Catching the public ferry to Atauro Island was definitely an experience. Firstly we arrived at the docks at 8am as advised although the ferry didn’t end up leaving until at least 10am! Atauro Island, however, was more than worth it.
We arrived in total paradise! The beaches are so pristine and beautiful and back by ragged mountains. Barry’s Eco Lodge also seems to provide a pretty incredible mélange between traditional Timorese style villas made with local materials combined with first-world luxuries such as solar-powered electricity and delicious food – all in a sustainable way.
Atauro Island
Here we had three days to relax, consolidate and plan. After such an action packed itinerary it was wonderful to spend time together to debrief on specific themes, organisations and issues that we had been itching to get to. We also used this time to plan our Post-Engagement strategy and discuss the best way to ‘inspire, educate and challenge’ the wider Oaktree community.
Atauro Island also provided a time to share all those hidden talents, skills and abilities in full-moon lit talent show on the beach. And our final night was spent in a very cute candle-lit ‘warm fuzzies’ session in one of our luxury beach huts. Its safe to say that we really have grown to become a family over here and it feels surreal to be flying back to Australia!
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