Timor Leste 2025

Today we woke a little weary after a late night of dancing, and with the bittersweet realisation that it’s our last full day in Timor. After breakfast, we presented three blood pressure machines to a leader from the Bobonaro District ambulance service. With a few budding paramedics in our group, we took the opportunity to look over the ambulances, many of us were shocked by their poor condition and the lack of essential supplies.

We said a sad farewell to Mary, Dency and the boys before making our way to Dili. On the way, we stopped for a beverage at a lovely little café overlooking the rice fields. The drinks were a hit, and the Portuguese tarts went down a treat! Back on the road, we soaked up the sights and sounds of Timor as we made our way to Malbura and the ocean-side markets. The ladies will go to bed smiling tonight—we all spent up big on gifts for loved ones back home.

Next stop was Dili and then Dare for lunch. The Dare Memorial Museum and Café sits in the hills above Dili and overlooks the city. It commemorates the Australian soldiers and the Timorese kriados who fought against the Japanese during WWII. The friendship between the soldiers and the kriados really hit home—as we reflected on our five days in Hatolia, we knew we wouldn’t have been able to leave our new friends if we thought they were going to be harmed in any way. We could imagine the Timorese caring for the soldiers, offering them food while going without themselves.

Back at the orphanage, we were met by a little old lady who had come down from the mountains to sell some goods. We couldn’t say no, and a few of us are now the proud owners of extremely large sun hats, which may be tricky to get home! We’re looking forward to our last night in Dili, and fingers crossed it involves more dahur.