The world is facing an extraordinary global health, social and economic emergency with the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel and tourism is among the most affected sectors with airplanes on the ground, hotels closed and travel restrictions put in place in virtually all countries around the world.
One of the most beautiful tourist destinations is Atauro Island, Timor Leste “…its mountains are spectacular, its coral reefs world-class and its diverse landscapes and cultures a draw for adventurous people everywhere”[i] Barry Hinton, Palms Australia’s In-Country Timor Coordinator runs an Eco Lodge https://www.barrysplaceatauro.com/, in his spare time.
But….with no tourists, Barry has been home-schooling his two sons Mardy and Micky for the last few months.
Mardy and Micky have shared with Palms Australia readers their reflections on what it has meant to them to be in a lock-down, isolated from their friends but able to rediscover and enjoy the quiet and relaxing pace of Island life.
Where The Pandemic Has Taken Me by Mardy
[i] https://devpolicy.org/its-about-access-tourism-in-timor-leste-20190627/
Feature image: One of the small beachfront cabins on Barry’s place overlooking the ocean