A Fool In Haiti

On March 18th 2010, whilst staying in a peristyle called Temp Chango Chawa in a town called Cayes Jacmel, we were visited by Manbo Mirielle AIN, A woman born in France who had worked at the foreign embassy in Haiti until she discovered Vodou. I had the fortunate pleasure of being able to interview her where we spoke very openly about Haiti, Vodou, the earthquake and her life as a Manbo (an initiated priestess of Vodou). Watch the interview and listen to her fascinating story.

If you are ever wondering who to make a donation to and how to help the situation in Haiti, look no further than Manbo Mirielle: an amazing community member who provides food, shelter, jobs and spiritual solace for many many Haitians. The website for the peristyle she started is here: Yagen Tanwe. Please contribute if you can

Updated to add: She speaks French from 19 minutes in, so if you are a French speaker you may want to skip straight to 19:00. The translation from the French is in the comments below

Whilst we were in Cayes Jacmel staying at Temp Chango Chawa, Manbo Paula celebrated her birthday and we did it in style! Here’s a few photos from that day. Such a wonderful joyful day it was – lots of singing, dancing, visiting Vodouisants, dogs, champagne and  spirit possession.

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Here are some photos taken from some amazing peristyles (Vodou temples) in Haiti.

I am not sure the photos do justice to the wonder of actually seeing them up close but here’s a glimpse into the world of Vodou…

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