Travel log of the First tour group to Timor-Leste: Day One
2012-10-25
Source：Embassy
Day one: Principal Sun delivered a fantastic speech and Chief Zhao gave a wonderful dance performance
We got on the flight on 28 October, 2012 to Timor-Leste via Singapore and arrived in Dili, the Capital of Timor-Leste on 29 October, 2012. There is one hour difference with China. Timor-Leste, Timor is means east in Indonesian, Leste means east in Portuguese. We were surprised that H. E. Ms. Vicky Tchong, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to China, was at the airport to pick us up in person. Her Excellency went back to Timor-Leste before us in order to receive us. Her Excellency took us through the diplomatic channel and all the required procedures had been done. Her Excellency arranged two vehicles to deliver us directly to Garden Beach Hotel. As ordinary people being treated as VIPs, we were quite honored. Tourist could take the yellow taxi which costs from 1 to 5 USD during day time and 6 to 10 USD during night time. However, there are quite few taxis after 10:00 p.m., and it requires booking. If you need to take the airport bus, you need to book it one day advance.
Beach Garden Hotel is a three-star hotel on the beach. It is 99 U.S dollars for one night, including breakfast. Local currency is U.S. dollars. There are Timorese coins, but the coins are not equivalent to U.S. coins. Credit cards are acceptable. There are villas in the backside as well, newly decorated, clean and neat. However, toothbrushes are not provided. The boss is a Chinese woman who speaks fluent English. After checking in, Ambassador Vicky took us to attend the Middle Autumn Festival Reception hold by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Timor-Leste.
Vicky’s sister, who was as beautiful, skillful as Vicky is, was the MC of the reception. She spoke in Chinese, Portuguese and English during the reception. The Official Languages of Timor-Leste are Tetum and Portuguese. The working languages of Timor-Leste are English and Indonesian. The Vice Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Chinese Ambassador to Timor-Leste and many distinguished guests attended the reception and delivered speeches. Ambassador Vicky delivered a speech as well. We recommended Mr. Sun, who was the president of Oriental School, to give a speech on behalf of our group.
Grace interpreted Mr. Sun’s speech into English. During the speech, Mr. Sun talked about that China and Timor-Leste established diplomatic relations in 2002, the beautiful first impression of Timor-Leste, the friendly local people and the good wish to Timor-Leste. After the speech, Mr. Sun invited Grace for 3 dances. He did not even invite his wife for a dance. We joked that his wife might give him a hard time after the reception.
Everyone had a great time during the reception. We took photos and shook hands with Prime Minister, Ambassadors, that is the first time for our grass roots.