
  [2]
• 33
  [3]
• 44
  [4]
• 55
  [5]
• 66
  [6]
• 77
  [7]
• 88
  [8]
• 99
  [9]
• 1010
  [10]

• Where's a/the...?Ki kote...?
  [kee ko-teh]
• What's the address?Kisa adres la?
  [kee-sah ad-res lah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Eske ou ka montre m ' (sou kat la)?
  [es-keh oo ka mohn-tray m (soo kaht lah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ki lè pwochen an?
  [kee leh pwo-shen an]
• A ticket (to ....)Yon tikè (pou ....)
  [yon tee-keh (poo)]

Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, was founded in 1749 by the French colonial authorities. Its strategic location on the Gulf of Gonâve made it a vital port for trade and military operations. The city was initially designed with a grid pattern, a common feature in French colonial urban planning, which facilitated its growth as a bustling port city.

Port-au-Prince played a significant role during the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804). The city was a key battleground in the struggle for independence from French colonial rule. In 1804, Haiti became the first independent black republic in the world and the first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery. Port-au-Prince was declared the capital of the new nation, symbolizing its newfound freedom and resilience.

On May 7, 1842, a devastating earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, causing extensive damage to the city's infrastructure. Many buildings were destroyed, and the event highlighted the vulnerability of the city to natural disasters. The earthquake led to significant rebuilding efforts and changes in architectural practices to better withstand future seismic events.

From 1915 to 1934, Port-au-Prince was under United States occupation. The occupation was initially justified by the need to stabilize the country and protect American interests. During this period, significant infrastructure improvements were made, including the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings. However, the occupation also faced strong resistance from the Haitian population, leading to periods of unrest and conflict.

The Duvalier era, marked by the presidencies of François 'Papa Doc' Duvalier (1957-1971) and his son Jean-Claude 'Baby Doc' Duvalier (1971-1986), was a period of authoritarian rule in Haiti. Port-au-Prince served as the center of their power. The regime was characterized by political repression, human rights abuses, and the use of the Tonton Macoute militia to maintain control. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, the city continued to grow, with notable expansions in education and healthcare infrastructure.

On January 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, causing widespread devastation. The quake, which registered a magnitude of 7.0, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 230,000 people and left over a million homeless. The disaster had a profound impact on the city, leading to an outpouring of international aid and a long-term rebuilding process. Efforts to reconstruct the city have focused on improving infrastructure and resilience to future natural disasters.

Port-au-Prince is a hub of Haitian culture, known for its vibrant arts scene. The Iron Market (Marché en Fer) is a notable landmark where local artisans sell crafts, paintings, and traditional Vodou paraphernalia. The city is also home to the National Museum of Haiti (Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien), which preserves the country's rich history, and the annual Carnival, a major event showcasing music, dance, and elaborate costumes. These cultural activities highlight the resilience and creativity of the Haitian people.

Port-au-Prince is served by Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP), which is located about 10 kilometers north of the city center. Major airlines offer direct flights from various North American and Caribbean destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange a hotel shuttle to reach your accommodation. It's advisable to use official airport taxis for safety and reliability.

Within Port-au-Prince, public transportation options include 'tap-taps' (colorful shared taxis) and buses. Tap-taps are a popular and inexpensive way to get around, but be cautious about personal safety and pickpocketing. For more comfort and safety, consider using private taxis or rideshare services. Car rentals are available, but driving can be challenging due to traffic congestion and road conditions.

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 in many hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available but may not always be reliable, so consider carrying sufficient cash.

While Port-au-Prince offers a rich cultural experience, it's important to be aware of safety concerns. Some neighborhoods, such as Cité Soleil and Martissant, have high crime rates and should be avoided. Stick to well-known areas like Pétion-Ville and always use reputable transportation. Avoid walking alone at night, keep your belongings secure, and stay vigilant in crowded places.

In case of emergency, dial 114 for police assistance or 116 for medical emergencies. The main hospitals in Port-au-Prince include Hôpital de l'Université d'Etat d'Haïti and Hôpital Bernard Mevs. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive accessories. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress conservatively and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do use tap-taps cautiously and be aware of your surroundings. Don't display valuables openly. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir.' A handshake is common, but a kiss on the cheek is also a customary greeting among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like griot (fried pork) and akasan (a corn drink). Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Port-au-Prince like a local, visit the Iron Market (Marché en Fer) for a variety of local goods and handicrafts. Explore the vibrant art scene by visiting the numerous art galleries and studios in Pétion-Ville. Engage with locals who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a live music performance, especially traditional Haitian compas music.