Loi Krathong, a Thai celebration at the end of November during the full moon. We dined family style at a Thai restaurant on the beach and afterwards lit paper lanterns releasing them over the seas thus releasing bad spirits and welcoming good thoughts. In Thailand when they do this, the planes have to be diverted because of the thousands of lanterns flying upwards. It was thrilling to be a part of this!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The Many Faces....

The Resistance Museum was opened a short time ago.  I was very impressed with all the information explaining the Timorese's struggle for independence.  I'm definitely going back.  When I arrived, the President was just leaving.  I wanted to get his photo, but security wouldn't let me.

On Sunday, I participated in a 5K Walk/10K Run for charity.  Many people of all nationalities were either walking or running.  Please check out this foundation which supports women entrepreneurs in East Timor.  http://www.alolafoundation.org/

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception--like many Catholic churches the inside was spectacular.  It claims to be the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia with seating for 2000 people.  I watched as they got ready for Saturday Mass.

And more faces....

Nov. 16-Yes, that's me! Please read further to find out more!

I had to go to the local clinic for a blood test and chest xray for my work visa.  This was the mode of transportation by one of the QSI workers.  I told him I hadn't been on a motorcycle for about 20 years.  He went slower than usual, but I still said my prayers!!!  The Timorese drivers are a little better than the Mongolian drivers.

A typical scene at a third world clinic/hospital.  When I got my chest xray, I just used the gown that others had obviously used.  I prayed to more gods!!!

November 12-This is Karis and Steve. They are British and have lived in Timor Leste for seven years. They have quite a story to tell as they were here in 2006 when expats had to be evacuated. Fortunately, they made the last plane out by crawling through a hole in the airport fence as shooting was going on not too far away!

Karis and Steve live at the Ocean View Hotel and I spent the morning having coffee with them enjoying the view of the blue ocean.  As I look out over the vastness of the Timor Sea/Pacific Ocean, I feel connected to all of you.

Here and below are photos of my new abode which I call my cottage.

Pretty nice pool!  I'm working on doing laps.

Mistina also lives in the same compound and this is a view from her deck.

November has come and so has more heat and humidity and mosquitoes. I woke up Saturday feeling like Dracula's bride so I purchased the biggest can of bug spray I could find and took on the task like the Terminator! Of course, I realize I could still be in -40 degree weather! Below are some scenes from my wonderful week off. Enjoy!

This is the Presidential Palace built by President Jose Ramos-Horta.  Read about his interesting life.  Zone (my spelling) was "my guard."  He wanted me to tutor him in English.  However, I respectfully declined.



President Ramos-Horta recruited spear-wielding warriors in traditional dress to guard the palace.

I had lunch right here at the BeachSide Hotel/Restaurant at Areia Branca, Dili.

To be a child again!

There was a two-man crew cleaning up the beach.  After collecting the trash, they burnt it right along the side of the road.

How often do you see a pig strolling along the beach?

It was fascinating to watch him cast his net over and over again!  They sell the fish right on the roadside.