Random thoughts on whatever

Blog #3

I went to Hera today. It’s not too far out from Dili; maybe 25 minutes. I went with my friend and colleague Jose and his family. There was a baptismal party which they were invited too, and when Jose invited me, I thought it would be a nice thing to do. We weren’t going for the baptism itself, just for the festivities after it had concluded.

It was also my first excursion outside of Dili during this trip and it was interesting to see some of the changes to the place. The road to Hera had improved significantly for one thing. Hera didn’t look that different. It’s a lovely little area close to Metinaro and it had a very pleasant and relaxed feel to it. There was plenty to eat and drink and a good time was had by all it seemed. There were so many dogs around. So many. This is in stark contrast to most places in Indonesia. Cats, conversely, seem to be everywhere in Indonesia and almost nowhere in at least Dili. 

To be honest I wasn’t sure what I was going to write in this blog. Nothing too significant has happened… I just thought it would be good to get in habit of writing something. You never know what might come out once you get into the flow of things…

I’m reading two fictional novels at the moment. It’s nice to read stuff outside of work and study. The books are ‘Storm of Shields’ (Game of Thrones) and ‘Wolves of the Calla’ (The Dark Tower series). They’re both fantasy novels and it’s really material to escape into. I’m ripping through both of them.

I’m just gonna write whatever comes to me so this is going to be really a scatter gun blog.

It’s nice not to be in Australia at the moment with the election campaign going on. One has to make an effort to follow it and I usually don’t go any further than read the headlines in the Guardian (Australian version, obviously). It seems that Abbot is on his way to be the Prime Minister, which I find very depressing. But, having said that, Labour has been disappointing on so many levels… I don’t know, feel like there needs to be a clean out of politics in general. Much of the discourse is so disheartening and selfish… Anyway, enough of me having a whinge.

As far as work is going, I’ve been getting in contact with a lot of people I met when I was here last time. Most of next week is booked up with meetings. Hoping they lead to making new contacts and further meetings. I’m looking forward to getting some interviews done too. Bit nervous and just want to get on with it. I’m also still adjusting to work and life here. It can get very warm here and it seems to take a lot out you. I find myself very tired and fatigued during the day sometimes. In terms of food, I’m eating pretty well, though probably too much rich, particularly later in the day. I’m also getting exercise, hitting the gym (aiming for 2-3 times per week) and walking around too.

I’m gonna sign off for the moment, heading out to dinner soon. Stay tuned!