Welcome to Timor-Leste. Your name is now Malae.

 I'm taking a year working in Timor-Leste. This blog is for friends and family around the world - to let you all know what I'm up to, to see some of this beautiful country through my eyes, and to talk about the amazing places, people, challenges and just some random bits and factoids about beautiful Timor-Lorosa'e. 

I chose the name 'I am Malae' for this blog because that's the word for 'foreigner' in Tetun. The people here are really friendly and genuinely happy to see you so many adults and scores of children will shout a friendly "Malae!" (pronounced ma-lie) and give you a massive grin and a wave. Either that or "Mister!" even if you're actually a Miss, Mrs or Ms.

Much Love. Matt x