Day 036 - An Unforgettable Experience: Stranded with a Motorbike Trapped in Mud and No Shelter

Updated: Oct 1, 2023

Day 036 (06 Feb 2023) - Dili to Venilale, Timor-Leste

DAY 036 (06 FEB 2023) - It was a smooth journey all the way - up until about 152 km near Venilale. As the road was under construction, we could not continue our journey.

It was also raining, and the road was wet, slippery and muddy. In fact, it was so slippery that I almost fell and had to stop my motorbike. To make matters worse, my motorbike got stuck in deep mud and I couldn’t move it at all! There was already a bus stuck in mud, blocking the road ahead.

Since the motorbike was large and heavy, we had to gather a few local people nearby to help pull it out of the mud. It was a difficult task but we managed to get it out before dark. The motorbike was stained with mud and so were my boots and riding gear.

This was the first time I have ever faced such a messy and difficult situation! On top of that, as it was getting dark and we were stranded, we needed to look for a place to stay for the night.

There was a home nearby where a couple in my age group (60s-70s), lived. I introduced myself, showed them my passport and we explained our situation. I was relieved when they understood our predicament and agreed to give us shelter for the night. This wonderful couple is none other than Mr and Mrs Cornelia Sarmento. Mr Sarmento is 72 years young, and Mrs Sarmento is 60 years young, about my age!

We had coffee and some delicious food for dinner - chicken soup, fried chicken (’ayam kampung’), tempe, some vegetable and portuguese rice, all prepared by Mrs Sarmento.

I am grateful for the generosity and kindness shown by Mr and Mrs Sarmento who gave us (2 strangers) food and shelter in our hour of need. This was definitely an unforgettable experience!

MY TIMOR-LESTE JOURNEY MAP