Holy Snow!

Just after take off the pilot rings in to let us know that the fasten seat belt sign is off and we are free to roam about the cabin. He also added that the weather in Houghton is breezy with a fresh dusting of snow. "What the @$#! Isn't it supposed to be spring?"This was my reaction yesterday as I was flying back to MI after almost 3 years abroad. I knew it would be colder than the tropics but was hoping for somewhat spring weather. Unfortunately my flipflops were not the best choice for footwear that day. Once inside the terminal I scrambled for my shoes and every piece of clothing I could find. It is winter here. The cannal is forzen and there is more than a dusting of snow. There is still skiing! That was the wonderful end to my three day trip from Timor back to school in Michigan. It started off a bit better with about 24hrs in Bali filled with good food and massages. Then about 8hrs in Narita, Japan on layover. I made it out to some temples and sushi. Pictures will follow.

I am now back on campus and working to get an office, my computer online, and start the work on my master's report. Last night I had a warm welcome, as it happened it was the night of the Peace Corps monthly social. Just off the plane I was in a pub with pizza and beer and meeting new student and old friends. I hope to run into a couple more old friends today that I have heard are around. My jet lag is still pretty heavy so think I will head back for a nap here in a bit. talk to ya again soon with some pictures. paz

Bike

Dili is still extremely calm, which is due mostly to “State of Siege” in which there have been virtually no security incidents in a couple weeks. So, other than the 10pm curfew it has been back to normal life in Timor for us expats. I have been putting my new bike to use or at least getting out two times a week. It has been a big advantage on the flats but seems to be a disadvantage on the mountains as it has the wrong gear ratios for the steeps.

Last two weeks have been chalked full of birthdays so we have been partying within the best of our ability under the curfew. This weekend got a bit routy after a four or five hour stint of karaoke. The next day was International Women’s day. I did my best to honor women by letting my girlfriend pick movies while I made lunch. Unfortunately this resulted in watching two Mandy Moore movies back to back. Ouch, the sacrifices men have to make. I did fall asleep during one.

I have a busy schedule this month. This weekend I am going to Maubissie with some friends and we will ride our bikes back. It will be the first true test for my bike in the mountains. We may have a group of 10 which will be exciting. Then next week my girlfriend’s parents are coming to Timor for a visit and we are going to travel to Jaco island for the Easter weekend. I will get to help show them around and visit my host family a bit. The proceeding Monday I am flying back to the US. Although this time not for a visit home but to Michigan to try and finish my master’s report. After that it will be directly back to Timor and back to work.