Happy birthday..

Correction of last post:
It's spelled anfòm, without space of course - need to get out of my french thinking. Probably doesn't matter much to you, but for the sake of accuracy.. :)

I would also just like to give you a link to the organization, you'll find a report here about the country six months after the earthquake, and RNDDH's recommendations. Could be interesting for those of you who want to get an overall picture of the situation. It is not long, so if you have a minute, please take the time!

Today is my birthday, and I'm celebrating as usual in a new place with new friends. Haven't told many yet though. But I share birthday with Tobi (formerly refered to as Toby), so we have at least greeted each other, and I got birthday kisses from the very nice secretary Tamara. I'm happy, because my birthday gift today was the courage to talk to the housekeeper, the chauffeur, and my colleagues a little bit in creole. Especially when it comes to the people who work in the house it feels important. They serve me all the time, which is not a strange thing in itself in this culture, but then I would at least like to have the ability to keep us at equal level by being friends. Rony/Wony/other spelling, who is the main cook/housekeeper just laughed and said 'bravo!' when I asked her 'kôman ou ye?' (how are you?) this morning. It's so much fun, because it is the most common phrase, but those few words opened up so much I feel. She is such a warm, loving woman who cooks strange (for me) but excellent food.

I am yet to get used to getting served a whole meal in the morning. Thankfully it's good food. The people I know here eat a lot in the morning, then a big and late lunch that will last you all evening. I'm greatful for the fact that Pierre recognizes that I am a foreigner though, so he makes sure I can have some sort of snack in the evening.

I don't find the car rides here anything unusual anymore. Funny how fast you can adapt. Maybe I haven't talked to you too much about driving here, so let's give you an idea:
- you have to have an SUV, jeep or alike. The roads are bumpy and hilly.
- you have to have good breaks. You'll be spending a lot of time doing abrupt stops and waiting in a tilting position.
- quote Tobi: "a car without a horn is pretty much useless in Haiti". You honk all the time! Because you're annoyed, because someone needs to move, because you want to inform someone they can pass before you, to say hi... well you get the idea..
So, in the beginning the car rides felt like a rollercoaster ride. You jump and tumble and roll way too fast (in your eyes) downhill and pass way to close to other vehicles.
Now I've realized that, yes, everyone here drives like an insane person, but the thing is that they all seem to have a great perception of how big their own vehicle is, and they all seem to be very aware of the fact that everyone else is crazy.
So now it's all normalized..

Once again: I love the people here!
If I'm ever negative about anything, don't let it affect your view of the haitians. I haven't met a single person who hasn't welcomed me and smiled and said encouraging words when I try to speak the few phrases I know in creole.

Even if there's a total of maybe three people who know it's my birthday here, I still feel good today. Still, I would feel even better if you spent a thought on me today of course :) Many of you have already been in touch.
Now: back to my creole text book..

Be well and happy birthday!

/Linnea