Timor-Leste
I first visited East Timor before independence in 2001 for a project I was preparing. Already then, it was a lovely island, untouched by tourists, and with many friendly people.
I had an opportunity to work in East Timor, later named Timor-Leste, in 2002 and 2003 on a World Bank project, promoting private sector development.
In the beginnings, the new island nation did not have sufficient accommodation options for visitors, and I remember that I once stayed at a makeshift hotel, sleeping in a container, and another time, sleeping in the cabin of the second steward of a floating ship which was tied up in Dili harbour.
I quickly became friends with several local and foreign people, and we enjoyed going out for dinners, to some parties and at times, we enjoyed some traditional dancing.
Over the next 10 years, I was always happy to return to Dili, and on those occasions also visited other areas of Timor-Leste, including Ermera (coffee plantations), Liquica and Atauro (the island opposite Dili, with pristine waters perfect for snorkelling and diving).
Returning to Dili from a snorkelling trip, we could see the dolphins jumping out of the waters, accompanying our small boat home.
I had an opportunity to work in East Timor, later named Timor-Leste, in 2002 and 2003 on a World Bank project, promoting private sector development.
In the beginnings, the new island nation did not have sufficient accommodation options for visitors, and I remember that I once stayed at a makeshift hotel, sleeping in a container, and another time, sleeping in the cabin of the second steward of a floating ship which was tied up in Dili harbour.
I quickly became friends with several local and foreign people, and we enjoyed going out for dinners, to some parties and at times, we enjoyed some traditional dancing.
Over the next 10 years, I was always happy to return to Dili, and on those occasions also visited other areas of Timor-Leste, including Ermera (coffee plantations), Liquica and Atauro (the island opposite Dili, with pristine waters perfect for snorkelling and diving).
Returning to Dili from a snorkelling trip, we could see the dolphins jumping out of the waters, accompanying our small boat home.
