Sliding Door Moments

Boxing

After our delicious dinner at the Ventura cafe, we walked 80m to a boxing gym where we were welcomed in to the boxing studio near our dinner place where we introduced to the coach and the boxers. The gym was equipped with hanging punching bags and a boxing ring. They were very excited to meet us and they were very welcoming. They told us about their back stories and how they made a positive shift from gang violence to mixed martial arts. We got heaps of pictures and selfies with them, and we learnt about some of their student who exceeded to an international level representing Timor-Leste,

Ventura Cafe with Ecko

After our brief stop at the beach for sunset we took a walk to our dinner location next the the boxing gym. The cafe was among plants and we could feel nature’s presence. We then endeavoured in a delightful meal at Ventura cafe ran by Ecko. We were offered a variety of meals ranging from cheeseburgers to chickpea curries. All the food was delicious and we are eager to go back. Ventura cafe is in front of the game with their recycling and they hope to influence other cafes and restaurants in Dili. They recycle materials and transform them into tiles and furniture!

By Connor and Poppy