The Land of Grandpa Crocodile
In fact, we had to force ourselves to make it to this tiny state. We already had enough of the tropical zone and adding dust and dirt to the heat? Please donยดt. But crossing the border after nine hours (with the smoking and vomiting passengers) in a minibus paid off.
๐
So what’s so amazing about East Timor?
๐
It was the FIRST STATE of the 21st century. Timor gained independence only in 2002.
๐
After Myanmar, we thought that the people forgot to smile. But here we were welcomed and greeted by strangers even in the capital.
๐
SCUBA DIVING. Along with the most beautiful corals, there are also turtles, dugongs, mola mola, whales and other marine creatures. The waterway between the capital Dili and Atauro is the main MIGRATION HIGHWAY between the Indian and Pacific oceans.
๐
Apart from the capital and the island of Atauro, weยดve met 8 tourists in total during TWO WEEKS.
๐
For locals we are often an attraction. Everyone asks us if we are journalists or whom do we work for.
๐
We can cheerfully HITCHHIKE and CAMP again.
๐
Red SPITS on the ground! Oh, how we missed you! Betel is called BUA and MALUS in Timor. And mostly women are chewing it.
๐
Everyone is BROTHER and SISTER. In the beginning, we were curious how many children do the families have, but then we realized that in a strongly Christian country it means something else.
๐
Mainly the Australians and Portuguese are helping to start the tourism here. Apparently they are trying to make up for their crimes of the past.
๐
So why are there so few tourists?
๐
Admit it, who of you had to look to the map to find out where Timor Leste is? Pretty FAR, RIGHT?
๐
Now that you know that East Timor is de facto neighbour of Australia, you might be able to figure out another problem. Although there are beautiful sandy beaches there is a reason why they are deserted. They are home to SEA CROCODILES. The crocodiles are sacred to the Timorese, even though only in the last month they killed three people.
๐
LEPROSY. Yes. Really. In the 21st century!
๐
Speaking of diseases, when we arrived to Atauro island, we were welcomed by an information board showing everything we should watch out for. In addition to jaundice, rabies, dengue fever, malaria, and mad cow disease, there is also anthrax. Fortunately, we have come across only the IMMORTAL HORSE FLIES.
๐
THE PRICES. In Timor they have the hard currency and although most of the population live in bamboo and palm leaves huts, the white face pays big dollars for services.
๐
While there are many various NGOs, the country is still far from being developed. For example – what is the most reliable fire starter? PLASTIC BOTTLE, of course!
๐
And finally, one CURIOSITY.
๐
There are many trucks carrying MATTRESSES. Large, comfortable, mostly for one person. Can you guess what are these mattresses used for?
๐
