Category: General

Thoughts, books, travels and personal ideas.

Going for a stroll

For some reason taking photos in Timor-Leste isn’t as relaxed as other places – well that’s what it seems for some of us amateur photographers. After spending over a year in Timor, I’ve chalked up approximately 5 rolls of film and probably a total of 500 photos from friends. To get out and take more … Continue reading Going for a stroll

Data Can Be Cool.

Anytime you hear the word “data” or “statistics”, the image of a geeky-looking guy (probably with a pocket protector) probably comes to mind. We’ve come a long way from this image and hopefully the idea that data is boring and only for nerdy people will change. Technology has come a long way to both help … Continue reading Data Can Be Cool.

Happy holidays for some

Tropical Cyclone Laurence hit Northern Australia this past week which also meant a bit of rain in Timor-Leste. Too bad it wasn’t raining to put out this fire… but then again people usually use this part of the street to burn trash… it’s not an uncommon sight… there isn’t really a systematic  way to get … Continue reading Happy holidays for some

Flying – a great way to start a birthday!

Words can’t describe what a wonderful present I received from friends for my birthday. I was told to sleep early because I would have to wake up early the next day. Even though I knew it had to be something related to my birthday, I didn’t really expect much – at the most, it would … Continue reading Flying – a great way to start a birthday!

Day 4 (#GISDay) – It's all about the data!

More and more people keep attending the afternoon seminars… including today’s presentation by the National Statistics Directorate of Timor-Leste. One of the key things in this 10-year old country is to get a better understanding about its population and what are the challenges to its growth. Timor-Leste will be conducting its national census next year … Continue reading Day 4 (#GISDay) – It's all about the data!

Day 3 (#GISDay) – Timor-Leste event is half-way through

There’s 3 days left to With maps, we build the future of Timor-Leste at Casa Europa. I’ll try to get more pictures up of the different things that are going on for the week-long event. After three days, there’s been plenty of positive response from the event – a lot of people didn’t realize that … Continue reading Day 3 (#GISDay) – Timor-Leste event is half-way through

Day 2 (#GISDay) – Kids, military, uni students come for a visit

With maps, we build the future of Timor-Leste keeps going strong at Casa Europa. Day 2 was as popular as the first day. This time around there was a class field trip from the Dili International School who came for a visit – as you can see they were very interested in the 1:50000 floor … Continue reading Day 2 (#GISDay) – Kids, military, uni students come for a visit

Day 1 (#GISDay) – Success in Timor-Leste!

Coinciding with GIS Day, the first day of the GIS/mapping event in Timor-Leste (With maps, we build the future of Timor-Leste) was a success. Given this type of event is the first of its kind in the country, the opening day went smoothly… although there were some bumps along the way as I expected. But … Continue reading Day 1 (#GISDay) – Success in Timor-Leste!

Jaco – and it's not about Michael…

Just got back from Jaco Island… at the eastern end of Timor-Leste.  It’s a long ride to get out to the point (about 6 hours on some very questionable roads), but well worth the effort. The scenery changes (i.e. it’s really dry since it’s the dry season) and there is a definite shortage of civilization/people… … Continue reading Jaco – and it's not about Michael…