So for new years me and 14 other volunteers decided to take a trip out to the island of Atauro. Atauro is the tiny island that is north of Dili that is officialy owned by East Timor. There are boats and ferrys that transport people and goods to the island every week. Peace Corps currently has three volunteers living on the island.
We left at the break of dawn on the 31st. We all met on the dock and waited for the boat one of the volunteers, Lisa, had organized for us. When we got to the dock, it hadn't come yet, but as it pulled up, I was like, you gotta be kidding me. This was the smallest boat (refer to pictures) i had ever seen and somehow we had to pile 15 huge malaes into it, with all our stuff, and the four guys that were running the boat. So, I guess you could say I was really nervous.
When we had finally piled all the stuff and people into our tiny wooden boat, we left shore. The ride was pretty good at first, but since we are in the wet season now, we hit a few waves on the way out. It took about 3 hours to get to the island, and everyone was feeling pretty sick by the time we got there.
But we all felt much better as soon as we saw where we were staying. The island is absolutely gorgeous (refer to photos) and we were staying in this cool little "losmen" that was built in the tradiotional timor style. It is run by an Australian guy and his Timorese wife. They were really sweet and fed us really well while we were there.
We spent new years day swimming and snorkeling, and new years night was a lot of fun. Everyone got tipsy on tua savu. We were so tired though from the boat ride and all the excitement that at midnight we were like, 3,2,1..Happy New Year!!! Ok, good nite!!!
The next day was spent swimming and napping and snorkeling and exploring the island. Sarah and Joe, fellow TL-4ies, were great hosts.
The next morning up bright and early to get back to Dili. This time was soooo much better though because the sea was calm. It only took like an hour and a half and no one got sick. So hope everyone is having a great new years so far and sticking to all your resolutions. And enjoy the pictures!!
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