On top of the world!
May 28, 2008Today, I finally went to Boutilliers, also known as the Lookout. This is one of those places that is a common “tourist” destination and most people here in Haiti are surprised when they would hear I had never been there. And today I finally went.
Boutilliers is basically a simple lookout point at the top of a mountain overlooking Port-au-Prince. There is an amazing view, and as we went on a fairly clear day we could see for miles and miles around us. (Actually, it kind of reminded me of what you would see from Google Earth.) We could see all the landmark sites in Port-au-Prince: the Presidential Palace, the airport, the UN headquarters, the slums. We could also see a ways out to sea and a long distance up the coast as well.
Because this is a place that attracts visitors, of course there were vendors there. I have, as yet, not bought anything from any of the vendors, but that does not always stop them from trying to sell me stuff. That usually does not stop them from trying to sell me stuff, no matter how many times I say that I’m not buying anything. They do lay off somewhat, though, when they learn that I have come down to Haiti for a year and that I will be the one bringing adoptive families and visitors around. (That is, in fact, why we were there today–an adoptive family was visiting and wanted to see the sights and do some shopping.) Overall it was a good experience, and I do look forward to the opportunities I will have to go back and see the view from the top.
