Dedicating the year 2007 to the children of Timor Leste; urging you to go back to school….

May your people give u hope and solidarity…
Urging u to go back to school no matter how far the school is or that you can’t afford one, as there’s always someone somewhere that can help you…
Education is a basic right of u, even in emergencies. U will never be denied of your right to develop and acquire skills, knowledge and ability for a better future…
U have the right to survival; to develop to the fullest; to protection from harmful influences, abuse and exploitation; and to participate fully in family, cultural and social life…
With a history of 450 years of Portuguese colonisation and 24 years of Indonesian occupation, the nation of Timor-Leste will continue display its self-determination and optimism on behalf of its children. And so do we…









Photos courtesy of a kind-hearted Brazilian friend on his second stint here in TL.

V's Discovery in DILI... where's the lifts?

A hilarious moment took place last week when a guest checked-in to SAKURA and was given a room in the 4th storey. She asked, "Where's the lift?". We were all stunned and started laughing heartily. One thing for sure, I have not seen any lifts or elevators here in DILI or TL? or are there any? So if anyone of u know of a lift somewhere somehow please share with me? yah?

Update on fireworks on the tower; weather here in DILI forecasted rain and thunderstorm over the next few days.... sigh....

V's Quote of the day...

"With most men, unbelief in one thing springs from blind belief in another." - Georg Christoph Lichtenberg

Tis is the Season

Merry Christmas to all!
Happy Hanukkah!
Feliz Navidad!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noel!
Merry Festivus!
However you prefer it said, all the best wishes of the season to the denizens of this corner of the blogosphere...

Fireworks on highest tower

Got u guys ride on yeah... yes I really mean HIGHEST tower, here in DILI. Believe it or not, Sakura TOWER (note emphasis) is the highest building in DILI, at 5 storeys high . And what best way to celebrate the upcoming New Year's Eve with FIREWORKS from the tower! Yup, thats the plan we have... to usher-in the new year...and not that we have not played with fireworks before, but in Singapore? ahh... those are just small ones....

But here the authorities allow the use of fireworks during the New Year's Eve (those who did that on Chritmas Eve are in trouble). And guess what, the have big ones that look like bazookas (and can be mistaken as weapon - UN staff please be aware). So thats the plan....

Wishing the people of DILI a good year ahead... we are here for you, sacrificing our time and effort for the good of Timor-Leste, away from our families. But I also hope that the people of TL can help themselves too, by putting the past behind and start working for the future, for the children. U know... you will never see the future if you spend all your time trying to correct the past, trying to find out who is right or wrong, or who is to be blame...

The future is in your hand, help yourself for others to help you. We will show you how, but u have to take the lead...yourself.. and every single one of you has a part to play...

V's Quote of the Day

"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are 30 feet tall." - Larry Wilde