Our visit to TIMOR AID (one more day before the race!)

The last three days have been stunning. I arrived in Timor, where I met Beth from TIMOR AID. Instead of staying at the hotel booked for me, we drove together 9 hours to the western boarder to one of the poorest villages in Timor; Suai.

The road was incredibly … well… using the term “road” is probably exaggerating. It was exciting – crossing rivers, rocks and over mountains… but I found it difficult to imagine the how anyone on this bike race was going to survive!!! It certainly got me very excited, now I can’t wait to see how it all pans out!!!

After some rice and local veggies, we had a night of well earned rest. (we arrived at about 9pm) The next day, we got up early to go and meet the local women working on Timor Aids “weaving” project. It was incredible! Using natural dyes, the women create beautiful cotton cloths (Tais). I caught some amazing footage, and got a few interviews in the local language of “Tetun”. Next week I will work with TIMOR AID to assist in the translations…

The children in the village, although in extreme poverty, were just so much fun!! They thought the big funny looking white girl was hilarious! I probably spent a bit too much time focusing on the kids – but who wouldn’t? They lit up my spirit! Especially one group of young girls, carrying heavy water for their family, who started to play “hide and seek” with me and laughing hysterically when I showed them their photos. They are the future of Timor; beautiful, prospering and at peace.

Then yesterday, team GONECYCLING arrived!!! I went to film them at the airport, and to my surprise, on the same flight, was none other than the President of Timor Himself! Mr José Ramos-Horta! COOL! It was a big decision whether to follow the president or my team – but in the end the Gonecyclin guys won out on priority. But don’t worry, next week we’re planning on shooting an interview with Jose ~ which will be incredible!!

Thanks to the awesome Media Coodinator for the Tour de Timor,  I was also invited to the Press Conference with President Jose ~ although I gave it a pass to go with the guys back to Timor Lodge!!

Now? It’s Sunday morning – Race starts tomorrow! It’s going to be EPIC! Can’t wait to start shooting. Met up with the main media coverage of the event from Jungle Run Productions (Ubud, Bali) – hoping to coordinate with them today to share some b-roll footage. NICE! Plan is to get some heli shots too, but we’ll see how we go.

@ 5.30 today I have the media briefing, which includes training with my motorbike and driver on how best to film the race and not die falling off!!! Should be really interesting! We’re even doing some rehersals with a few riders to show how it works on the bike. Wooo!

But for now! I’m heading outside to film a beautiful sunrise…. GOOD MORNING TIMOR!

x