I live with a local Timorese family, so the meals I eat are made by the women in my host family. In Tetun, the local language, meals are called matabixu (breakfast), han-meudia (lunch) and han-kalan (dinner).
There are twelve people in our household, and money is limited. Because of this, meals are simple. The food for dinner is bought the same day it is cooked, and nothing is wasted. Eating together in the evening is an important part of family life and one of the times when everyone slows down.
For breakfast, I usually eat a bread roll and drink coffee. I also keep extra food in my room in case I get hungry. Most mornings, I make oatmeal for myself, and I boil eggs for extra protein.
For lunch, I often buy food near my work and eat with my coworker, Maun (brother) Mario, at the Bamboo Institute.
Dinner is the most important meal of the day. We usually eat around 7:30 in the evening. The main food is rice with boiled green leaves called modo, which are vegetables.
