ETWA Weaving Tour 2009

ETWA Weaving Tour to East Timor

Dates: Saturday 4th - Wednesday 15th July, 2009

The ETWA Weaving Tour aims to give cross- cultural experiences to ETWA members, supporters and the broader community. With a focus on indigenous weavings and fair trade development, we will discover how women live in traditional society and also as citizens in an emerging democracy. Making extended visits to development projects and to communities in the Lautem district, we will be immersed in village life and learn about traditional weaving in a series of participatory workshops.

But the tour also aims to give something back to the communities who will be our hosts. As a way of expressing our appreciation to the women who will share their knowledge and experiences with us, we ask participants to fundraise a minimum of AU$1,000 each so the tour helps our East Timorese friends in their efforts to weave sustainable businesses. It’s not difficult and ETWA can help with ideas!

Please contact us by email: office@etwa.org.au or phone Deb on 0422 435 517 for more information.

Itinerary: Our tour begins in Dili where we spend our first two days visiting local projects in and around Dili. On day 2, we visit local museums and exhibitions and climb the steps to the statue of Jesus overlooking Dili harbour. On day 3, participants have the choice to make a day trip to visit the Maubara basket weavers or stay in Dili for the Transforming Timor-Leste Conference, hosted by Vic Uni, the National University of Timor-Leste and a range of other partners. On day 4, we head east along the coast road with its breathtaking ocean views for a quick meal stop in Baucau, the second largest city in East Timor. We then head further east to Com with its stunning beaches and spectacular Tais. On day 5 we head inland to Los Palos, renowned for its strong traditions. Here is where our journey into the culture of Tais weaving begins with the first of the weaving workshops. On day 6, we’ll make our way through the hills to the isolated sub-district of Iliomar. The picturesque and tranquil villages of Iliomar will be our base for three days. We’ll meet the community and hook up with local weavers for two days of workshops. Participating in and connecting with the local way of life will be a rich cultural learning experience. On our last night in Iliomar, we’ll share a celebration feast with the community in appreciation for their hospitality. On day 10 we say goodbye to Iliomar and make our way to the coast and head back to Baucua and stay at one of the beautiful hillside hotels. Day 11 - the last full day of our tour- we make our way back to Dili to visit local sites and see our last sunset over dinner and drinks on the beach. On Day 12 we’ll spend time with local artists at the Arte Moris Art School and our tour concludes on the afternoon flight to Darwin.

Workshops: Four days will be spent in the company of local weavers in Los Palos and Iliomar discovering the complexities of traditional Tais weaving; this is the highlight of the tour. Master weavers will take us through the weaving process and there’ll be plenty of time for discussion about techniques and cultural/symbolic value. We will share stories with women and their families; participate in and become accustomed to village life. When the local telegraph spreads news of our presence, there will be ample opportunities to purchase new Tais directly from producers, and so we will also play a role in cultural preservation and poverty alleviation.

Los Palos and Iliomar: Los Palos is on the eastern tip of East Timor. Located approximately 8 hours drive from Dili; Los Palos is the capital of the Lautem district. There is a range of things to see and do and although the focus of our stay is to spend time with the Feto Ki’ak Buka Moris (Little Women Looking for Life) Weaving Collective, we’ll also visit local sites and projects in and around Los Palos central. Iliomar is an isolated sub-district, in the mountains inland from Los Palos. Makalero is the local dialect of Iliomar and many women do not speak Tetun. Women play a key role in traditional and contemporary social order, quietly bearing the onus of domestic work, caring for their often large families and imparting cultural knowledge, particularly through the weaving of Tais. We will spend in the company of weavers from two weaving collectives in the picturesque villages of Fuat and Kainliu. The time spent in both Los Palos and Iliomar will help us learn about the lives of women, their daily routines, work, responsibilities, experiences and dreams for the future.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart Darwin. Arrive in Dili. Stay in Dili

Day 2: Visit local sites and projects. Stay in Dili

Day 3: Day trip to Maubara or Conference in Dili. Stay in Dili

Day 4: 9am depart. Lunch in Baucau and travel on to Com. Stay in Com

Day 5: Workshop # 1 in Los Palos. Stay in Los Palos

Day 6: 9am depart for Iliomar. Arrive 12pm, visit villages and local sites. Stay in Kainliu

Day 7: Workshop # 2 in Kainliu. Conclude workshops, purchase Tais etc. Stay in Kainliu

Day 8: Workshop # 3 in Fuat. Conclude workshops, purchase Tais etc. Stay in Fuat

Day 9: Site seeing around Iliomar. 2pm depart for Los Palos. Stay in Los Palos

Day 10: 10am depart for Baucau. Arrive 1pm, go to beach etc. Stay in Baucau

Day 11: 9am depart Dili. Arrive 12pm, site seeing, dinner on the beach. Stay in Dili

Day 12: Visit local projects. Tour concludes. Afternoon flight to Darwin

Cost: $2,850.00/ person (Melb– Dili return)

Includes air fares, basic insurance, tour guide, accommodation and local travel (taxis & 4WD with an experienced driver), and some meals. Participants are also required to raise $1,000 for our supported projects in East Timor.

Other Costs:

Meals: Allow AUS $300

(restaurants & communal meals)

Visas: Approx AUS$45 (USD$30)

Taxes: Departure tax approx AUS $25 (USD$10)

(Total approx AUS$370.00)

Details:

Accommodation:

In Dili: Hotel, twin/ double with bathroom

In Iliomar/ Los Palos: Bare basics, shared facilities

In Com/ Baucau: Basic twin/ double shared facilities

Spending Money: Local currency is US dollars. How much extra money you need will depend on what you plan to buy, however a minimum of AU$350 should be sufficient to cover meals, bottled water etc.

Travel: Travel in and around Dili is easy and inexpensive by taxi or Mikrolet (small buses), however due to the security situation, extra care must be taken at all times. Outside of Dili is slow going. The terrain is hilly; roads are narrow, in very poor condition with many sharp and often hazardous bends. If you are prone to motion sickness, taking appropriate medication is a must.

Local Conditions: The tour will take place in July during the wet season. It is humid but not too hot with temperatures between 25°and 30°; the mountains of Iliomar are cool, particularly in the evening. Outside of Dili there will be limited access to mobile phone networks, hot water, bottled water etc, (local produce is organic) so we will try to purchase our main supplies in Dili. As mosquitos thrive in East Timor’s climate, Malaria is widespread. Consult your travel doctor before departure about anti-malaria medication. Wearing insect repellent and protective clothing at all times is essential.

Conduct: Tourism is just beginning in East Timor. The occupation has left a legacy of poverty, suspicion and trauma, especially for women who were widowed (47% of married women) and are now the sole providers for their families. In light of the generous nature of East Timorese people, you must commit to making an active contribution and respect and abide by local protocols and etiquette. Payments made to local vendors and purchases of new Tais will help build sustainable communities.

Liability: The tour is coordinated by ETWA to maximize the group experience and individual participants agree to take responsibility for their personal safety and the safety of all belongings. ETWA accepts no liability for cancellation of flights, injury or loss of property.

Terms: The tour will be postponed and rescheduled if it is unsafe to travel to East Timor due to political or civil instability. Prices have been calculated to maximize group discounts and may increase if discount airfares are not available or if the Australian dollar decreases against the US dollar. 60% non-refundable deposit must be received two months prior to departure to secure both discounted airfares and your place on the tour. Balance paid no less than four weeks prior to departure.

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