Tet Kale is perhaps THE most popular presidential candidate in Haiti. His real name is Mickey Martelly. He was once a professional singer and the youth of this country are rallying behind him! (Convinced that as an outsider to politics he will be different) Throughout the entire campaign a hairless Mickey has been referred to simply as “Tet Kale.” Directly translated – “Bald Head” – After several weeks of being surrounded by Tet Kale propaganda I was sold. Not so much on his qualifications to be the president of Haiti, but more sold on the fact that he has be most genius campaign slogan of all time. Bald Head.
Starting today, Saturday November 27th, the day prior to elections no one is allowed to drive their cars or motorcycles. Actually, people are encouraged to not leave their homes at all. Next week after elections, if the coast is clear, everyone can once again emerge. However, there is always a chance that violence will escalate after Election Day banning everyone to their homes for days or even weeks.
Last night, the Friday before Sunday’s elections, my regular crew (Bail and Ajax) and I decided to venture out for dinner since it might be our last opportunity to do so for some time.
Ajax decided upon a pizza place not too far from our house. We arrived and to my surprise it was the nicest, cleanest, most established restaurant I had visited since arriving in Haiti. I felt as if I were on vacation. I couldn’t believe I was just being introduced to this hidden gem. Beautiful patio furniture, attractive potted plants, outdoor speakers for music, wine glasses on the table, laminated menus! On top of that, all the other patrons of the restaurant were Blans (foreigners) too! One was a group of French relief workers and at the other table sat a Cuban couple. It was all so unexpected. I was giddy with excitement!
We ordered our pizza and sipped our drinks. Relishing in the lovely change of scenery.
Then, not 15 minutes into our dining experience, a tinted windowed SUV whipped around the corner. Hanging on the sides were two men with guns. I felt my heart skip a beat. (drive by shooting?? Surely not.) I took note of those around me. Their calm(ish) demeanor put me a little more at ease. The vehicle came to a halt only feet from our table. The men with guns hopped off and the doors flung open. Inside the SUV was presidential candidate Tet Kale. He appeared to be injured. The men were panicked and heated. Some were tending to Tet Kale inside the car while the others paced with guns in hand. We all stared with wide eyes. Ajax filled his wine glass with 7up and I took this to mean we were be staying to watch the show. This would not ultimately be the case.
Moments later 2 more pick up trucks raced around the corner skidding to a stop. Each held 15 or 20 men crammed in the truck beds. All gripping handguns. Ajax and Bail flew from their seats. It was clear the situation had just gotten a lot more serious. I followed suit. Bail frantically ordered “On alle” – translation, “Lets get the hell out of here!” Everyone in the restaurant raced into the kitchen. Money was being thrown at the waitress. Voices were tense. The waitress trembled as she made quick change. Heart racing, I clinched the pizza box. Ajax instructed Bail and I to wait close to the building. He would roll by allowing us to jump in for a fast get away. The only problem…our car was blocked by the truck loads of angry gunmen. Clearly frightened Ajax forced his fragile car over a concrete blockade to escape the dangerous cluster. As the car passed over the barrier, the muffler was ripped from below. As I darted for our car, I grabbed the rusty muffler from the ground, tossed it into the back seat with the pizza and off we raced. Our engine roared without its muffler as we sped down the dark road.
Once we were a safe distance from the political rumble, though still shaking, we breathed a sigh of relief. “Hey at least we’ve got our Pizza.”
by: Two Door Cinema Club
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