Gleno: A Hidden Gem in Timor-Leste’s Highlands

• HelloBondia
  [bon-dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oos]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoLae
  [lie]
• Please/You're welcomeFavor
  [fah-vohr]
• Thank youObrigadu
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryDeskulpa
  [dehs-kool-pah]
• How are you?Diak ka lae?
  [dyahk kah lie]
• Fine. And you?Diak. O ita?
  [dyahk oh ee-tah]
• Do you speak English?Ita hakerek Ingles?
  [ee-tah hah-keh-rek een-glehs]
• I don't understandLa kompriende
  [lah kohm-pree-en-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHau hakarak hare menu, favor
  [how hah-kah-rahk hah-reh meh-noo fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatHau la haka'as karne
  [how lah hah-kah-ahs kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Timor!
  [tee-mohr]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHau hakarak nesesidade, favor
  [how hah-kah-rahk neh-seh-see-dah-deh fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-joo-dah]
• Go away!Ba oin!
  [bah oh-een]
• Call the Police!Kode Polisia!
  [koh-deh poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Kode dotor!
  [koh-deh doh-tohr]
• I'm lostHau lakon
  [how lah-kohn]
• I'm illHau moras
  [how moh-rahs]

• I'd like to buy...Hau hakarak hola...
  [how hah-kah-rahk hoh-lah]
• I'm just lookingHau deit hare
  [how deh-eet hah-reh]
• How much is it?Kuantu valor ne'e?
  [kwahn-too vah-lohr neh-eh]
• That's too expensiveNe'e karu liu
  [neh-eh kah-roo lee-oo]
• Can you lower the price?Ita bele loke precu?
  [ee-tah beh-leh loh-keh preh-soo]

• What time is it?Horas ne'e ki'ik?
  [hoh-rahs neh-eh kee-eek]
• It's one o'clockHoras ki'ik ida
  [hoh-rahs kee-eek ee-dah]
• Half past (10)Tuir metade (10)
  [tweer meh-tah-deh (dohs)]
• MorningMane
  [mah-neh]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningKalan
  [kah-lahn]
• YesterdayOhin-tan
  [oh-een-tahn]
• TodayOhin
  [oh-een]
• TomorrowLoron-wain
  [loh-rohn-wah-een]
• 1Ida
  [ee-dah]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Tolu
  [toh-loo]
• 4Apat
  [ah-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Neen
  [neen]
• 7Hitu
  [hee-too]
• 8Ualu
  [wah-loo]
• 9Sia
  [see-ah]
• 10Sanulu
  [sah-noo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Iha ne'e...
  [ee-hah neh-eh]
• What's the address?Enderecu nia?
  [ehn-deh-reh-soo nee-ah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ita bele hatama hau (iha map)?
  [ee-tah beh-leh hah-tah-mah how (ee-hah mahp)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kanek bus ida oin?
  [kah-nek boos ee-dah oh-een]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilhete (to ....)
  [beel-yeh-teh (to ....)]

Gleno, located in the Ermera district of Timor-Leste, traces its origins back to the Portuguese colonial period. The town served as a modest administrative center during this time, playing a role in the broader network of Portuguese control over Timor-Leste, which began in the early 16th century.

The fertile lands surrounding Gleno made it a prime location for coffee cultivation, a key industry introduced by the Portuguese. Coffee from Gleno and the greater Ermera district became renowned for its quality, contributing significantly to the region's economy and cultural landscape.

During World War II, Gleno, like much of Timor-Leste, fell under Japanese occupation. The town witnessed significant military activity and disruption as local resistance, including the efforts of the Timorese and Australian commandos, sought to undermine Japanese control.

Following the departure of the Portuguese in 1975, Gleno was engulfed in the turmoil of the Indonesian invasion and subsequent occupation of Timor-Leste. The town experienced political and social upheaval, with many residents participating in the resistance movement against Indonesian rule.

Gleno played a role in the national struggle for independence, which culminated in a UN-supervised referendum in 1999. The town, along with the rest of the country, endured significant conflict and destruction during this period but emerged as part of an independent Timor-Leste in 2002.

Since gaining independence, Gleno has seen various development projects aimed at rebuilding and revitalizing the community. Efforts have focused on improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare, while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the town and its surroundings.

Gleno is located in the Ermera District of Timor-Leste. The nearest international airport is Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, approximately 30 kilometers away. From Dili, you can take a taxi or a minibus (microlet) to Gleno, which typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by road. It's advisable to confirm the fare before starting your journey.

Gleno is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are accessible on foot. For longer distances, local taxis and minibuses (microlets) are available and affordable. Motorbike rentals are also a popular option for more adventurous travelers. Be aware that road conditions can vary, so drive carefully.

The official currency in Timor-Leste is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are not widely accepted in Gleno, so it is advisable to carry cash for most transactions. There are a few ATMs in Gleno, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in Dili before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Gleno is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Gleno. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. A smile goes a long way in showing respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gleno like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Timorese goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the coffee plantations, as Ermera District is famous for its high-quality coffee. For a unique experience, take a guided hike in the nearby mountains for breathtaking views and a glimpse into rural Timorese life.