Sergio & Dilson, protocol officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, have been our faithful and skillful drivers since our arrival, making sure we are on time and safe.
Hotel Timor has been our extremely generous host, offering us complementary accommodation.
Three police officers from Police National have always escorted us to our destination...
We arrived at our first school: Eskola Christal, where students from elementary to university level study. One of the principals received the torch into the school.
Representative students from all levels participated in our program.
The four principals on the stage enjoyed the World Harmony Run song with actions as well!
Presenting the certificate of appreciation and the torch to the principals.
Welcoming us with his beautiful voice...
Representatives signed their names on the world map.
Representatives of the second school welcomed us with yet another beautiful scarves.
The marching band of this school, Eskola St. Madalena de Canossa, offered a fantastic performance the other day when the peace torch was carried to Governor's Palace.
To our great delight, today, once again, they welcomed us with their skillful and joyful welcome performance.
One of our new friends, Zia (left), is an alumni of this school. She was very proud.
Younger children offered their best, too.
The ceremony started with the students beautifully singing the national anthem of Timor-Leste.
"Which island of Indonesia am I from?"
Running with the torch around the school (which had all the levels from kindergarten to university) with a teacher...
During the lunch hour, we paid a visit to the National Parliament.
President of the Parliament, H.E. Vicente Guterres, very kindly received us in his office. We discussed the importance of peace and shared some recollections of the inauguration of Sri Chinmoy's statue at the Parliament in February 2013. We are extremely grateful for his taking his precious time to meet us again.
Our dear friend Mara translated for us.
In the afternoon we arrived at the third school: Eskola Sao Pedro.
Students were very quick in guessing our countries!
The ceremony was in their library to stay away from the heat...
Presenting the brochures of the Asia-Pacific Peace Run to the teachers...
Finally we were at our last school: Colegio Sao Miguel.
We made our way to the top floor, where the ceremony took place.
Everybody (including teachers) got a passport, and one by one they got stamps from six continents!
After the school ceremonies, we were very fortunate to pay a short visit to the beautiful house of Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Jose Ramos Horta. We wanted to thank him and honour him for his untiring work for freedom and peace - not only for Timor-Leste but for the entire world.
