05/19/09

Whenever we need to get cash, we can go to the school office and write a US check in exchange for Haitian cash. This makes it very easy for the Sonlight staff. So, today I was in the office and asked Gepson, a Sonlight graduate who has worked in the office for a few years, if I could change out some cash that I had. Sometimes when I exchange a check, he may only have big bills (1000 Haitian Gouds - the equivalent of about $25 US). I wanted to trade some bigger bills in for smaller ones since smaller bills are much better (most people don't have change). Fortunately for me, Gepson had some new money that he got from the bank. Haitian money is quite colorful and is very interesting when it is new. However, most money here is quite dirty. When you look at some money, you might think it is made out of dirt and sweat. It is pretty filthy and worn out. As Gepson was exchanging the money, he gave me some nice new clean bills. Then, he handed me some older worn out bills and said that I could use these for taxis. I laughed because it seems so funny to use "clean" newer money at a store or market, but to use your dirty money for the taxis. It does make a little sense though because I don't think the taxi drivers have wallets. They always take the money that you give them and shove it in their pocket. They don't fold it whatsoever. It is just shoved in. It's almost a rule that if you get change back from a taxi driver it is going to be the most worn out money. Mostly because of the way they treat it. Also, because they are driving mopeds and are sweating it up in the sun which adds to the nastiness.

Now, I know you may be thinking...what is the big deal. Well, in reality, all money spends the same, but if you look below, you'll see the difference between new money and old (taxi) money!