As I was buzzing up the hill towards Dare with my new friend Angelina, the stunning views had me thinking back to the day I decided to jump off the hamster wheel.

There’s nothing like a morning climb on two wheels to put things in perspective. Still graduating from clueless tourist to part-time local, but feeling incredible blessed to be here.

I’m not gonna lie to you, I’ve been ripped off a few times. But this is not a story of a perfect expedition. This is a messy, honest, and unpolished journey of navigating and misnavigating life on my own terms.

I’m in a country whose name you’ll probably have to Google. A still-scarred nation that is turning the ashes of the past into the foundations of a new identity.

In the last seven days, I’ve been walking among the warmest smiles I’ve ever encountered. From the intricate threads of tais textiles to the untamed talent of the next generation.

In case you haven’t guessed yet where I am, I’m in a gorgeous place on Earth called East Timor.