Again, no sleep, shower and packing (forgot lock and cap). Went out to get a cab to the airport, sat in one I didnt ordered by mistake. In front was couple fight, but I arrived at the airport on time (40$). On airport was a big crowd in the check-in line (online wasn’t possible), and also later at security check. Finally, I was on an airplane, 2.5 hours, 800km. Nothing special on flight with Bahamasair on Boeing 737‑700, 274€.
On arrival, I walk to the terminal from the plane. There were some problems with filling out the form online. On exit, someone was waiting for me with a sign. He took me to my guide for that day (350$), Augusnel. I found his contact through some FB group. He picked me up at the airport, drove me to Citadelle Laferrière and Palais Sans Souci (both UNESCO), stopped for lunch and ended at the hotel. We started with chaos on the Cap-Haïtien flooded roads. When we arrived below the hill with the fort, I got on a motorbike, second guide took me 5 km uphill on a rocky road. The last km was on a horse, not great for my back.
On top was a big fort (closed, because of a stampede 2 weeks before), nice views, and some (incorrect) facts from the guide. These are the remains of the first country created by slaves. Descendents are proud of it, with all the problems it had/has. It started to rain, and we hid under a small roof with a few other people on top. I walked down to the motorbike. Driving downhill was terrifying; it was pouring rain, and visibility was close to zero on a slippery and rocky road.
We stopped just to put my phone and passport in a plastic bag and continued. One of the scariest experiences. In the rain, I just took a photo of the palace ruins from afar. Now I was back in the car, and we drove to the restaurant La Belle Maison, where I changed my wet clothes. I ate spicy chicken and rice again, and some fried platanas. We drove through the city again. Looking outside, you would think you are in Africa. Some from the hotel came to drive me uphill. Hotel Habitation des Lauries (39€) had a great view from the garden, the room was good enough, but from far it wouldn’t qualify for 4 stars in any other country. I had a beer 3$ nad cigarettes 4$ (awful taste). Staff look uninterested. During the night, I heard some shots outside, but we had security with guns?
