The Hotel Montana in the town of Petionville above Port au Prince was a popular hangout for diplomats, journalists, NGO workers and UN personnel. It had a terrace with a lovely view of the city and waterfront, a large swimming pool, a popular bar and a 5-star hotel. When it collapsed, over 200 guests and workers died under the debris. It received a lot of news coverage because of the number of dignitaries and organizational leaders who were trapped alive in the rubble. One man was rescued after four days, but rescue efforts continued for more than a week. Indeed, some criticism was leveled at the rescuers for expending so much effort and resources there when thousands of Haitians were trapped and dying in more modest circumstances.
Gene, Jan and I drove up to the Montana on Saturday. We viewed the horrible damage, but enjoyed the view from the original terrace and the cool mountain breezes, and had a beer at the rebuilt bar to celebrate a good week of work.
It was a long day of work today; 9 hours in the mosquito den. After some stressful network fireworks, we walked away pleased with our work.
Most of the hotel collapsed; this part slid.
This tanker is parked about in the middle of the hotel footprint.
Having a beer on the terrace.
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