Teresa over at http://beyondteresae.blogspot.com has given a good account of her experience as a new arrival and the process of getting accommodation, finding your way around and working out how to get things done.
The specific posting “How to survive in Timor-Leste” can be found here.
Well worth a read as everyone’s experience will be different to some degree.
Thanks for pointing this out. Will post this on GV.
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Great observations. Enjoyed this a lot.
I haven’t been to Dili for some months but I certainly did visit a lot from 1998 – 2003. Many of the places I stayed, ate at, and frequented have now disappeared – but some remain.
I note that you are look for books to read. Can I unashamedly suggest you get a copy of my new book “Running Amok – When News Deadlines, Family and Foreign Affairs Collide” which is about being a news correspondent in Indonesia/East Timor during recent turbulent years!
I am compiling a blogsite to promote it, travel writing and places like T.L. Indonesia etc which are close to my heart:
http://markbowlingrunningamok.blogspot.com/2006/11/foreign-correspondents-life.html
(You can get Running Amok in Darwin bookstores.. or there are links on the blogsite to order online.) if this is impossible I can also organise for a contact in Dili to lend you a copy!!!