| Haiti, is a country on the Caribbean island of | | | | Restaurant tabs should be tipped 6 to 10 percent, if |
| Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican | | | | not already added. Tip taxi drivers if you find them |
| Republic. | | | | helpful. |
| On December 6, 1492 Christopher Columbus first laid | | | | Two international Airports, in the capital and in Cap |
| eyes on the pristine shores of the island of Hispanola. | | | | Haitien. The main ports are Port au Prince, Cap Haitian |
| Lush with fruits and towering mahogany trees Haiti | | | | Miragoane. |
| became known as the Pearl of the Caribbean. What | | | | Driving is on the right, Canada and U S drivers license |
| was once Frances richest colony today has become | | | | is valid. |
| one of the worlds poorest nations, hindered by | | | | Local Transportation includes tap taps which are |
| dictatorships, depleted natural resources, and | | | | minibuses and flatbed trucks brightly painted. Public |
| overwhelming spiritual darkness. | | | | taxis and rental cars are another means of getting |
| Haitis terrain consists mainly of rugged mountains | | | | around. Full size buses are used for travelling between |
| with small coastal plains and river valleys. Haiti was a | | | | major cities. Travelling between Port au Prince and |
| lush tropical paradise, with 60 percent of its original | | | | Cap Haitian via small plane is a way of travelling. |
| forest covering the lands and mountainous regions. | | | | Due to recent political instability, tourism was once a |
| Roman Catholicism is the official religion of Haiti, but | | | | significant industry. However it has suffered, with the |
| voodoo may be considered the countrys national | | | | exception of Labadee, a port located on the |
| religion. The majority of Haitians believe in and | | | | countries northern coast. Labadee is a resort owned |
| practice at least some aspects of voodoo. Most | | | | by Royal Caribbean International. Although sometimes |
| voodooists believe that their religion can coexist with | | | | described in advertisements as an island in its own |
| Catholicism. | | | | right, it is actually contiguous with the rest of |
| Climate temperatures range from 68 to 95 averaging | | | | Hispanola. Labadee is fenced off from the surrounding |
| 81. Average rainfall per year is 50 inches. | | | | area. The cruise ships anchor offshore and |
| Official Language is French and Creole and English is | | | | passengers are tendered to the resort, often |
| spoken in the capital. | | | | without being told they are in Haiti. Attractions include |
| The currency is Haitian Gourde and U S dollars widely | | | | a Haitian Flea Market, traditional Haitian dance |
| accepted. | | | | performances, numerous beaches, water sports, and |
| There is a government tax of 10 percent and hotels | | | | a water park. |
| will add a service charge of 5 percent to your bill. | | | | |