First site visit

Yesterday I went to the neighborhood I have been doing research on called Villa Rosa. There are ten separate zones within the area that have been staggered in order of repair. We visited the first of the ten, on the outskirts of the area. I have to say, this was the Haiti I was expecting to see. It was really difficult at times. Trash, rubble, just poor, poor conditions and people all around. The information we took with us was a really helpful scaled map with three different types of structures on it: minor, moderate and severe structural damage dating back to the earthquake 20 months ago. All the structures were well marked, which made it really easy to calibrate where we were. Some of the area still looks like the earthquake just happened a couple days ago. The major items we were looking for dealt with walkable paths, flood zones, drainage direction, water sources, trash collection/compilation areas, basic sanitary stations/toilets (all shared, rare to find and all in alwful condition), schools, businesses, as well as the most strategic places to build certain types of buildings.
It was hot, but because I was expecting it to be, it wasn't that bad. We went around 10am, planning to stay for about an hour. I was to head back with Darren and Nancy, two design fellows, and Rickie and Clio, who both speak French/Creole, were to stay and do some interviews and investigating. Luckily it was decided that I should stay and see more of the site and take copious notes to help with compiling the data later. We ended up being there another four hours! But it was great being able to physically see the site, I always work better seeing things rather than just looking at a map and figuring it out. We collected a lot of info and took many photos. Clio was an interesting person to hang with for the day. She is an intern in her last year of architectural school in France. Her mom is Haitian, her father is French. She was raised in PaP and gave me a unique perspective into the life of someone who had a lot to say about the nation and it's current state all over a cold, 500 mL Coca Cola bottle, my first of the trip.
She told me how sad it is because Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the world, then once the quake hit, tons of foreign add came pouring in. All the people that fled PaP then returned with even more people strictly to benefit from the aid. So instead of just helping the people in need, others that were not affected by the disaster seeked the same as the ones who were. Sad. Over 75% of this country is unemployed, trying to make it off what we consider pocket change. And yet Michael Vick just signed his SECOND $100 million contract of his career to play for the Eagles...wow! So lopsided our world is.
The main sense I got out of this was "Boy, I am SO lucky...". The kids in the states are so spoiled, just wish they could fully comprehend how even the lowest classed households in the U.S. have so much more than these poor people here. But the coolest part to come out of all this? The children. Dozens and dozens of adorable, smiling Haitian kids who look at you with curiosity. Wearing my mirrored sunglasses and being white, I did stick out a bit. The smallest little grin, silly face, or hand gesture I sent their way sent waves of joy over their faces and it was gratifying that the smallest ones living here don't fully understand the situation and therefore can be the most honest and sweet. They can't say they don't have something if they don't know it exists.
After spending the whole day there, we got picked up, taken back to the office, got a very late lunch, and the day was done. I was exhausted from being on my feet all day, on a pretty steep incline mind you, and in the heat. I had enough time to shower (amazing feeling-plus it being rain water temperature), eat dinner, chat with Nicole and head to bed. Slept for ten hours. Glad to see my good sleeping habits have followed me here.
Today, I spent the whole day creating maps in Illustrator, an Adobe program luckily I have on my laptop. I compiled all the content from yesterday and had my first full day of office work, and it went by rather quickly. I finally got some more dollars exchanged to Haitian money. I had only spent $25 this week, but would have bought more at the store Saturday if I had it with me. We ate at Jouly Restaurant again, seems to be a once to twice a week thing. Had another really cold coke bottle, almost a slushy, and wrapped up another day. Another nice evening at the house. Really doing well here. First week is a wrap!