East Timor

East Timor struggled as a subject of Portugal and Indonesia, and not much less as an independent entity for the past 12 years. The people are generally kind as well as strong. Languages spoken include Portuguese, Tetum, and, unofficially, Indonesian, and English. The country is mountainous and has rainforest and biodiversity within the Nino Konis Santana National Park. The sea offers great beaches and diving opportunity. In Dili, you can visit the Chega! Exhibition about human rights in a former notorious prision, or the Xanana Gusmão Museum, Art Gallery, and Reading Room for memorabilia, a book swap, and Internet access.

In East Timor, the cuisine has both Portuguese and East Asian influences. Try batar daan, a dish containing corn, mung beans, and pumpkin. Caril is a chicken curry with roasted peppers and coconut paste. Pork, fish, basil, tamarind, legumes, corn, and rice are staples. Tempeh and tofu are popular items. Organic vegetables and fruits like avocados, tomatoes, watercress, pumpkins, papaya, banana, and mangoes may be found at the Saturday market held each week. Organic coffee is a major cash crop, so you know it’s got to be good.