Welcome to the 509 Experience with Joel — an episode exploring Haitian culture through food and everyday habits. Joel shares three quick, fun facts about Haitian eating traditions.

He explains that Haitians commonly eat spaghetti for breakfast (often with eggs and ketchup), reheat and enjoy leftovers in the morning—called "yesterday"—and enjoy traditional patties cooked in the chodyè Send questions via email, DM, or the comments.

Welcome to the 509 Experience episode exploring Haitian family culture, where close community ties and the saying “it takes a village” shape how children are raised. Joel describes why many people are called “uncle” or “auntie” even when not blood relatives, and how this practice creates support and respect within the community.

The episode also offers a caution for parents to be mindful about who they bring into their family circle, while celebrating Haitian food, music, art, language, and the warmth of extended community bonds.

This week Break down the Haitian Creole word "Gaspiye", which means "Waste". I share practical examples of how touse it when talking about wasting food and wasting time, showing you how Haitian people use this word in everyday conversations

I talk about the importance of proper greetings when your parents take you to social gatherings with older people. A simple "Hi" is unacceptable- instead, you need to go around and greet everyone with a kiss and a proper hello, no matter how many people are in the room. That's what shows real respect

I'm sharing this week's Haitian creole word "Tikal", which means "A little Bit" I explain how to use it politely when visiting someone's home when they offer you food, instead of refusing and potentially offending them, you can say "Ban m ou Tikal"( give me a little bit) to show appreciation while being respectful of the Haitian culture. 

I share two expression Creole expression for this week. We talk about Gate Sanm which means you make my blood boil or you make me mad. I explain how Haitian use this phrase in everyday conversation when someone upset them.