What do you envision when thoughts of Costa Rica flow through your mind...or Fiji, Tahiti, or Jamaica? Waterfalls, lush green rainforests, clear blue green ocean waters, palm trees, white sandy beaches complete with local fisherman picky squirmy fish out of the nets on the shoreside just a few yards away from you. Or do you consider the beauty of the local scented flowers such as Boogunvalias, Plumerias etc. and the surrounding fruit trees, such as Pineapples and Bananas, Mangos and Papayas? Me too. These are the things I think of when I consider the tropics, or places in the Caribbean.

Would you believe me if I said all of these things are true about Haiti as well? They are. I experienced it again a couple of days ago. Last Thursday, Claude and I spent the entire morning and afternoon obtaining some serious saddle sores, as we rode horses into the deep heart of the Haitian coujntryside. As we ascended the steep mountains trails to our ultimate destination, the views were what your ideal images of paradise woud be. Deep, dark ,rich and vibrant blues filled my views. The lightness of the big blue skies contrasted by the depths of the deep blue ocean.

The higher our horses took us up the mountain, the wider my view of the horizon. I could see the curvature of the earth, so it seemed. The forests, despite what you may have heard or read before, are rich with life. Very green and plush. There are fruit trees and flowers, beautiful people and animals scattered throughout. Haiti really is an unknown paradise. I am afraid that due to false reportings, many would not believe this until they see it. Should you desire a tremendously rich vacation spot and are not afraid of American media reports, I highly suggest Haiti.

When we reached the destination of our journey, the Basin Bleu Waterfalls, we tied up the horses, and walked another mile to to head of the falls. Stunning. I viewed the falls for only a few minutes before diving into the refreshing water. Powerful, bold, this waterfall is high. We had a guide that led us to the falls after the horse rifde there, he, much lke tarzan, climbed up a 75 foot rock, grabbed ahold of a nearby vine and ran and jumped into the large pool of water...what a sight! I swam under the falls into a cave that is hidden behind the water. Granted it was very loud, it was so peaceful in that dark cold cave. Something about the feeling of protection in the midst of chaos. A m uch needed thing these days in our world!

The return trip was even more beautiful then the way there, despite it being the same route. Coming down the mountain we got to view the ocean, as well as the overview of the island of Haiti and the lazy town fishing town of Jacmel, most of the way. Riding the horse back to the owners after descneding the mountain was like being a princess carried in her chair during the midsts of a large parade. Claude and I were center of attention as the two white, 'blancs,' riding horses down the little alley ways conjested with home dwellers. "Bon Swa!" (Good Afternoon!) I would say, always to be returned with a big but sheepish grin and a loud ,"Bon Swa!" The people of Haiti are eager to great you warmly with big smalls and waves. Over all the day was a real treat. Claude had set this up in advance and I got to go along for the ride not having a solid idea of what exactly I was in for. This was a great opportunity for me to see the heart of Haiti, the deep jungle life, the rich spirits of country side people, life on yet another realm.