In 2015 I took a trip to the motherland. No words can describe the experience so I'll just let these photos do the talking.

From Far.

Haiti from a distance doesn't look very dissimilar from other beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Mountains, blue water, and greenery. But the real story isn't told from far.

Up close.

Haiti up close to me is one word: GRIND. Whether it be travelling a mile with a bucket just to fill with water that you could bring back home because you don't have indoor plumbing, or finding a spot on the street to set up shop to sell produce, clothes, supplies, etc. Every day means trying to find a way to provide for yourself and your family.

In a place with very few opportunities, if you can find a demand for a product or service, then your job is to supply that demand. What I found was, in a place so densely populated, one of the most valuable services you can provide is transportation.

But don't get me wrong. "Grind" would only be the definitive description of Haiti if I only had one word to use. If I had two the other would be WILL. After enduring so much adversity the people of Haiti still have a will to not only survive, but to also find some enjoyment in life. That means they are not so caught up in the daily hustle that they would pass up the opportunity to take a joyride with a friend.

And of course you can't talk about Haiti without mentioning the food.

Not to mention, my new favorite beer of all the islands I've ever visited.

Apparently they take security at our hotel very seriously. You had to first be allowed onto the grounds through a 20 foot tall gate, at which point you were greeted by this guy.