Friday Day 18: Leaving Australia for Dili, Timor-Leste
Weather Update: Heavy showers in Dili. Humidity 65%, high of 31°C.
Departure and Arrival
The flight to Dili was surprisingly pleasant, and I was happy to find that we were served a full meal instead of just a snack. Upon arrival, the humidity hit me straight away, making it clear that I was in a tropical climate. Getting through customs was fairly smooth, and then came the adventure of finding my way to the hostel.
The Taxi Ride
I hopped into a taxi, and what a ride it was! The back streets of Dili were an eye-opener—no paved roads, just dirt tracks. After some recent rain, several feet of water had collected in these areas. I began to question if I was heading the right way, but the driver assured me we were on the right track. Later, I learned that while yellow taxis charge $15, blue taxis are a lot cheaper—a useful tip for any future visitors.
Settling into the Hostel
The hostel is a converted house with several indoor rooms and a makeshift unit in the garden. For tonight, I'm in the garden unit on the top bunk. Despite my email request for a lower bunk, it seems my message got lost as they have no Wi-Fi or internet, even though they have a website and email address. So, the top bunk is for tonight, the lower bunk tomorrow, and an indoor room by Sunday.
The Evening and Night
A cold shower was the only way to cool down in this heat. It was refreshing, washing away the day’s perspiration. By 11 pm, I was ready to settle in for the night, but the noise was challenging. Every dwelling seemed to have a cockerel, all competing for dominance throughout the night—the abundance of cats fighting and locals playing music added to the nocturnal symphony.
Walking Today: 3.64km
Flying: 721 km.
Total Today: 724.64
Overall 4 Flights: 4801.00km, 5 Trains: 2680.10km, 5 Buses: 240.35km, 1 Car: 234 km,
Walking: 101.52km
Overall Total: 8061.87km, Average daily travel: 447.88km
Reflections
Today was filled with the excitement of new surroundings and unexpected challenges. For those following my journey, I hope these updates give you a true sense of the adventures and hurdles that come with travel.
Cheers to the adventures ahead and the stories yet to unfold! 🌏✨🚕🍽️
Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my travels in Dili and beyond! 🌞✨
Feel free to share your thoughts and tips on making this blog more engaging. Let’s keep this journey interesting together! 🚀📖