Timor-Leste

Our first stop out of Australia: Dili, Timor-Leste.

Every time Chelsea says ‘Dili’ people hear Delhi and… they’re not the same. Timor-Leste is South East Asia’s youngest country after gaining independence from both the Portuguese (1975) and then the US-backed Indonesia (2002). For a country so new to democracy, these guys are all about voting, and the president drives around in his Jeep, no security detail, waving at the populace on his way to work. Vibes.

The Timorese are having a generally good time - schooling and health care is free and housing is pretty make-shift and multi-generational, so earnings go to food and electronics (seemingly the only things to be bought). We’d heard that it’s dangerous but the most sinister experience so far has been three tiny bandits aged about 8 years old approaching us with ‘Money?’ and rubbing their fingers together cheekily at four in the afternoon. Dan, very sweetly, thought they were saying ‘Morning.’ Thus the Good Morning Bandits were formed.

We stayed at the DaTerra hostel, an oasis near the port, and caught the ferry to Ataúro (pronounced Atta-oo-roe) for a couple days’ diving on the most diverse coral reefs in the world. This was some of the most incredible diving we’ve ever done, with crystal clear visibility around 50m, and completely calm water. Exceptional coral and sea creatures, which our photos can’t do justice to.

Our Homestay hosts overfed us; turns out we were basically staying with the mayor, and we had a fab time learning some rudimentary Tetun from the local children. Highly recommend Estevao’s Homestay for anyone visiting!

Not many hiccups or disasters to report, except getting caught in the wet season torrents one time - photo of a soaking wet Dan included for reference.

Returning to Dili, we caught one of the local ‘microlets’ to the shops (a minibus with no fixed stops, where locals are encouraged to sit on each other’s laps when the seats are full). Tomorrow we’re heading out early to cross the Indonesian border. More to follow soon!Läs mer