Christmas shopping frenzy at Sunset Fair!

Handicraft stalls reported bumper sales last Friday (December 10th) as visitors chose to buy local for Xmas presents this year. Laden with bags full of tais, baskets, soaps, coffee, etc., the happy shoppers then took a breather at the restaurant stalls to compare purchases and consume a well-earned drink and a bite to eat. The Caz Bar sold out of Tiger beer and  had to send back to the restaurant for more stock! If you haven't started your Christmas shopping yet, you have one more chance this Friday, which is the Sunset Fair closing night for the 2010 season. We expect a big night, with some great entertainment and a special closing ceremony. Watch this space for more details.

The Basket Ladies of Maubara are rushed off their feet as their stall is packed with customers (above) as the scene is repeated throughout the handicrafts zone of the Sunset Fair

Hafoti has a good range of Timorese-made nibbles - great for parties - banana and cassava chips, fiery Timorese chili sauce and peanuts

Some good ideas for stocking fillers from Hafoti - tamarind sweets and Timorese coffee in an attractive tais pouch

Creative basket work from Maubara

Tiny, cute bootees made from Tais on sale at Women's Woven Art
Even if you don't have a new baby due in the family, they are hard to resist. One customer bought a pair to hang from the rear-view mirror of her car!

Something different from Bali - and Timor Telecom recharge cards - on offer at  Blue Ocean restaurant

A Holy Family statuette, appropriately on sale at Kristu Rei. Just what you need for your nativity scene.
From a selection on sale at the Congregasaun Misionariu Verbo Divino (SVD) stall.

A warm welcome to a Sunset Fair newcomer - the Maubere Restaurant - serving favourites like katupa (coconut rice parcels), satay and noodles

The Sunset Fair Stallholders Family on 20th October - In Photos

Traditional Timorese regalia from Hametin Cultura Ermera (above) and a gorgeous selection of tais - hand woven textiles - (below)

The aptly-named Handicraft Shop

Bom Petisco Restaurant

The ladies from the Associacao Empresarios Mulheres de Timor-Leste show off their exquisite hand-embroidered tablecloths (above) - detail below

Arte Moris have some lovely greeting cards based on the students' artwork

Signora Olivia Serrao setting up the display of basket work from Maubara

The Dili Beach Hotel team take a breather before the crowds flock in

Venture Hotel keep it sweet and simple with a bowl of freshly-fried chips and a glass of sangria

Sheilla Caldas and friend demonstrate that the Bouncy Castle is not just for children - it's the ideal stressbuster for adults too

Luis from the Caz Bar (above) is selling oysters (below) like hot cakes, so to speak!

Rocky Construction firing up the BBQ for another lively night

They are called "Fifty Cents".... but they put in a million dollars' worth of effort - try their delicious BBQ squid

Every home should have one... or two... or three. Chloe and partner selling environmentally-friendly solar-powered lanterns. The little ones give enough light to read comfortably and the big ones can even charge your mobile phone. No more batteries..... ever!

 

Occasionally the adults allow the children to enjoy the bouncy castle.

Hafoti sell my favourite cassava and carrot chips and fine coconut oil, chili sauce and other great local products

Girasol bringing on the satay and katupa - get there early as they sell out every week

A helpful hint for mothers - buy the children the ice cream from Blue Ocean AFTER they have been in the bouncy castle. All that jumping up and down..... you can imagine why.