Esplanada Hotel Dili

... Tutt'altro. Sono tutti molto, molto rilassati, tranquilli; credo che l'influenza portoghese si faccia sentire eccome, non solo nella lingua, visto che qui parlano sia Tetum sia portoghese. Ed i soliti sorrisi, comun denominatore di tutta l'Asia. Certo, fai due passi lungo le strade e trovi cimiteri, edifici diroccati, e sempre qualcosa che ti ricorda della devastazione che hanno lasciato gli indonesiani quando se ne sono andati sei anni fa: dopo aver accettato di indire un ...

... tried to sell me handmade crafts in the streets or in the markets. A pleasant surprise, as I expected something similar to the cities of Southeast Asia! As I was checking out, I met a young American tourist in my hotel. He was looking for other tourists, but had not succeeded. The country is abundant in prestine beaches (ideal for snorkeling and scuba-diving) as well as mountains for the more active tourists, making it an ideal place for nature-loving Aussies and ...

... groans of the potholes you could here shouting weee heee. All the way to the border you where reminded that only 2 or 3 years ago there was a serious war going here there were houses shot to pieces there was lots of graveyards but again the people where out waving us past with shouts of Hey Mista. On arrival at the border we had to report to all the correct people police and customs etc. I had really beleived that we would be given a hard time by the ...

... groans of the potholes you could here shouting weee heee. All the way to the border you where reminded that only 2 or 3 years ago there was a serious war going here there were houses shot to pieces there was lots of graveyards but again the people where out waving us past with shouts of Hey Mista. On arrival at the border we had to report to all the correct people police and customs etc. I had really beleived that we would be given a hard time by the ...

... Inspector line to line like a unknowing student with filling and stamping the Carnet - although East Timor has not been listed for Carnet-Countries. Aft**wards the country presented itself with untouched and v**y poor, but incredible friendly country with always smiling citizens. Along lonely beaches and untouched by any tourism it was going to Dili. In Dili we checked in to the only but v**y nice cheapy East Timor Backpack ...

... saw a goat, which had been tied by a length of twine to a post near the top of a ravine, had gotten tangled up, fallen down and was chocking to death by its own weight. At first sight we didn't realize what was happening but when we walked by it again we saw it was in trouble. This is right in the middle of town, but no one seemed to notice. We tried to attract some attention to the problem; maybe someone knew the owner. Finally ...

... Sylvia has a randy side and repeated said, with a sly wink, that she was a very popular exchange student. Like you know what I mean. Sylvia insists that Arvid should apply for one of the open UN jobs here as a Special Legal Advisor for the police. After breakfast we arranged a day trip for tomorrow to Baucau and then down to Venilale. This area was a strong hold of the Fretilin during the independence struggle, which we are keen to know more about.

... clanging on it with a stone. In seconds a group appeared in front of the building and another in front of the refugee camp. Shouting between the gangs started then stones were flying. By then we had made it to the entrance of the Central Hotel. We slide inside as the hotel help started pulling down the metal shutters over the windows and across the doors. Arvid took a couple photos before Irina dragged him inside.

... however, is that the locals seem not to hold any resentment to the pain and loss inflicted upon them. In speaking at length to some UNICEF workers trying to learn what resources the country had that would bring them forward - 60% of the population is below the poverty line (earning 55 cents a day) - it seems it will be a long, slow and difficult road ahead for East Timor. I'm glad I made the effort to come here.

... help around the house, and when they arrived that is all they did. The girls spent all day in the kitchen, washing clothes, watching children, etc. While the boys got to goof around. Girls in this country have it pretty rough. The brothers spend all day goofing around and when they come home they just plop down on the porch and shout, "bring me some coffee" and the girls drop what they are doing to get it for him. If they want water and it is out of reach they shout out for there ...