One of the absolute delights of my time in the fascinating city of Dili in East Timor was discovering these beachside coconut stands.

Approach a seller with his or her cart. Pick out your coconut or let the seller choose. The seller wields a formidable machete and whack whack, off comes the coconut’s top; in goes a straw and one refreshing drink is ready!

I was kicking myself that I had left my metal straw at the hotel. I hate adding to disposal culture.

When the fresh coconut milk is finished, one goes back to the seller who machetes it open for a coconut snack!

PS East Timor/ Timor L’Este was the look at my view.