Oh and

Armando picked up a new saying in Ireland too: now, every time we ask ‘How are you?’ he answers ‘Not so bad!’ cheerily. I shudder to think what language the delegation to New York will pick up next week... not least because if they bring back any choice swearwords, I am going to be mad that all my effort in politely refraining from swearing at work will have been wasted and I could’ve just been swearing at work all year like I usually do. Bringing Australian culture to Timor! Strengthening ties through language bonding! For reals!