The Slice: Forever connected by the code

Ever since a friend noted that Eastern Washington and Haiti have the same telephone area code, I’ve been thinking about a cluster of things the two places have in common.

It’s eerie.

Just consider.

Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with another country, the Dominican Republic. Eastern Washington shares a state with a region that might as well be another country, Western Washington.

The gourde is the basic unit of currency in Haiti. And “gored” is how tightwad Eastern Washington residents feel if they have to pay anything over rock-bottom price for something.

Haiti has endured tragic, grinding poverty and civil unrest. Eastern Washington has had the River Park Square garage thing.

Haiti is dotted with French place names. Eastern Washington is near Coeur d’Alene and A’thol.

Haitian cuisine is a blend of French and Latin American influences. Eastern Washington cuisine is a blend of meat and potatoes.

Many Haitians practice voodoo. Many Eastern Washington residents practice Go Cougs.

Haiti was explored by Columbus. Eastern Washington was explored by Lewis and Clark.

Haiti once had a leader nicknamed “Papa Doc.” Eastern Washington once had a leader nicknamed “George Nethercutt.”

Haiti has lawlessness and gang violence. Eastern Washington has real estate developers.

Haiti once had a leader nicknamed “Baby Doc.” Eastern Washington once had a leader nicknamed “Steve Eugster.”

Haiti is considered a poor relation by its regional neighbors. Eastern Washington is considered a poor relation by Seattle.

Haiti’s major crop-producing area starts with a P — the Plaine de l’Artibonite. Eastern Washington’s major crop-producing area starts with a P — the Palouse.

Pirate attacks are a part of Haitian lore. A lot of Eastern Washington residents enjoy talking like a pirate.

Histories of Haiti invariably include phrases such as “brutal dictatorship” and “bloody rebellion.” Histories of Eastern Washington invariably refer to “The Spokesman-Review.”

Most Haitian men do not wear neckties. Ditto for Eastern Washington.

Cockfighting is popular in Haiti. Eastern Washington has the Omak Stampede Suicide Race.

Haiti has been home to all sorts of environmental disasters. Eastern Washington hosted a world’s fair dedicated to the environment.

A lot of Haitian infants are given names that are difficult for an English-speaker to pronounce. A lot of Eastern Washington infants are given names that are difficult for an English-speaker to pronounce.

“Today’s Slice question: What little kid around here gets most excited about seeing trains?