3 Portugese GNR just walked into the internet cafe to check the cost of the internet (5 USD an hour-the one across from the ANZ bank). Their handguns have a line like a coiled phone cord attached to their leg in case someone tries to grab their weapon in a crowd. It is a pretty good idea.

You quickly get used to Australian soldiers lined up at the supermarket checkout with their rifles and it begins to seem normal. You just get accustomed to the APC's rumbling up and down the streets day and night with helicopters zig zagging above.

They are going to be here for a while.  Basically everyone is in charge of their own security, though things have settled down dramatically now that there are Australian soldiers on patrol.

Still I got my old trusty #2 motorbike nabbed last night when I stopped at the internet bar for a beer. We got some guys together to track it down but were only able to find the ignition cover plate. The boys still might find it, but unlikely.

A big part of the population is still living in refugee camps as they are afraid to return to their homes. The local gangs have a lot of control over who they want out of their neighborhood. It can get brutal with the burning of homes and shops. Hopefully the worst is over.

We plan to go east for a little scuba diving tomorrow. You have to choose your staff carefully. When you go to the east you take your guys from the east. To the west you take your guys from the west.

For foreigners it is not a big deal as they can travel almost anywhere safely but for the local boys it is a very big deal if they land up in the wrong area.