Child on tidal flasts east of Dili
East Timor know throughout the world as Timor Leste is a land of amazing variety, of crumbling Portuguese churches, misty mountains, pristine reefs, translucent seas rich with fish, and an inspiring people who wouldn't accept anything less than an independent homeland. - Lonely Planet Guide to East Timor.
During my three-day visit, April 28 - May 1 2006, to the world's newest country, the capital city Dili sadly experienced civil strife in which an unknown number of soldiers, rebels and civilians perished. A few of the photos depict scenes from the country's first unrest in six years and should not normally be associated with this peaceful island. See news articles about the unrest here.