Timor Leste 2024 Trip B Blog

On the road again! We spent majority of the day travelling to our current location, Hatolia. The bumpy ride in the cars along the mountains sent us tumbling and crashing into one another on multiple occasions, though thankfully we ended up with more laughs than bruises.

We took a quick much needed stop at ‘The Grotto’ to stretch our cramped muscles and admire the surrounding scenery and the beautiful and tranquil nature of the place.

We were greeted with a special traditional Timorese ceremonial welcome by the students at Hatolia. A symphony of drums, clapping sticks and applause from the students as we were given a walk of honour into the school. We celebrated our arrival with the school children with a good old fashioned game of piggy in the middle and soccer, which the school children quite easily wiped the floor with us.

Along with a dance off to 'Hot To Go' by Chappell Roann in which Fred was the clear winner. And finally, our dancing queen, young and sweet and finally seventeen. We wished Laura a happy 17th birthday today, and celebrated with an amazing cake made and decorated by the lovely Sylvia.

And we were once again spoiled rotten by the wonderful women and girls here who made us lunch and dinner. Though this is only the beginning of our stay here at Hatolia, we’ve enjoyed our time thus far and look forward to the days to come.