CHARYO FRESKO CoffeMug

Cheznè Valsen, 63, has been working at Channmas (Champs de Mars, the main square of Port-au-Prince) since the 1990s at the foot of Toudemilkat, the pyramidal monument built by President Aristide in 2004.

The structure of the charyo fresko is made of wood. The basin containing the large block of ice, at the top and hidden here by the bottles, is made of galvanized sheet metal. A pipe drips the melting ice to the ground. A door opens at the back of the cart to deposit personal items. The iron wheels are handmade; they are covered with a piece of an old tire held by wires to make movement smoother and prevent the cart from slipping.

Fresko is a typical drink especially popular among school children when the heat is at its peak in the middle of the day. The ice is grated with a graj (grater), then served in a plastic cup, drizzled with brightly colored syrup flavored with mint, grenadine, or other flavors. Freskos are sold for 15 gourdes.

The cart is always surrounded by bees attracted to the sugar during the day, but not at night. At the end of the day Cheznè stores the cart in a depot of a priest for 50 gourdes per week. Cheznè lives in Kenskòf, where he grows beans, corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and leeks.

• White durable ceramic
• 11 oz (0.33 l)
• Microwave & dishwaher safe
• Rounded corners
• C-handle
• Lead and BPA-free