"Port-au-Prince, Capitol of Haiti " a Port-au-Prince Travel Page by Beausoleil

You don't normally think of Haiti when you think of Christmas, but think "folk art" and it makes more sense.

There are two voodoo masks (gifts), two iron candle stands, two eggs painted wth Haitian naive art, two small wooden statues (gifts) and a lovely carved wood Nativity scene with a wooden bowl for Christmas treats.

The gift shop at Ecole Ste. Trinite, the school attached to the Episcopal Cathedral is a terrific place to do your shopping.

This is a closer look at the hand carved Haitian Nativity scene. They are sold at the Gift Shop attached to Ecole Ste. Trinite and come in two sizes. This is the smaller one and I treasure it.

The gift shop is right downtown PAP a few blocks from the Haitian "white" house and the Cathedral is certainly worth a visit. The inside is covered with original Haitian murals and many windows are clay carvings. There is a music school attached to the primary school and they have an excellent classical music program there. The concert hall, Salle Ste. Cecile, is the most accoustically perfect building in the entire country.

If you manage to visit the Cathedral during the wedding (or funeral) of an orchestra member, you will hear the service performed by a full orchestra and chorus. It is an amazing experience.

Drive up the hill toward Kenscoff, out of the noisy city and this is what you'll find. The countryside is magical. It is lovely and green and the people are incredibly friendly.

Each little town specializes in something and often it is a particular kind of candy. As you drive into town, market women will wave to your car hoping you'll stop and buy some. Do because it is all wonderful. Be sure you bargain with them. They expect it and it's all part of the fun.

There will be crafts, paintings and various foods available in the markets in each town. These are fun to explore on foot.