Three month review

Hi, I’ve just returned from my Visa renewal break in Darwin. Thought I should send a brief email to catch you up on my progress and what I’m planning to do in the remaining ten or so weeks here.

I’ve put in a conference abstract for the 2014 Pacific Islands Political Science Association (PIPSA) Conference, and I’m looking at putting another one in for the Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA), which is due in early February.

In terms of interviews, I’m satisfied with what I’ve done in my various district trips (Manatuto, Baucau, Lautem, Ermera, and Liquica), and I will focus now on interviews in Dili. In total, I have 29 interviews, of around 20-40 minutes in length in most cases.

My list of interview targets still has at least eight people on it, and in addition, I plan to chase up members of parliament in the next three weeks. I estimate I will probably have well over forty interviews when the dust settles. I already feel like I’ve got enough for the three chapters I need to fill out, but I think it’s worth the effort to get as much as I can (within reason) while I’m here. One concern I had was about getting a better gender balance in my interviews. Most of the representatives of political parties I’ve interviews have been male. It’s just how it’s turned out in the districts. I’m going to target female MPs to try and get a better balance. Though this does reflect the male dominated/patriarchal nature of life here…

Interviews will start slowing up and I want to dedicate more time to transcribing and translating the interviews I’ve got. I would like to spend as little time as possible, preferably none, having to deal with this task when I return. Would like to hit the ground running with analysis and writing. Speaking of which, I also want to put adequate time aside to draft chapter three while I’m here.

Otherwise, I’m in pretty good shape health wise. No major health issues, just a minor ear infection, which is frustrating but not serious. Humid of course but we had our first major dose of rain last night, which was of great relief. My remaining time here will go quickly but I’m feeling very motivated and keen to get the most out of my time here.

I’ll sign off now, hope all’s well.

Cheers, Evan