Family Day

Today, we escaped the heavy heat of the concrete jungle of Port-au-Prince and headed up the mountain for the afternoon. As we goaded the galloper gently up the mountain (with just a teensy big of steam rolling out from under the hood), we thrilled in feeling the air cool. We headed to a baptist mission which caters to foreigners with its American-diner style food, and enjoyed french fries and milkshakes at altitude where the air felt lighter, smelled cleaner, and the view was incredible. The land that rises up around the mission is decorated with fields and terraces that cover the mountain like a patch-work blanket of various hues of green.

We soaked in hours with no agenda, a few sweat-free moments, and the joy that is chocolate ice cream and milk all mixed together. Good day.

Reaching for what appears to be a tasty treat

Solomon's First French Fry

Not A Big Fan

I prefer tables, Mom

After enjoying fries and shakes, we took a little drive further to see the mountain range open up revealing crests and peaks far into the horizon.
The pine treas are feathery up on the peak... a tropical version of pine. And the air smelled fresh and clean. We bought produce on the mountain since we were in a heavy agricultural area. Getting the produce at the source sure makes a difference. No bruises or over-ripeness due to the bumpy trip down the mountain in tap-taps to arrive at the city markets below.
I went on a run at sunset after our return from the mountain. I watched a couple of soccer matches with little 1/2 pint kiddos being played in the center field and appreciated the distraction from track running. A cloud bank had settled over the city, pushing a breeze through the air, rustling the heavy humidity and driving down the temperature from sizzling to a simmer. Just as I thought I was going to internally combust with heat, nature provided me with a spectacular new diversion. In a burst of orange fire, the setting sun fell below the roof of clouds and lit up the evening with a bronze glow. It reminded me of a harvest moon... a huge orange orb on the floating on the horizon. There were several big fires burning around the city (usually burning trash) and the smoke rose between me and the sunset making the whole sky appear to be smoldering.

Tonight we are back in the apartment, having just enjoyed the miracle of water that quenches thirst and washes a days worth of sweat away. Ah Haiti in July. But despite the heat, today was a great day thanks to a mountain escape, chocolaty treats, stunning views, a fiery finale for the day in the setting of the sun, and priceless moments enjoying it all together.