AYITI CHÉRIE! SAK AP FETE?

It wouldn't be right if I didn't use this Flashback Friday to take it back to this time last week when I was in Haiti for the @lunionsuite ’Women In Media Tour.’ Wanda Tima, the CEO and founder of the popular Haitian Platform L'union Suite set out to celebrate the seven-year anniversary of her brand in such a major way. She and her team not only curated and rallied a group of 8 powerful creative women in the media industry but also managed to create a comfortable synergy where we uplifted and spread positive energy all around. Getting women from all different backgrounds is not an easy task , but for Wanda it was. L'union Suite keeps the community informed on all news of Haiti, whether good or bad. As a Haitian-American, this is very important to me because I'm continually learning about my heritage. One of the narratives that I frequently see as a Journalist and On-Air Talent is the portrayal of Haiti only being poor and bad. Thanks to Wanda, I was able to be a part of her goal to share the beauty of Haiti and the parts that are rarely shown.

On the night before the trip, I had a total of three hours of sleep due to the fact that I'm a last minute packer. I know, I know I must do better SMH. The other reason was that I was super anxious about this trip. After arriving to the airport and meeting everyone I started to feel more relaxed. For the first time, ya girl felt first class on Spirit Airlines traveling in the big seats minus the snacks and wine LOL.

Once we arrived to Cap HaÏtien, we were warmly greeted by the Haitian Tourism Board and privately transported to the super chic Satama Hotel. The hotel effortlessly sits on top of a mountain overlooking the entire city. This hotel was 5-Stars from the infinity pool to the delectable Soup Jou Mou that was served on Sunday. I felt very safe staying there and I had the best roomie-wife Miss Shelah Marie, whom I absolutely love! She's the best!

Team: @dawnrichard @stephlecor @msselenahill @amandabooz @sandzp @mrswanda @azia.iam @theshelahmarie @pynkgirlmm

Here's a breakdown of our days in Haiti , and information on the local places we visited!

Day 1: The first stop of our trip was to the Institut Sacré-Coeur Du where we talked about our careers, ate food that the students prepared for us and enjoyed a full dance production. The students were truly inspirational and their hospitality made me feel as if I once attended their school. Many of the students shared their dreams and aspirations, which were very similar to the women on the trip. Their smiles were all contagious, and it felt so humbling to be there. Later that night we enjoyed a great dinner at Lakay (which is Creole for “home/house”) where the legume and griot was BOMB! If you ever go there make sure you ask for pikliz to complement your meal. It’s the Haitian version of hot sauce except it has vegetables and taste way better in my opinion.

**ISCCH Schools Instagram: @Bienvenue_a_iscch

**Lakay Resturant: @Lakayrestaurant

Day 2: The second stop was to the San Souci Palace where we learned the about history and great resilience of my people. I was fascinated by the 205-year-old structure built by freed slaves after the Haitian Revolutionary war against the French. The palace is also known as the Caribbean version of Versailles! It has been said that the late Henri Christophe (The pioneer responsible for Haiti being freed in 1804) filled the palace with opulent furniture and statues imported straight from Italy. I would love to take a time capsule back in that time to witness this type of black royalty. According to several sources Haiti has billions of dollars in gold and rare metals which is no surprise to me. Our tour guide at San Souci explained to us that after the death of Christophe, the gold and riches stolen from his property were used to purchase what we now know as the Dominican Republic. Wow!

**San Souci Palace, Milot Haiti : @Mtourismehaiti

Day 3: The third stop of our trip was to the beautiful waters of Amiga Island ( île á Rat). This place was the ultimate paradise from the crystal blue waters, to the rum punch with extra Barbancourt, and the fresh seafood caught right in front of us. MY GOD! Amiga Island is by far one of the most relaxing places in Labadee. The surrounding waters of Labadee has fresh springs that open up into the ocean depending on the time of year, and beautiful seaside homes, which in my opinion looked very similar to Bora Bora. After spending our day seaside getting bronzed and golden we headed back to the hotel for some rest & relaxation before our last meal together. For our final night in Cap Haïtien, we fellowshipped around a beautifully decorated table at the Pynk Magazine #PynkPowerDinner at Lolo Resturant. Mecca Moore and Sandy Pierre put together the most elegant 3-course meal for us. We ate, sang and enjoyed our last night together for our Women In Media Tour of Haiti.

**Amiga Island ( île á Rat): @DestinationCreole

**Satama Hotel: @SatamaHotel

** Resturant : Lolo Resturant

I'm hoping this blog post, the pictures and all of our experiences will spark something in you to visit or promote the positive sides of Haiti. THANK YOU to all of the sponsors who help make this Cap Haïtien trip possible. This was truly a memorable experience that I will cherish for a lifetime!