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Australian Flag House”.
Visiting Balibo, with its connected history to Australia and the darker times faced by the Timorese people, was sobering to the point of tears. Yet, riding the central highlands of this island nation soon slapped back any thoughts of negativity or what might’ ve been.
“ Malae, malae,” we were greeted again. This time a group of school children giggling and mischievously trying to be photographed.
Our guide, Anas, joked with them and they laughed heartily while an elderly gentleman pointed to my stomach,“ kabun boot”, he too began laughing. I’ d soon discovered it meant“ big belly” and with feigned shock I’ d rubbed my belly and walked away.
Almost immediately, a giant cucumber was forced into my hands, the elderly man, supported by two women of similar age, offered a gift.
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