Searching for accommodation

Now that I have been here for 9 months, I am starting to adapt to the living conditions and have moved twice as a result: My first apartment was quite luxurious, almost western and therefore inordinately expensive; so much so that there was just no justification to maintain such a lifestyle in light of the few hours I actually spend at home each day.

My second place was a little simpler, smaller, but still quite western (swimming pool, balinese furnishings etc.).

Now, after another 6 months there I am ready to simplify yet again.

In the last few weeks I have been hunting for a room, apartment or house in and around Dili; well, actually not around Dili as I would still like to live relatively central...

The first thing I noticed was that rents in general have gone up hugely since my first arrival in 2007. To get a one bedroom style unit under $1500 a month can now be considered luck.

Of course there are cheaper ones available, such as local houses which can easily be rented for around $300 a month, but the capital outlay required to bring them up to a reasonable standard defeats the purpose of trying to save money by moving.

Another trend is for people to have houses built: For around $3000 to $5000 one can acquire a brandspanking new domicile. The initial outlay then comes of the rent, so not a bad deal if A) one has that sort of money lying around and B) stays long enough for it to make economic sense and C) the security situation doesn't deteriorate.

I was offered a one bedroom unit for $1000 a month (little compound down a dirt road left hand side of Landmark supermarket): included are electricity, cable tv, internet, laundry and cleaning; the furnishings are fairly modern and the compound is well maintained (even comes with a mini-gym). So that is option 1.

The other option is a hotel room at one of the beachfront hotels: one bedroom, similar conditions (laundry, tv etc.) and $800-$900 a month.

Which one to choose!!!!

One thing is for certain: the longer I am here the less I need in terms of western comforts. Who knows, another 6 months down the track and I am ready for traditional Timorese living...NOT!

It will be interesting to see what happens when the gradual pullout of Australian troops and UNPOL begins. No doubt this will have an enormous impact on the accommodation and hospitality industry. I for one will hopefully still be around to go flat-hunting then....