Saint-Marc: The Pearl of the Artibonite Coast

• HelloAllo
  [ah-loh]
• GoodbyeOrevwa
  [oh-rev-wah]
• YesWi
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• 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 yeh]
• Fine. And you?Byen. E ou?
  [byehn. ay oo]
• Do you speak English?Eske ou pale angle?
  [es-kay oo pahl ahn-glay]
• I don't understandMwen pa konprann
  [mwen pah kohn-prahn]

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

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

• I'd like to buy...Mwen ta renmen achte...
  [mwen tah ren-mehn asht-ay]
• I'm just lookingMwen jis gade
  [mwen zhees gah-day]
• How much is it?Konbyen li ye?
  [kohn-byen lee yeh]
• That's too expensiveSa twò chè
  [sah twah sheh]
• Can you lower the price?Eske ou ka ba pri a?
  [es-kay oo kah bah pree ah]

• What time is it?Kisa lè li ye?
  [kee-sah lay lee yeh]
• It's one o'clockLi gen yon lè
  [lee gehn yohn lay]
• Half past (10)Demi pase (10)
  [deh-mee pah-say]
• MorningMaten
  [mah-ten]
• AfternoonApremidi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
• EveningAswè
  [ah-sway]
• YesterdayYe
  [yeh]
• TodayJodi a
  [joh-dee ah]
• TomorrowDemen
  [deh-men]
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• Where's a/the...?Ki kote...?
  [kee koh-tay]
• What's the address?Kisa adres la?
  [kee-sah ah-drehs lah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Eske ou ka montre m 'yo (sou kat la)?
  [es-kay oo kah mohn-tray m oh (soo kaht lah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kilè pwochen an ye?
  [kee-lay pwo-shen ahn yeh]
• A ticket (to ....)Yon tikè (pou ....)
  [yohn tee-kay (poo)]

Saint-Marc was founded in 1695 by the French during their colonial occupation of Saint-Domingue, now known as Haiti. The town was established as an important coastal settlement and quickly became a hub for trade and commerce due to its strategic location on the Gulf of Gonâve.

During the 18th century, Saint-Marc became a significant center for sugar production. Plantations around the town thrived on the forced labor of enslaved Africans. The wealth generated through the sugar trade contributed to the town's growth and the construction of grand colonial buildings, some of which still stand today.

Saint-Marc played a crucial role in the Haitian Revolution, which began in 1791. The town saw numerous battles and uprisings as enslaved Africans and free people of color fought against French colonial rule. Key revolutionary leaders, including Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, were active in the region.

After Haiti gained independence in 1804, Saint-Marc continued to develop as an important port town. The economic activities shifted from colonial plantation agriculture to more diverse forms of trade and industry. The town's infrastructure improved, and it became a significant contributor to the country's economy.

In 1849, Saint-Marc was the site of a notable battle during the Haitian civil war. The conflict was between the forces of Faustin Soulouque, who declared himself Emperor Faustin I, and his opponents. The battle resulted in significant casualties and highlighted the ongoing political instability in Haiti during that period.

Today, Saint-Marc is a vibrant town known for its cultural heritage, bustling markets, and historical architecture. The town hosts various cultural festivals and events that celebrate its rich history and the diverse influences that have shaped it over the centuries. It remains a vital port and a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding region.

Saint-Marc is located on the western coast of Haiti. The nearest international airport is Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, approximately 95 kilometers away. From Port-au-Prince, you can take a taxi or a bus to Saint-Marc. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road. Some private shuttle services also operate from the airport to Saint-Marc, providing a more comfortable travel option.

Within Saint-Marc, local transportation options include taxis, moto-taxis (motorcycle taxis), and tap-taps (colorful shared minibuses). Taxis are generally more comfortable but can be more expensive. Moto-taxis are a quicker way to navigate through traffic but may not be suitable for everyone. Tap-taps are the most economical option but can be crowded. Renting a car is also an option, but driving in Haiti can be challenging due to road conditions and traffic.

The official currency in Haiti is the Haitian Gourde (HTG). US Dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Saint-Marc, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand before arriving.

Saint-Marc is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Some areas and neighborhoods have higher crime rates, particularly for crimes targeting tourists. It's best to consult local advice on which areas to avoid. Always use registered taxis or transportation services.

In case of emergency, dial 114 for police, 115 for fire services, and 116 for medical emergencies. The local hospital in Saint-Marc can handle most medical issues, but for severe cases, you may need to be transported to a larger facility in Port-au-Prince. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies are available in the town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or local communities. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of your behavior in religious settings and dress appropriately. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous. Tap-taps and buses can be crowded, so be prepared for a tight squeeze. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir.' A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept hospitality graciously. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Saint-Marc like a local, visit the bustling local markets where you can buy fresh produce and Haitian crafts. Engage with the locals, as they are often warm and willing to share stories about their culture. Don't miss the chance to try local street food, such as griot (fried pork) and banane pesée (fried plantains). For a unique experience, take a walk along the coastline and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea views.