The Districts of East Timor

24/03/2013 14:22

 

The Districts of East Timor

 

In this journal, we already talked about the different places of East Timor we have already seen. We've been to, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places this world has to offer. I've been, several times, completely mesmorised by the simplicity and beauty of mother nature. I can't wait to see what this journey still has to offer us.

 

So we talked about our visit to Dili, one of the thirteen Disctricts of East Timor. The names of the other twelve Districts are:

 

  1. Oecusse.
  2. Liquiça
  3. (Dili)
  4. Manatuto
  5. Baucau
  6. Lautém
  7. Bobonaro
  8. Ermera
  9. Aileu
  10. Viqueque
  11. Cova Lima
  12. Ainaro
  13. Manufahi

 

On the picture below you'll see a map on which you can see every of the thirteen Districts located.

 

 

So after visiting Dili, we've decided to travel South and visit Aileu, Manufahi, Ainaro and Cova Lima.

 

The first District we visited after Dili was Aileu. In my opinion, Aileu didn't stand out a lot between all the other places we visited. It is without a doubt a beautiful place, but since it's not directly located near the beach, i started to miss the tropical views this country has to offer. Although this District might not be as beautiful as the other places lying in East Timor, i must admit that i'm very pleased to have had the chance to walk along one of Aileu's rivers. For me personally, that walk was a spiritual one. I've had the chance to think about several things for the first time. My mind and sould were opened.

 

Possibly due to its close proximity to Dili and because it is quite easily accessible, several development programmes have layed their eyes upon this District such as Water Aid, World Vision and Plan International.

 

After visiting Aileu, we decided to travel further South were we stopped in the District of Manufahi. Manufahi is a District just a little bigger than 1.300 square kilometers. In Manufahi, we visited the capital city of this District called Same, where we were able to enjoy a very delicious meal consisting of some freshly caught fish. The people in this city were all very friendly and kind of us. A think you wouldn't always expect when travelling through a country that has known misery and pain during many years.

 

After having a good night rest with one of the friendly people living in Same, we decided to continue our journey towards Ainaro, lying on the West side of Manufahi. Ainaro is a small mountain town with great abundance of rivers and fertile terrain for agriculture. Although Ainaro isn't the biggest District around, it's still possible for you to walk on the beach in Ainaro near the Timor Sea, or to go rock climbing on Mount Ramelau, also located in Ainaro. 

 

Mount Ramalau is also known as Tatamailau and is with it's height of 2.960 meters the biggest point of East Timor. The name "Tatamailau" means "Grandfather Of All" in Mambai, the local language. "Ramelau" is the name of the massif of the mountain. The mountain is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is therefore subject to annual pilgrimages. On the peak of the mountain you'll find a three meter high statue of Virgin Mary, originative from Italy.

 

Tatamailau is accessible from the town of Hato Bulico or from the village of Aimeta. Whether you leave in Hato Bulico orAimeta, you'll have to climb about 900 meter, which is quite a lot if you're not used to heavy walking or climbing rocks. On the other hand, during you're climb, you're able to have a look at some beautiful mountain views, all unfolding right in front of your eyes.

 

The last District we visited is called Cova Lima. There's not a lot to say about this final District since we were only passing through, eagering to continue our journey and see a lot more magnificent places this world has to offer.

 

Charlotte.

 

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