The Doulos Hope is a floating library that travels the world, bringing books, stories, and conversation from port to port. While the ship was docked in Dili, Timor-Leste, I sat down with Vale Rios, media and communications lead onboard, to talk about life at sea, the people who choose this path, and what it means to bring stories across the oceans.

In this conversation, Vale shares what daily life aboard the ship really looks like, what makes each port - including Dili - unique, and why books and human connection still matter in a fast, digital world. We also reflect on what remains long after a ship leaves port.

This episode opens Season 2 of 68 Cups of Blueberry Tea, now recorded from Dili, and sets the tone for conversations shaped by movement, place, and quiet impact.