Saturday Da Terra Hostel.

Weather Update: Sunny Intervals with Cloud in the afternoon. Humidity High 70. High 32c

Early Morning Start

I woke up at 5 o'clock, with the cockerels ensuring there was no chance of sleeping in. The sun rose around 6 am, and it was already warm. Breakfast consisted of egg on toast, sliced bananas, bread, and a cup of what they call coffee. The beans are ground and placed directly into the cup with boiling water poured over—an interesting taste, to say the least.

Meeting Peace Corps Volunteers

I met a group of young Americans serving in the United Nations Peace Corps. They’re here for two years to assist in developing local communities in areas like agriculture, economic development, and teaching English. They're scattered across the country but came to Dili to take a break from their duties. It's admirable that they've committed two years of their lives to help others.

The Search for Wi-Fi

Leaving the hostel, I headed to the mall in search of Wi-Fi, but the internet here is frequently down or just slow. Being without the internet for two days feels like losing an arm. Walking along the beach road, I stumbled upon a small fish market strung out along the highway. The roads are lined with people selling everything from clothing to coconuts.

Observing Local Life

There is a noticeable amount of poverty in the country. On my flight into Dili, the huge squatters' camps along the coast were hard to miss. It reminded me of my time in West Africa and parts of the former Yugoslavia in the early 70s. By the time I reached Plaza Mall, I was drenched in sweat due to the high humidity.

Navigating the Plaza Mall

Entering the mall, I was immediately confronted by people trying to sell cell phones, accessories, and SIM cards. About 30-40% of the shops are mobile vendors, and most of the sellers are young girls who look like they should still be in school. Talking with the Americans, I learned that past poverty has stunted physical growth here, and men traditionally eat first.

Walking through the shops was uncomfortable as assistants followed my every move. I played a game of stopping and moving to see how long they would trail me before eventually leaving the store.

Returning to the Hostel

I managed to get a licensed blue taxi back to the hostel for USD 1.80—every transaction here is in US dollars, and cash is king. The humidity makes getting around physically exhausting, and by the time you arrive anywhere, you're soaked through. so I might get transport if possible on Sunday.

Walking Today: 5.52km

Reflections

Today was a day of exploring local life, observing the challenges of poverty, and navigating through the heat and humidity. For those following my journey, I hope these updates give you a vivid picture of the experiences and realities of travel.

Cheers to the adventures ahead and the stories yet to unfold! 🌏✨🚕🍽️