A Meaningful Journey to Cox’s Bazar: More Than Just a Trip

 From 11th to 13th May 2026, Timorese students studying at Asian University for Women had the

opportunity to join a memorable excursion trip to Cox's Bazar. Although the trip lasted only a few days, the experiences, friendships, and memories we created together made it truly unforgettable. 

What made this journey even more meaningful was that it was organized by the Honorary Consul of Timor-Leste to Bangladesh, H.E. Kutubuddin Ahmed, and the Consulate team, who continuously showed genuine care and support toward Timorese students living and studying far away from home.   

The Beginning of the Journey

Our journey began on the morning of 11th May. 

Around 10 a.m., we departed from the university filled with excitement and curiosity about the days ahead. The atmosphere during the ride was lively as everyone  talked, laughed, listened to music, and enjoyed the journey together. 

At one point  during the journey, our vehicle suddenly had problems. We had to wait for some time before changing to another van. Although it was unexpected, everyone remained patient and positive. Surprisingly, even this inconvenience became part of the adventure, giving us more time to talk, laugh, and bond together.

Along the way, we stopped for lunch at Four Seasons Restaurant before continuing our trip toward Cox’s Bazar. After several hours of travel, we finally arrived at BayWatch Hotel around 5 p.m.

We received a warm welcome from our honorary consul, who also kindly gave us gifts. From the very beginning, we could already feel the generosity and sincerity behind the organization of this trip.

After checking in and freshening up, we headed to the beach. The cool sea breeze, the sound of the waves, and the endless ocean view instantly made us feel relaxed and peaceful. We walked along the beach together, took photos, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company while watching the beautiful sunset slowly disappear beyond the horizon. The sky turned shades of orange and gold, creating one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip.

Later, we visited the bridge near BAYWATCH Hotel, where we enjoyed the refreshing wind and breathtaking view surrounded by the ocean. Standing there under the open sky felt incredibly peaceful and calming.

That evening, we had dinner under the open sky while enjoying delicious food and conversations together. Some of us enjoyed singing after dinner, while others sat by the beach drinking tea and coffee until midnight. Some of us also walked around the hotel area taking photos of the beautiful nighttime scenery.

Next Day Adventures

The next morning, I woke up early and enjoyed breakfast while admiring the beautiful view from the BayWatch Hotel. Starting the day with the sound of the waves and the fresh ocean air felt refreshing and calming.

Later, we continued our journey toward Teknaf through the scenic coastal roads. Along the way, we stopped at several places to explore and appreciate the natural beauty around us. One memorable moment was when we interacted with local fishermen and some talented children in the area. Even though the weather was sunny and hot, I personally enjoyed the peaceful scenery and connection with the local environment very much.

Fun and Excitement at Sea Pearl Water Park

One of the most exciting parts of the trip was visiting Sea Pearl Water Park. After lunch at Coral Station, we went back to the hotel before heading to the water park to explore and enjoy the attractions.

Some of us enjoyed the water rides and swimming pools, while others preferred visiting the ghost house and exploring different entertainment areas. The entire place was filled with laughter, excitement, and energy. Watching everyone enjoy themselves freely made the experience even more memorable.

I also spent time at the swimming pool enjoying the beautiful surroundings and creating happy memories with friends.

Moments like these reminded me how important it is to take a break from academic stress and simply enjoy life together.

Words That Deeply Touched Us

One of the most emotional moments of the trip happened during our final dinner and gathering at Sky Lounge.

After dinner, we expressed our gratitude to our honorary consul for organizing such a meaningful experience for us. During his speech, he shared words that deeply touched all of us. He mentioned that this trip was not organized out of responsibility or for recognition, but genuinely came from his heart and his care for Timorese students studying abroad.

He said that he viewed us like his own children living far away from home.

As international students living in another country, hearing those words brought comfort, encouragement, and reassurance. It reminded us that even though we are far from our families and homeland, there are still people who genuinely care about our well-being and happiness.

That message stayed with many of us throughout the rest of the journey.

Returning With Beautiful Memories

Before leaving Cox’s Bazar, we explored some local markets and bought handmade crafts as souvenirs. Afterwards, we had lunch together before beginning our return journey back to AUW around 3 p.m.

Compared to the excitement at the beginning of the trip, the atmosphere during the journey back felt quieter. Perhaps none of us wanted the experience to end. We carried home not only photos and souvenirs, but also meaningful memories, stronger friendships, and feelings of gratitude.

Although this excursion lasted only a few days, it became one of the most memorable experiences for all of us. Beyond the beaches, hotels, and tourist attractions, this trip reminded us of the importance of kindness, community, friendship, and support.

We are truly thankful to the Honorary Consul of Timor-Leste to Bangladesh and the Consulate team for their generosity, encouragement, and care toward Timorese students in Bangladesh.

Some journeys may only last a short time, but the memories remain in our hearts much longer.

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Check the Following link for the details:  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G4C8EDe28EQACzXH4_1_jmoOLfOM64SJ/view?usp=drive_link 

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Trip to Jumbari, Sitakunda

A few weeks ago, I went on a trip to Jumbari, Sitakunda with my friends. It was one of those journeys that stays

with me, not just because of the destination, but because of the experience along the way. Jumbari is a newly developed tourist spot that is still unknown to many people, and that sense of discovering something new made the trip feel special and adventurous. 

The journey began at Sun Valley (Chatteshwari road), where we took a rickshaw to GEC for 50 taka. From there, we boarded a mini CNG to AK Khan, which cost only 15 taka. Next, we took a bus from AK Khan to Sitakunda for 50 taka. After reaching Sitakunda market, we hired an auto-rickshaw for another 50 taka to get closer to Jumbari. 

Once we got off, we walked for about 10–15 minutes, followed by a short hike of around 7–10 minutes to reach the top. The road was dusty and rough because it is still under construction, and at times the journey felt tiring.

However, all the tiredness disappeared the moment we reached the top. The view from Jumbari was absolutely breathtaking. I was surrounded by green hills and dense trees, and the peaceful atmosphere instantly made me feel refreshed. 

At the top, there was a beautifully built bamboo platform connected by a narrow bamboo bridge. Walking across it felt slightly adventurous, and from there I could see nature stretching endlessly around me.

There was also a small bamboo house made of bamboo and straw, reflecting a simple and traditional design. In

front of it, an open sitting area allowed visitors to rest and quietly enjoy the surroundings. 

A Bangladeshi flag flying above the bamboo structure added a sense of pride and beauty to the place. The fresh air, open sky, and calm environment made me forget the noise and rush of city life. 

Despite the dusty road and short hike, Jumbari is absolutely worth the effort. Standing at the top, surrounded by greenery and fresh air, made me forget all the exhaustion of the journey. 

If you love hidden gems, quiet natural places, and a little adventure, Jumbari is a place you should definitely visit. Go with friends, wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and take your time to enjoy the view. This place is still raw and peaceful, visit it before it becomes crowded.

Note: From my experience, if you are a foreigner or unfamiliar with Sitakunda, it is better to know the price first before taking a local rickshaw. The actual fare to Jumbari is around 50 taka, but sometimes drivers may ask for more.

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Kritikal Media Literasia: Tanba Saida Mak Nia Importante?

Iha era dijitál ohin loron, ita hetan informasaun husi plataforma oioin hanesan televizaun, rádiu, jornál, sosiál media, website, etc. Maibé, dala hira ona mak ita reflekte no husu ba ita-nia an:

Informasaun ne’e loos ka lae? Sé mak kria?  Mensajen saida maka ita hetan husi informasaun nee, no tanbasá?

Iha ne'e maka, Kritikal Media Literasia sai esensiál.

Saida Mak Kritikal Media Literasia? Kritikal Media Literasia mak kapasidade atu, lee, kompreende, analiza, husu pergunta, no kritika informasaun ne’ebé mai husi plataforma hanesan rádio, televizaun, jornál, sosiál media, etc.

Objetivu prinsipal mak atu ajuda ita la’ós de’it simu informasaun ka influensia ho fácil ba informasaun refere,

maibé husu pergunta, buka evidénsia, no kompreende perspetiva oin-oin. Ema ne’ebé iha konesimentu kona ba Kritikal Media Literasia bele deteta/hatene informasaun nebe falsu/lalos

no manipulativa, hanoin ho autonomia, no uza mídia ho responsabilidade.

Iha mundu globalizadu no digital ohin loron, Kritikal Media Literasia importante tebes ba edukasaun atu

prepara estudante sira sai leitor kritiku no sidadaun digital ne’ebé responsavel.

Tanba saida maka Critical media literasia Importante?

Kritikal media literasia importante tanba ajuda ita kompriende, no analiza informasaun ne'ebé ita simu husi mídias digitais. Iha mundu ohin loron, informasaun falsu ou fake news no propaganda sira sai komun iha redes sociais hanesan Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, etc. Tanba ne’e, ita presiza hatene oinsa atu identifika informasaun ne'ebé ita haree no rona loron-loron.  Mídia iha influénsia maka'as ba ita-nia hanoin, fiar, no hahalok sira. Critical media literasia fó ita kapasidade atu husu pergunta kritiku hanesan: Se mak hakerek informasaun ne'e? Informasaun nee loos ka lae? Oinsa informa­saun ne’e bele afeta ita-nia hanoin? Kompeténsia ida ne’e importante tanba bele prevene manipulasaun, aumenta pensamentu kritiku, no ajuda ita sai cidadaun ne’ebé responsável iha espasu online.

• Prevene manipulasau -  Manipulasaun akontese bainhira ema ruma koko atu kontrola saida maka ita hanoin ka fó informasaun ne'ebé laloos, bainhira ita iha kritikal media literasia, ita bele nota bainhira ema ruma koko atu lohi ka bosok ita. Kritikal media literasia ajuda ita atu proteje ita-nia an hosi ema ne'ebé bosok ka uza ita.

• Aumenta pensamentu kritiku - Hanoin krítiku signifika la'ós de'it simu informasaun no fiar kedas, maibé presija hanoin no analiza. Hanoin no analiza bazeia ba perguntas sira hanesan, Infomasaun ida-ne'e loos ka lae? Tanbasá sira hatete ida-ne'e? Ida-neʼe ajuda ita atu komprende, no halo desizaun bazeia ba faktu sira, laʼós bazeia ba lia-bosok ka emosaun.

• Sai cidadaun ne’ebé responsável iha espasu online - Signifika uza internet no mídia sosiál ho maneira ne’ebé di’ak, fahe informasaun neʼebé loos, respeitu ema seluk, no la habelar rumores ka fake news sira. Literasia mídia krítiku hanorin ita atu verifika faktu sira molok fahe no atu hanoin kona-ba oinsá ka saida maka ita publika nee bele afeta ema seluk.

 La ho literasia mídia ne'ebé krítiku, ema bele simu ho fasil informasaun ne'ebé laloos, monu ba notísia falsu, ka hetan manipulasaun hosi mensajen sira ne'ebé iha tendénsia. Hobbs (2010) esplika katak literasia mídia krítiku ajuda estudante sira "lee" mundu, la'ós de'it livru manuál sira. Entaun, se ita hakarak sai parte hosi jerasaun ne’ebé kritiku no konsiente, ita presiza dezenvolve KML, hodi bele enfrenta desafiu iha era dijitál.

Let’s not just consume media. Let’s understand it, question it, and use it wisely.

Hobbs, R. (2010). Digital and media literacy: A plan of action. Aspen Institute.

https://assets.aspeninstitute.org/content/uploads/files/content/docs/pubs/Digital_and_Media_Literacy.pdf

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Embracing Inspiration in Everyday Moments

 

Every day presents us with opportunities to find inspiration in the simplest of moments. This photo reflects a powerful story, a story of balance, focus, and the drive to keep moving forward despite the challenges.

Seated at my desk, surrounded by tools of productivity, I see not just a workplace but a canvas for growth and creativity. The uniform I wear is a symbol of dedication, and the calm expression on my face is a testament to resilience in the face of everyday demands.

The environment around me, organized files, a smartphone within reach, and a water dispenser in the background, might seem mundane to some. But for me, these are the elements of consistency and commitment, the foundation upon which success is built.

This moment reminded me that inspiration doesn't always come from grand gestures or extraordinary events. Sometimes, it's found in showing up, staying focused, and doing the work that matters.

Each day, I aim to be better than the day before. Whether it's learning a new skill, overcoming a challenge, or simply maintaining a positive attitude, I remind myself that every step counts.

To anyone reading this, let this serve as a reminder: inspiration is everywhere. It's in the tasks you complete, the people you work with, and the goals you set. Even when the path feels long, every little effort adds up to something remarkable.

So, embrace each moment with gratitude and determination. Let every day be an opportunity to inspire yourself and those around you. You are capable of more than you imagine, never stop believing in your potential.

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At the Airport

At the airport, surrounded by the soft hum of travelers and the occasional announcement, this moment captures the essence of waiting between journeys. The traveler's perspective shows feet comfortably propped on a luggage trolley, with well-worn sneakers resting atop the anticipation of the next flight. A large suitcase lies securely beneath, carrying the essentials of the trip.

On the trolley's handle, a travel neck pillow is perched—a practical companion for long flights, promising a bit of comfort in the skies ahead. The terminal itself is bright and spacious, with its reflective floors and subdued bustle creating a sense of calm amidst the movement.

This image represents the quiet pause of travel—a chance to reflect, unwind, and prepare for the adventure ahead. It's a snapshot of the transient nature of airports, where each waiting moment becomes part of the journey itself.

 Terminal 2 Jakarta 

Ezhy

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Goodbye 2024 and Welcome 2025

Saying Goodbye to 2024 with Gratitude and Welcome2025 with Hope

As the final days of 2024 approach, we are offered a moment of reflection and renewal. This is a time to appreciate the journey we've taken, celebrate the growth we've experienced, and prepare our hearts and minds for the opportunities of the coming year. Saying goodbye to 2024 is not just an end; it's a moment of gratitude for what has been and a hopeful embrace of what is to come.

Every year brings its own share of triumphs, challenges, and lessons, and 2024 has been no exception. Think back to the moments that define our year—the successes that lit up our days, the challenges that tested our strength, and the people who walked alongside us.

Some memories may bring a smile, others a tear, but together they form the tapestry of our journey. Each experience, whether joyful or difficult, has contributed to our growth. Gratitude for these moments is key, as it allows us to honor the past without dwelling on it.

Take time to thank the people and circumstances that shaped our 2024, for they have prepared us for the road ahead.

Even in a year that may have felt challenging, there are always gifts to be found. Perhaps it was the opportunity to slow down and reassess our priorities, the resilience we discovered within ourself, or the connections we deepened with loved ones.

Let this season of transition remind us of the value of gratitude. By appreciating the past year, we cultivate a mindset of abundance and openness, making it easier to embrace the future.

The arrival of 2025 offers a blank slate—a chance to set new intentions, dream boldly, and start anew. What do we envision for the year ahead? What steps can we take to move closer to our goals?

As we welcome this new chapter, consider setting intentions rather than resolutions. Intentions focus on how we want to feel and grow rather than rigid outcomes. For instance:"I intend to prioritize my health and well-being." "I intend to approach challenges with courage and curiosity."  "I intend to nurture relationships that bring joy and meaning."

Dream big but remain compassionate with ourself. Progress is more meaningful than perfection, and every step forward counts.

2025 is a brimming year with potential, but it also holds unknowns. By carrying the lessons and strength from 2024 into the new year, we equip ourself to face whatever comes with grace and resilience. Trust in our ability to adapt, grow, and thrive.

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, take a moment to celebrate. Celebrate the journey that is 2024—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Celebrate our growth, our strength, and our dreams for 2025.

Here's to closing one chapter with gratitude and opening another with hope. May 2025 brings us joy, opportunity, and the fulfillment of our deepest aspirations. The future is ours to shape, one moment at a time.

🫶

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