Haiti - Land of the Dead ...

Many of the people of Haiti are presented as the sum of fragmented terrible stereotypes that can hardly be described with one word: zombie, voodoo, TonTon Macoute "Papa Doc and Baby Doc, his son, poverty, civil war, permanent cyclones - and again , zombies. All these terrible words have done their work - until now Haiti remains one of the most obscure countries in the world, although the climate is favorable for tourism. Of course, last but not least it is happening simply because all these stereotypes - are not empty words. To love Haiti, however, must either born there or in the worst case, to overcome their fears and just be there.

Four hours before departure, I sat down to watch an old movie "Zombie" by George Romero. I wanted to refresh their knowledge of the living dead. Their appearance,manners, customs and habits - all ofwhich might serve me during the trip.

Zombies on screen looked very scary. They ripped people like candy opakovki.Chakah to hear in the movie exactly the place where Peter, a wise black police officer, said the reply: "My grandfather was a priest in Trinidad. He always told us: when in hell will have no place to fill a dead land. " Apart from the staff of the film and several times repeated the phrase to himself remembers it. In his hand he had a ticket to Haiti.

Hours later, in a noemvriy ski day, I was in Haiti, without even realizing how different world in the fall.

Residents of the maritime city Léogane, and all other Haitians from neighboring cities in November in those days gathered in churches and grobishtata.Tuk away from large cities, one after the death does not leave the family. The dead continue to live with the living - or live with the dead as you wish. "You can read about this custom a hundred books - once remarked Raymond, but you will not believe until you see with your eyes.Raymond, in general, told me a lot. Haitians not bury their dead in the ground. The dead remain on the surface, closed vaults in order to get everything, as in life - good start, attention and care. Nobody forgets about them, even if the family tomb is away from home, as in all major cities.

And once a year during the first week of November, the feast Gede, haitianite unite Day of the Dead and All Saints Day - all women wear purple or black color, visit deceased relatives. On this auspicious day of all cemeteries exported colorful flags of voodoo priests who come to meet with the living dead martvi.Spored Haitians need posrednitsi.Imeno voodoo priests are those posrednitsi.Vidyah and I happened to so many things, but one remembered forever -words that evening told me Raymond. He looked at me, saw Puzzle in my eyes, felt turmoil in my heart and just said:"Death in Haiti - is only beginning."