Hotel Timor very generously hosted us during our stay in Dili. Thank you so much for all your kindness and openness. Managers Alberto (with Certificate of Appreciation), Justina (next to Alberto) and kind-hearted staff at the lobby.
On our last day in Dili, we first paid a visit to The Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum (AMRT). We received a warm welcome by the Director (centre) and staff. As a small token of gratitude, a Jharna-Kala painting plaque by Sri Chinmoy was presented.
The Director honored us one by one with a welcome scarf handwoven in the colors of Timor-Leste's national flag.
The team with the Director in front of the first part of their permanent exhibition
Our guide led us through the museum chronologically. It was both an extremely powerful and educational experience, showing us Timor's incredible sacrifice, perseverance, and courage.
At the end we were presented with several precious copies of the Museum book, which summarizes the permanent exhibit there, as a gift.
At the entrance to the Museum, with everyone
Next we paid a visit to The Balide Comarca Prison, now the headquarters of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR), which gave us an invaluable opportunity to reflect and learn. The Director offered each of us a collection of books containing history gathered by CAVR.
We offered Sri Chinmoy's Heart Garden for the library, together with the Asia-Pacific Peace Run brochure, which includes their native language Tetum.
Our last visit was this lovely coconut place!
The team thanked Mara for her dedicated service to connect us with Timor-Leste so beautifully.
Final photo with everyone who accompanied us and helped us throughout our stay, at Dili Airport.
Secretary of State for Youth and Sport (SEJD) was the main organizer of the Peace Run this time, and under the leadership of Secretary of State Leovigildo Hornai, the staff worked really hard to make everything possible in such a short preparation period. Cedaliza, Chief of Staff of SEJD, honored Salil as the Head of Delegation.
Each team member also received a necklace, given only at a very special occasion. We were extremely honored and grateful.
Our gift to Cedaliza-Sri Chinmoy's painting.
Right before our departure, we had a great honor to meet Dr. Mari Alkatiri at the airport.
Dr. Alkatiri, his country's first Prime Minister, hosted Sri Chinmoy in Dili in January 2004, soon after Timor-Leste became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century.
We were very fortunate to meet this indomitable leader and offer Sri Chinmoy Peace Prize honoring his life dedicated to peace and freedom.
We cannot sufficiently express our joy and gratitude in words. It was truly a remarkable experience for us all. We hope to visit your beloved country again in the near future!!
