It feels like I just got to East Timor, but I left DC almost four weeks ago (sure it took 30+ hours to get here...). But now it is time to get ready to head back to the US, leave Dili on Friday - a 35 hour layover in Bali with another 10 hours at Narita. By the time I make it back to DC, I will be good and tired of airplanes and airports.Not feeling too loquacious today (I am sad to say my back has been bothering me more the last few days), but wanted to share a quick update and a few pictures from my last few weeks here.
Two weeks ago, I took a trip into the mountains to visit some farmers. It was a 2.5 hour drive through narrow and windy roads up to Maubisse, but we managed to go up and back in one day.
The weekend included a very long walk from downtown Dili to the top of the Cristo Rei, a 27 meter high replica of the Rio statue. It was a long day and I am proud to say that I mostly managed not to burn myself.
Sunday was a day at the beach. First brunch with some new friends, followed by a nap back at the hotel and then an afternoon of snorkeling and even a glass of wine.
My absentee ballot for the elections was appropriately cast, despite some problems with DC government and the fact that I doubt my ballot was even counted - being that I live in DC. Not the closest of elections. Mid-morning on Wednesday November 5th, all Americans in Timor were invited to the Ambassador's Residence to watch the election returns. It was quite a animated crowd. I was expecting that people would be somewhat shy about their political affiliations, but I was quite wrong! All the democratic paraphernalia went quickly. Anybody want a McCain/Palin button, plenty were left. After the final speeches, had to go back to work, but the party continued later in the evening.
The following day, I headed off on another road trip to Baucau, to the east of Dili. We went to visit a few current partners. It was a long three hours, but a spectacular drive. The day ended with a lovely walk through "old" Baucua, when I was able to take a few more pictures. I love this one of the kids on the bike - they were definitely showing off for me! After a night in the fancy hotel/pousada we headed right back to Dili. Another day with a lot of driving.
But now this trip is coming to an end and I am looking forward to heading back to DC. Although, I am a bit worried about the cold weather, I don't think the air conditioning has prepared me for the cold.
