#all of them just giving 'in front of my salad?' vibes but its indigo

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Nzinga’s Haitian Vacation Part 3: The Enigmatic, Eclectic and Ever-Changing Cap Haitien

Before we get started on the next two parts of my Haitian vacation, I want to acknowledge the overwhelming response I received from my Vodou blog. I first want to acknowledge and appreciate the positive response from those who learned more and expressed interest in continuing to learn about Haiti and various religions. I also want to acknowledge the criticism I received.

I know that Vodou is controversial, so as a writer I chose to visit the ceremonies and relay the information as we received it. I will always choose to meet my subjects with respect, compassion, curiosity, and love, no matter their beliefs, race, culture or nationality. I can never promise that in my travels I will steer clear of controversial topics. I promise I will always write in fairness to everyone, continue sharing valuable information,and make the connections necessary to bring you the most budget-friendly vacations that encourage you to get out an explore. Thank you for being here. I’m Dan and I’m dedicated to getting you out there!

For the next part of the trip, we visit Cap Hatien, “Paris of the Caribbean.” I thought this would be one part of my series, but Cap Hatien is full of wonders, so I have to honor it with two parts before the finale of Nzinga’s Haitian Vacation. Haiti delivers so much it’s become a five part series. Tell me you’re not itching to visit this beautiful land. I wouldn’t believe you. Well, over the next three parts, I’ll be making it harder for you not to book a trip as soon as you can.

Since we recently celebrated Indigenous People’s day, we’re going to focus on the Cormier Plage, a wonderful resort with an Indigenous museum dedicated to the native Taino people and the history of this mysteriously beautiful land.

The year is 1804 and the French city of Cap Haitien burns in a blaze of revolutionary glory under the direct orders of Toussaint Louverture-- the French could not take control of a burning city, could they? Prior to the blaze, Cap Haitien functioned as a French established city in Haiti called Cap Francois--know by the Western world as the “Paris of the Caribbean.” Through many names, leaders and occupiers, Cap Haitien will always be an enigmatic place overlooked by those waiting to capitalize on the rich lands, history and resources.

Today Cap Hatien is a mostly mellow town populated by just under 200,000 warm Capois natives. The city is considered Haiti’s second most important city, as it stands as a major economic and tourist hub of the Island. There is an International airport, a hospital, 64 hotels, 62 restaurants, 5 banks and two Universities to choose from (Roi Henri Christophe University and Universite Chrétienne Du Nord). The great Citadel Castle still remains, as well as the Notre Dame Du Cap Cathedral, and it seems there is more to come.

Recently, Cap Hatien has been plagued with an Earthquake, riots from the rising gas prices that saw the fall of the most recent government, and the instillation of a new government that plans to expand the seductive city and continue its journey back to greatness. Many believe the lands were cursed from the grudge of the French revolution, but perhaps the spirits of the land were angered as the land left the hands of Hispaniola as the French grasped it’s native body for its rich trade of coffee, cocoa, indigo tobacco and cotton.

Prior to Christopher Columbus’ voyage into the “New World,” Cap Haitien operated as the town of Guárico, home to the native Taino people of Hispaniola. And though the land is long away from its indigenous roots, the people have never been forgotten, and are honored at the Cormier Plage Resort Taino Museum. 

First, let me tell you about the fabulous resort that houses us during our stay, and the unfinished museum that honors the pre-Columbian people and land.

As we enter the Cormier Plage Resort, I notice the vibe is completely different than Decameron. This has more of a retreat feel to it; perhaps a bit more rustic--with hammocks hanging, inviting one to rock themselves to a peaceful slumber to the sound of waves creating a rhythmic heartbeat in the background. The staff is gentle and soft-spoken, ready to serve their guests with native hospitality, and you get the feeling that everyone is respectful of an individual’s space, privacy and peace.

The rooms are spacious and breezy, with a scenic beach front view and relaxing balcony. I find them to be romantically reminiscent of a vintage 70s or 80s film, one where a couple takes a wild adventure and learns to fall in love all over again. Careful couples, be ready for a Haitian conception story, if you know what I mean. Everything about this place says, “make love, NOW!” Time feels forever on your side as everything slows to a pause. This resort makes us feel more present and peaceful than anywhere we’ve yet to go.

The hotel provides one complimentary dinner and breakfast during the stay. Each meal is a full four-courses of lavish local nutrition. The complimentary meals are plentiful, plus Haiti is exponentially less expensive than eating anywhere in the states or Europe. I chomped down a delicious lobster while my wife enjoyed mashed potatoes and crab with a rich garlic butter sauce. Each dinner came with soup or salad and our side orders of rice cabbage hailed in comparison to any rice or cabbage we’ve ever had.

Now let’s get into the magnificent Taino museum. The museum is a work in progress, but clearly a labor of love, being filled solely with Taino artifacts from the city’s Guarico days. We met the accommodating and camera-shy owners, who gave us a lovely tour. Kathy Dicqemare (Co-owner) began collecting artifacts in the 1960s and has since collected over 5000 pieces and counting. While the museum is a work-in-progress, an adventure through its current state will be one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip.

The museum sits in the middle of a lush tropical garden occupied by the Taino Arawaks prior to Columbus’ conquering of the land. The museum not only collects native artifacts, it preserves the land around it out of respect to the original people. The construction of the final stage of the museum will begin when the KATHY DICQUEMARE FOUNDATION receives enough in donations to construct the first building in Haiti dedicated to the Taino.

I highly recommend staying at the Cormier Resort and visiting the museum if you choose to stay in Cap Haitien. I’ll show you more about the bustling city, but if you want a heavy contrast from Downtown Cap, or Port Au Prince, then staying at the Cormier Plage Resort will provide you with the perfect amount of R&R and education to ground you on your trip.

Next week, we will explore the grounds of the Citadel Castle, and I’ll give you a few more recommendations on hotel stays to check out, if the resort life isn’t for you. Check out the museum and join efforts to ensure the Indigenous Taino people of Hispaniola’s story continues to be told, visit: http://tainomuseum.org for more information on how to donate to the KATHY DICQUEMARE FOUNDATION.

See you soon! And if you’re ready to book with me now to any of the places I’ve brought you to in the blog over the past year, then contact me ASAP. I know how to get you out of your home by sky or sea and into a land where you can discover the world and the best parts of yourself away from routine and strife! Call, text or email me anytime for a great vacation. Nzinga knows exactly what to do!

Book with me, Dan Nzinga for the best travel deals! Register for exclusive, deep discounts on travel packages. Phone: 720.515.8613 Email: peplaorg@gmail.com