First ever money transfer from Abu Dhabi to East Timor

I made history today I’m sure. After about an hour in the head office of HSBC in Abu Dhabi I think that I have sent US$15,000 to Elvino the builder’s account in Baucau in East Timor – bizarrely (and quite un-nervingly) via Macau and via an account in Dili. I had to first convince that the bank staff that a country called “Timor Leste” did exist and then try and explain why someone living in the Middle East wanted to donate money to such a place. I am sure they suspected me of some elaborate money laundering scheme – or quite possibly just madness. I did wonder about my sanity as I sent so much money off into the unknown. I guess we wait and see if it turns up where it’s supposed to.