Another day around Dili. I visit the Santa Cruz Cemetery this morning. It plays a significant role in Timor Leste’s struggle for independence. In 1991 a peaceful protest at this cemetery was managed ‘Indonesian army style’ and over 100 people were killed including a young New Zealand national and two American journalists were badly beaten. This splattered the occasion on the world stage and was seen as a turning point in the the struggle for independence. A large majority of the population in Timor Leste are Catholic and the graves, packed so tightly it is difficult to walk between them, are grand and extravagant in design. Catholisism is obviously a powerful influence here.
Across the road from the cemetery is anther newer cemetery including a memorial to the people killed by the Indonesian Army during the protest.
I met Justin Oakey yesterday. He came jogging up beside me and started to chat. He is 21 years old and studying international relations at a private university here. The are many universities in Dili. Justine says 19 but I can’t be reading his broken Englis very well! The University of Dili doesn’t look much though, more like an unkept high school but there are others that look substantial. Justin speaks English quite well and wants to be better so he practices when he can. He is the oldest of five in the family and he comes from the Ocouesi region.
I meet with Justin again today. He is taking me to see the huge Christ statue that is a feature on the skyline around Dili harbor. It is a huge statue made from some coppery looking metal and is positioned on the eastern tip of the harbour. This is a very popular place for the locals and tourists to visit, particularly on the weekends.
The very good road takes you past some pretty beaches with cafes and bars. The president’s house can be seen up in the hills. It is easily spotted being a garish bright green and yellow in colour. Ramos Horta was shot in 2009 (I think) on the driveway up to his house.
Back to the Backpackers and another great chat session with the other residents. There is a great transfer of information here as we pool different experiences, right down to where to find good food. Very valuable advice!
angusmccoll 
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