WARNING: Effects of the January 2010 earthquake, political tension, and high crime have resulted in travel advisories being issued by foreign governments. Infrastructure may be damaged or inadequate, and looting, intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs, violent crime including kidnapping, car-jacking, and assault remain commonplace. In addition, a cholera pestilence threatens Port-au-Princeas of October 2010. With the notable exception of Labadee, travelers to Haiti should remain alert and aware of their surroundings.
I didn’t get to visit the coastal cities but flew into the capital city of Tegucigalpa and stayed there a couple of nights. We went to visit friends that lived in the city of Comayagua at the time (they taught English in a little private school) and stayed there for 2 weeks - I loved it! During our visit we also traveled to visit smaller nearby towns and made an overnight trip to Guatemala!
Both countries are very poor and visiting there definitely gave us a different perspective on life in general. Everyone there were so happy with what they had in life and considered themselves blessed...they live simple lives free of worry! It’s very easy to get a VERY nice hotel room for about $25 a night and a phenomenal meal for very cheap! A major form of income for them comes from having a little convenience store and food stand that they operate right from their home...this is the equivalent of fast food only its a lot cheaper and tastes a lot better! We did “go out” to eat on 2 occasions - the restaurant was equivalent to a very nice one here in the states and the bill was $120 for 15 of us.
The airplane ticket there and back was more expensive than our 3 week stay but it was worth it and I would love to go back! A few tips to remember if you decide to visit there - In the city open markets (found in the main city plaza) they see Americans and price gauge so learn how to barter...souvenir prices are always negotiable and they’ll change their mind fast if they see you walking away. Now, getting a soccer jersey for $10 (he’d just sold 1 for $7 5 minutes before) is not the same as getting a soda and 4 tacos for $3 from the lady with a baby - we always gave 2x the amount that they asked and they were always so thankful!
Asia-lite! One of the most incredible and efficient cities in the world. 8 million people crammed into the size of La Jolla and Pacific Beach, but you can't own a car unless you have a garage to store it. Taxis and buses are cheap and run on natural gas so there is very little exhaust. Trains run every 7 minutes with German precision. Tons of walking trails, hikes and excursions to little islands and beachs.
Iceland is my most favorite country that I have ever visited. It has everything to offer in nature: hundreds of unique waterfalls, glaciers, amazing hikes, great natives and travelers, and the cutest Icelandic horses! My partner and I rented a car and backpacked for 5 days here. Can’t wait to come back. It is very expensive but a cheap plane ticket.
Absolutely out of this world stunning scenery, and fantastic people. I was blessed with wall to wall sunshine during my trip. I visited Connemara, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney NP and the Galway coast.
I'V BEEN THERE BEFORE WHEN I WAS SIX YEARS OLD IN 2006, BUT ONLY MY DAD GOT TO GO UP TO THE TOP. HE SAID THAT THE STAIR CASE WAS DARK SO IT WAS HARD TO SEE. he also said that (it was slanted) and some of the stairs were so steep it was even hard for him too climb.