Jules, at Beach Garden abode, Dili.
This photograph was taken a few days ago, whilst I was sitting in my house at Beach Gardens, Dili trying to cull the myriad of photos from my Scholarship in Milan in June/July. Behind me is a photo montage of inspirational images (i.e. dream board of travel, food, fashion and interior design images) which was beautifully constructed by a former occupant. These ensembles are throughout the house and make the rooms look really appealing and somewhat whimsical.
Although I'm still settling in current experiences could be summarized as.. the weather is not as humid and stifling as I had imagined; personal freedom and independence has to be curtailed to ensure safety and well being; colleagues are as varied in personalities as they are in their motives for begin here; expect the unexpected; the Timorese people are petite and largely under nourished; human life in Dili is not sacred; beach views and sunsets can be magical; education sessions and trauma training at the base has been brilliant; evenings out magical; and each day is a new day with new perspectives and opportunities to earn and discover more about myself and the world.
Today was rather glorious. A colleague and I had the day off, so after some time by the pool this morning, we wet for a 1.5hr hot stone massage and then went down to the beach for lunch. We sat under the shade of a palm tree, shuffling fine white sand with our toes as we looked out to sea and the low tide, while cattle grazed on the shoreline nearby. Then after returning home, we went to the pool and lounged about for a while before an afternoon siesta.
Its now 10pm and after a night at the local 'Art House' cinema to see BomBali, coffee and desert, its time for bed.
Good night.
