Sunset Soccer at Beto Tasi

This happens every single night about 15 metres from my accommodation. 

Sweet Ride

So flying in a Black Hawk helicopter was something that hadn't crossed my mind. It was deafeningly amazing. The crew were extremely professional. I worked with a small Australian film crew in promoting Timor Leste for tourism. It was nothing short of amazing. We travelled to hot springs, secluded beaches, and Mt Ramelau (The highest point in the country at 2963m). I have so many images from the day, but here is a quick selection of what I have already edited. 

Our ride from the summit of Mt Ramelau. Another Black Hawk on an aid drop flew by.

Landing on the tiniest of plateaus.

Tiered Rice Paddies

View from Ramelau

The top of the world. By world, I mean Timor Leste.

Dili Marathon

So, I have basically landed into a baptism of fire in Dili. It has been nothing short of amazing! The Dili Marathon was a great event with a turnout of approximately 5000 people. It was a mixed crowd consisting of school children and visitors from various nations. I am on the verge of exhaustion at the moment, so I will stop talking and let you look at some images!

An athlete prepares himself for the 7km wheelchair race. The wheelchairs used are a bit more rugged and utilitarian than the carbon fibre three wheeled speed machines back at home.

President Jose Ramos Horta, and Commander of USS Cleveland Jesse Wilson open the 7 km run. Thousands of school children, soldiers, government officials, and NGOs partook in the Run For Peace.

Sammy Kiptoo of Kenya took out the award with a time of 2 hours 20 mins.

President Jose Ramos Horta crosses the line of the 7 km Run for Peace.

The US Navy band kept the crowd entertained with tunes from Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Queen, Black Eyed Peas and much more.

I never thought I would end up in a press pool in Timor Leste.

Cancelled. Again.

I hate Chilean Volcanoes. So much. But really though, I don't hold this against anyone. Its just a bad bunch of crap that happened.  I must emphasize how amazing and professional Virgin have been. I have spent minimal times on hold, and they have gone above and beyond to try and ensure that I have been placed on the first available flights to Darwin.

While I was walking to pick up my luggage after hearing the flight was canned, they had already taken the liberty of finding passengers who were flying on to Darwin (My flight went via Perth), and printed me a boarding pass for the next flight out..

I am due to fly out of Melbourne tonight. (Third time's a charm!). This time tomorrow, I'll be in Darwin, and by Friday, Timor Leste!

People disembarking the boarded aircraft. The flight to Perth was canceled at the 11th hour.

Passengers at the Boarding Gate

Yep. That should have said 'DJ679 to Perth Boarding Now'... Grr...

Going.. Going.. Nope.. Staying..

Thanks to a Chilean volcano, I am stuck in Melbourne for the next couple of days.

With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies?

To all my regular readers... I am so so sorry for the lack of updates! I have been so side tracked on making sure mum is taken care of, preparing for another round in Timor Leste, and a few photo jobs. Here is a pic of my friend Jessie.

CT Scan

Mum recently had a CT scan to check the effectiveness of Iressa on her system. Thankfully, the initial results look amazingly positive. I know in my heart of hearts that this is a quick fix. A band-aid to give her a few more years.. possibly months. But for those months I am so so thankful. These are some images from the hospital.

In the waiting room.

Drinking Contrast Material

Preparation for the scan.

The Commercial Hotel, Yarraville

Went to a drag show with some friends. Haven't been in a while. Caught up with the delightful Venus Envy, and a few other girls.