Day 2: Across the Ocean to Haiti. Our Around the World in 80 Days tour continues

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Day 2: Celebrating Earth Day with a visit to Haiti

Fun Facts: In Haiti you might hear "'pa gen pwoblem' often. It's the most common phrase. It translates to 'no have problem.' Haitians use it in a dizzying array of contexts: responding to thank-you's, asserting well-being, filling awkward silences.

Also. . . the word "barbecue" likely originated with the indigenous Taino Indians who would smoke or dry meat over a frame made of green sticks. One of the first recordings of the word "barbecue" was in a 1706 English travel account.

Destination: Croix des Bouquets, Haiti

Haiti is located between Cuba and Puerto Rico and enjoys tropical weather year-round. Located 8 miles northeast of the Haitian capitol, Port-au-Prince, Crois des Bouquets is the village best known for "cut metal work" often called Haitian oil drum art. Originally located on the shore, the village was relocated inland after the 1770 Port-au-Prince earthquake.

Art Form: Steel Drum Cut Metal Work

Late in the 1950's, there lived a railroad blacksmith w ith a little time on his hands, a few simple tools, a hefty supply of scrap metal, and boundless imagination. Georges Liataud saw possibility where others saw refuse.

Today the hammering of working artisans transforming recycled drums rings from nearly every home and workshop.

The artisans start with designs inspired by nature and culture. From original cardboard patterns, they trace their designs with chalk on the flattened metal from dismantled 55 gallon steel drums.

With chisels and hammers, they carefully cut and decorate the metal by hand. Every detail, every leaf vein, every bead is created with the stroke of the artist's hand. No repetitive stamping or machinery is used in the production process.

Each shape is then fashioned and smoothed with many designs featuring 3-D additions. Then the artists boldly and proudly chisel their names on the metal sculpture they have just created.

Listen to the hammers ringing out. . .

Haiti metal art

Beyond Borders has been working with and nurturing Haitian metal artisans for over 15 years. Committed to Fair Trade principles, they work directly with the artists to ensure that quality and craftsmanship standards remain high. There is a constant exchange and blossoming of new designs and products.

Most importantly, however, there is real economic improvement and betterment of lives through the creation and sharing of their beautiful art. Casey Riddell has been another source of Haitian art for World's Window, especially for large panels of art like our "angels" that are the backdrop of our front window displays.

Haitian drum art is a marvelous and unique expression of Haitian creativity. There are no other hand-crafted products in the world that are like it, and Haitian metal art is the perfect example of creative recycling in celebration of Earth Day.

Images courtesy of Beyond Borders and It's Cactus.

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Haitian metal art can range in size from small single birds and angels to large round sculptures 2 feet across and occasionally larger. The intricacy of the hammered patterns will provide lasting, exquisite beauty in something that otherwise would be discarded.

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Get your Passport Stamped!

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"stamp" to add to your "passport."

"Collect" at least 12 different "country" stamps during the first 20 days of our around-the-world trip to be entered into the drawing for a $25 gift card.

At the end of our 80-day Around the World

excursion, all eligible travelers (minimum of 48 country stamps)

will be entered into a drawing for

a Grand Prize $100 shopping spree gift card!

Thanks for traveling with us today.

Where to next? Stay tuned!

So Day 2 finds us in Haiti. It was a long trip back across the ocean. If you haven't already done so, invite some friends to come along! There's still room on this journey!

We're hearing from delighted fellow travelers. One wonderful suggestion was to share these posts with young ones in your household. Get out the globe. Read the fun facts and watch the video together. Bring those kiddos along on the journey!

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