Meeting aid workers in Ubud Bali

G’Day Nick,

I know this would NEVER happen, but, I would like to see a break-down of just how much of the donated money has been spent and where (projects etc). Just who is pulling the strings over there?

Heck, I can dream can’t I! (He, he…!).

Speaking to these guys its obvious the whole disaster relief scene is its own mobile community. Some of them had worked in E. Timor.

Everyone seems to have their ideas about how best to help the locals. I think its also a western trait that we somehow see ourselves as superior to everybody, and want to change them to be like us. The first step on that road is ’saving them in our image’, so to speak.

I asked about how the soldiers in Aceh were towards the aid workers. One guy said they will say ‘you can’t go over that hill, too dangerous, GAM all over…but for a ‘little something’ we’ll take care of you’.

In regard to the recent shooting of an aid worker, I was told some soldiers tried to rob a payroll truck, but got the wrong vehicle. They blamed it on GAM.

Nicko matey it sounds like your having a real Kewl time in Ubud and will no doubt continue to do so. I woulnt mind swapping places for the next few days Nick.
While your there mate theres a chap called Roy who is a yankie doodle dandy and he owns and runs an Arts/Antique type place which displays some nice pices of ancient Balinese artifacts. Give hinm a visit and tell him Sparky sends his regards and arrange to meet up with him in Naught Nuris where from what i have heard there is a good crack to be had and is defo worth you including this in your plans for an evening visit Nick. Knowing you mate you were probabvly there last night burning the candle at both ends…hee hee.

Enjoy
Mark S

Cheers Mark, I just got back to Seminyak and just read your post. I did down a Bintang at Nauri’s and its was a subdued atmosphere, very civilized. I think that place conjures up something that its not. Located opposite Neka art gallery it attracts people who are interested in culture and art, not the ‘wild man expat’ that I was thinking of. Still they do good bbq and people who I know who live in Ubud recomened it.

Hi Nick. I’ve just come from E.Timor and will be travelling to Aceh. I’l try and get to the Deli Cat tonight as i’m trying to meet a friend (Jamal) from Canada. I’ll be wearing a blue cap probably but ask around if i’m not. Will be in Ubud for a few days and would be good to have a chat. I’m planning on doing some filming all over Indo. Hope to see you tonight or some time soon.
Neil (London)

Neil,

I just got back to Seminyak. Too bad we didn’t meet up. I met some cool people who were heading to Aceh, a Australian guy called Steve doing permaculture and an American named Levi doing chiropractic.