Bourdon: The Heartbeat of Port-au-Prince

• HelloBonjou
  [bon-zho]
• GoodbyeOrevwa
  [oh-rev-wah]
• YesWi
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [non]
• Please/You're welcomeTanpri
  [tan-pree]
• Thank youMèsi
  [meh-see]
• Excuse me/SorryPadon
  [pah-dohn]
• How are you?Kijan ou ye?
  [kee-jahn ooh yay]
• Fine. And you?Byen. E ou?
  [byehn. ay ooh]
• Do you speak English?Èske ou pale angle?
  [es-keh ooh pah-lay ahn-glay]
• I don't understandMwen pa konprann
  [mwenn pah kohn-prahn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMwen ta renmen wè meni, tanpri
  [mwenn tah ren-men way meh-nee tan-pree]
• I don't eat meatMwen pa manje vyann
  [mwenn pah mahn-jay vee-yahn]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMwen ta renmen peye, tanpri
  [mwenn tah ren-men pay-yay tan-pree]

• Help!Èd!
  [ayd]
• Go away!Ale!
  [ah-lay]
• Call the Police!Rele Polis!
  [reh-lay poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Rele yon doktè!
  [reh-lay yohn dohk-tay]
• I'm lostMwen pèdi
  [mwenn pay-dee]
• I'm illMwen malad
  [mwenn mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Mwen ta renmen achte...
  [mwenn tah ren-men ahk-tay]
• I'm just lookingMwen jis gade
  [mwenn zjee gah-day]
• How much is it?Kijan pri sa?
  [kee-jahn pree sah]
• That's too expensiveSa twò chè
  [sah twow shay]
• Can you lower the price?Eske ou ka bese pri a?
  [es-keh ooh kah beh-zay pree ah]

• What time is it?Kisa lè li ye?
  [kee-sah lay lee yay]
• It's one o'clockLi senk e demi
  [lee sahnk ay deh-mee]
• Half past (10)Demi diz
  [deh-mee deez]
• MorningMaten
  [mah-tehn]
• AfternoonApremidi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
• EveningAswe
  [ah-sway]
• YesterdayYe
  [yay]
• TodayJodi a
  [zho-dee ah]
• TomorrowDemen
  [deh-mehn]
• 1En
  [ahn]
• 2De
  [day]
• 3Twaz
  [twahz]
• 4Kat
  [kaht]
• 5Senk
  [sahnk]
• 6Sis
  [sees]
• 7Sèt
  [set]
• 8Uit
  [weet]
• 9Nèf
  [nef]
• 10Dis
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Kote...?
  [koh-tay]
• What's the address?Ki kote adrès la ye?
  [kee koh-tay ah-drehs lah yay]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Eske ou ka montre mwen (sou kat)?
  [es-keh ooh kah mohn-tray mwenn (soo kaht)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kilè pwochenn (bis la)?
  [kee-leh pwosh-enn beess lah]
• A ticket (to ....)Yon tikè (pou ....)
  [yohn tee-kay poo]

Bourdon's history is deeply intertwined with the colonial period of Haiti, specifically during the 18th century when the area began to develop as a residential neighborhood for the affluent class. Wealthy plantation owners built grand houses here, taking advantage of the area's proximity to Port-au-Prince while enjoying a more serene environment away from the bustling port.

During the late 18th century, Bourdon, like much of Haiti, was affected by the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804). The struggle for independence from French colonial rule led to significant social and economic changes. Many of the estates in Bourdon were abandoned or repurposed, reflecting the upheaval of the times and the shift towards a society striving for equality and freedom.

In the early to mid-20th century, Bourdon evolved as Port-au-Prince expanded. The neighborhood saw an influx of middle-class families, which contributed to its development into a vibrant urban community. This period marked the construction of various civic and cultural institutions that enriched the neighborhood's social fabric.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Bourdon became a hub for Haitian culture and arts. The area is home to numerous artists, musicians, and writers who have played a pivotal role in shaping Haiti's cultural narrative. The neighborhood's streets are often filled with art galleries, music venues, and performance spaces that celebrate the rich artistic heritage of the nation.

The 2010 earthquake had a devastating impact on Port-au-Prince, including Bourdon. However, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Reconstruction efforts not only focused on rebuilding infrastructure but also on enhancing cultural and social spaces, making Bourdon a symbol of hope and renewal in Haiti's ongoing recovery.

Bourdon is located a short distance from central Port-au-Prince. From the airport, you can take a taxi directly to Bourdon, which typically takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. If you are coming from other neighborhoods, local tap-taps (shared minibuses) are a popular option, or you can hire a private taxi. The main roads leading to Bourdon are generally well-traveled, but be prepared for occasional rough patches.

Bourdon is relatively small and best explored on foot. However, local tap-taps and motorcycles (motos) can be used for longer distances within the area or to nearby neighborhoods. Taxis are also available, and negotiating fares beforehand is recommended. Bicycles can be rented in some parts of Port-au-Prince, but be cautious of traffic and road conditions.

Bourdon is generally considered safe for tourists during the day, but it's essential to remain vigilant, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. Areas with higher crime rates include parts of downtown Port-au-Prince, so exercise caution when venturing out. Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.

In an emergency, dial 114 for police assistance or 168 for medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of nearby hospitals and police stations. It's advisable to carry a local SIM card for easier communication. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers emergency situations.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious places. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs, such as removing shoes when entering homes. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and handshake. Don't interrupt when someone is speaking. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offers. Don't refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Bourdon like a local, visit the local markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with vendors and locals to learn about the neighborhood's culture. Don't miss out on local street food, but be mindful of hygiene. Participate in local festivals if your visit coincides with them, as they offer unique insights into Haitian culture.