Everyday Life in Haiti

Much of everyday life, even prior to the earthquake, took place outdoors. It is not uncommon for people to cook outside in addition to selling products on the street. What has happened, though, because of the quake, is that a great deal of rubble from the collapsed buildings is on the street. The businesses that did operate indoors are now found on the street or there simply is no business.

Today, there are many problems associated with cooking and selling on the sidewalks. Huge mounds of garbage are on the streets and sidewalks as are mountains of concrete and cement. People can't get back into their businesses to get necessary utensils and other products to conduct their business. Pollution and sanitation are huge obstacles that hamper the vendors. Street sales are also problematic as the tent cities are literally right on top of the markets and cooking areas.

Haitians will always prepare food and sell outdoors but conditions have to improve if the citizens are going to be able to forge ahead. These are but a few of the issues facing the country as they try to recover from the Jan. 12th earthquake.