24612: kathleen (comment) riding on tractors, waving to the Nepalese

[sak-pase@bimini.ws]

kathleen burke <kathleenburke704@hotmail.com>

Usually, I catch a ride to Hinche on a moto or machine, but today, after 
discussing my problem with EDH with the guys at MPP (they agreed with me 
that the guys from Teleco and EDH have replaced the section chefs), I was 
offered a more comfortable ride on the tractor (foam cushion, male companion 
to help hold me in) that they last time, and was I glad!!!  So many of the 
Haitians we passed on the road waved and smiled at the white haired blan 
sitting in her dress sedately on the back of a John Deere.  The warm 
response and the countryside remind me of why I am in Haiti (I always am 
asked).
At the kalfou, things became even more interesting, as the smiling wavers 
became not Haitians, but armed Nepalese U.N. soldiers.  It's Saturday!!!  
They are searching for weapons both coming and going to/from Papay and the 
North.  They seemed to enjoy the spectacle (I am making of myself without 
embarassment) as much as the Haitians.  I want to get out of here soon, go 
back and take photos.
At the cybercafe were the two beautiful young women, Cuban doctors who are 
working at the hospital in Hinche, and a Pakistani woman who works with the 
U.N.  She agreed that "Haiti grows on you."
Always, people are nonplussed when I tell them I am here on my own - I may 
have to start making something up!!!
Gotta catch those photoops!!!  Bassin Zim tomorrow, at last.  Kathleen