Independence Celebrations

I've just come inside to cool down from a long walk - it seems very hot today, hotter than usual I mean, since everyday is hot here....and will continue to get hotter over the next few months...

Last Sunday 30th August was the 10th anniversary of Timor-Leste's Independence referendum so it's been quite a week of celebrations :-)

I have had the opportunity to be invited to/attend many interesting events, including....

• A conference on solidarity, where I saw the President & Prime Minister speak:

• An exposition on peacebuilding methods, where I saw a video on peacebuilding activities, listened to songs of unity and later met the met the Minister of State:

I also attended a workshop on transitional justice and the 1st ever Dili Expo. Amidst all the celebrations I am also learning about how NGOs work with the government and the United Nations; suffice it to say that the politics and dynamics are intriguing....

A few people have been asking what my neighbourhood is like - so here are a few pictures: front of my house from the street; one of security guards; and the school playground across the street from my house, which is temporarily being used as a shelter by some people & kids who were displaced during the civil conflict in 2006 and have not (yet) been able to return to their homes.

The two 'logistical' highlights of this week have been receiving my ATM card from the local bank (it's been 'in processing' for 2 months!) and getting my TV/satellite system working so now I can see what is happening in the rest of the world; thank God for BBC World News!