Timor-Leste

The East Timorese people are sometimes shy with strangers, but very loyal to people considered friends. As a people, East Timorese are known to be easy-going and casual in their daily work and interactions, with a love of music, dance, and children. Older people are respected and revered. It is normal to ask how old a person is, as the older you are the more respect you earn.

Greeting people, including strangers, is normal. However, first names are not used unless one is considered a friend. 'Mister' is often a form of address for strangers. Hello is ola, and it is common to hear Ba nebe? or 'where are you going?' In the street, the greeting for strangers is Bon dia Good day! Or Boa tarde Good afternoon.

First names or nicknames are not used until familiarity is recognized. It is usual to add Mister or Miss to a first name to show respect. Mana or mama (older brother or sister) is also common. When a nickname is used, it is often created by substituting the first syllable with 'A', for instance, Jose is shortened to Aze. Children usually greet strangers as 'uncle or auntie' tiu or tia, since they may expect everyone they know to be related in a distant way. A nod and a smile are the usual forms of greeting between strangers. Physical contact between people of the opposite sex is not encouraged.

Body language is vital to East Timorese, including facial expressions. While reserved at first, people are animated in the discussion.

Visiting informally between friends and family is enjoyed. An invitation is usual for new acquaintances or strangers. Before entering a room or house, it is polite to ask: 'Can I come in?' or 'kolisensa? ' Greet everyone in the house, paying special attention to older people and children. Any offer to help with cooking, or washing up will be refused. One waits till one is invited to sit down or begin eating and drinking. If you do not wish to eat the food, take one or two bites and then politely refuse. Gifts of sweets for the children, coffee, or cigarettes are welcome.

East Timorese dress casually, including loose pants and patterned shirts for both men and women. In villages, people wear hand-made cotton clothing that suits outdoor work. Dresses for special occasions are sometimes woven and embroidered. In rural areas for formal occasions, women wear woven sarongs and shawls ‘tais’. In the city, formal Western dress is favored. Western suits and slacks are worn in government offices, but the heat keeps men’s dress to shirts and pants; skirts and tops for women.

The East Timor diet is affected by short supply of many staples since the conflict. The cuisine shares elements of Chinese, Portuguese, and Indonesian. Rice accompanies most meals. Other staples commonly found are cassava, potato, yam and corn. Many meals are spicy, and coconut milk is used. A popular meal is beans and corn. A meat meal on the menu is tukir, consisting of lamb traditionally cooked inside bamboo with lots of spices. A dish traditional to villages along the coast outside Dili is called saboko.

Saboko is made from sardines mixed with tamarind sauce and spices, firmly wrapped in palm leaves and cooked on a fire. There are some local fruit without English names.

Palm wine and palm alcohol are consumed in local bars and in villages. Restaurants are mainly frequented by tourists and officials.

Typically, breakfast is served by 7 AM, lunch between noon and 2: 00 PM, and dinner between 6 and 8pm. The fork is often held in the right hand to eat. It is improper to eat or hand things to people with the left hand. Coconut juice and lemonade are common drinks, along with coffee. Most people eat at home or at the houses of friends or family. Street stalls are common in the larger towns.

The East Timor diet is affected by short supply of many staples since the conflict. The cuisine shares elements of Chinese, Portuguese, and Indonesian. Rice accompanies most meals. Other staples commonly found are cassava, potato, yam and corn. Many meals are spicy, and coconut milk is used. A popular meal is beans and corn. A meat meal on the menu is tukir, consisting of lamb traditionally cooked inside bamboo with lots of spices. A dish traditional to villages along the coast outside Dili is called saboko. Saboko is made from sardines mixed with tamarind sauce and spices, firmly wrapped in palm leaves and cooked on a fire. There are some local fruit without English names. Palm wine and palm alcohol are consumed in local bars and in villages. Restaurants are mainly frequented by tourists and officials.

The extended family is paramount in the lives of East Timorese, though families have been split by the recent conflict, and many fathers are not present. Children are cared for by many family members. Older people are looked after when they are too frail to garden and clean. God-parents are also very important members of the family. The baptism of a child is a very important ceremony for the whole family.

Young people do not generally date couples until they are engaged. They go out in groups together, or with a sibling to chaperone. It is almost unknown to live together before marriage. Marriage is the norm, and de facto relationships are frowned on. The Catholic Church does not permit divorce. However, de facto relationships occur, especially in rural areas. The person concerned is politely referred to as a ‘second’ wife or husband.

Weddings are celebrated with a church ceremony, and in the villages, the tradition may include the system of dowry or berlaki. Traditionally a man's family gave several head of horses or buffalo. However, since the stock numbers are depleted, giving a dowry is no longer required. It is also acceptable to turn to the family for assistance after marriage. Women carry the responsibility for household cleaning, cooking, and child care.

he people of Timor-Leste engage in a variety of recreational activities, including:

Traditional dances and music: Timor-Leste has a rich cultural heritage, and traditional dances and music are an integral part of their culture. People often gather to perform or watch these traditional performances during festivals and celebrations.

Sports: Football (soccer) is a popular sport in Timor-Leste, and the country has its own national football team. Other popular sports include volleyball, basketball, and futsal.

Beach activities: With a long coastline and beautiful beaches, Timor-Leste is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and fishing. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities for tourists.

Hiking and trekking: Timor-Leste has a rugged terrain and beautiful natural landscapes that are ideal for hiking and trekking. The country's highest peak, Mount Ramelau, is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

Shopping and dining: In Timor-Leste's capital city of Dili, there are several shopping centers and restaurants that offer a variety of local and international cuisine.

Visiting historic sites: Timor-Leste has a rich history, and there are several historic sites that people can visit, such as the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a 16th-century fort located in Dili, and the Resistance Museum, which documents the country's struggle for independence.