This morning I went to Cafe Moka and met up with Patrice, a French guy living here in Bali for years and collector of ancient Balinese fertility statues. He agreed to let me interview him and photograph some of his collection at his place in Sanur, which I will do soon. So many interesting people here who have unique local knowledge. Some of Patrice’s artwork pre-dates the current Balinese civilization.
Here in Bali its May 1st so I’m going on strike. Actually I’m not but I have a bunch of bills that need to be paid ( motorbike, electric bill, internet access etc.). After stopping at an ATM on Jl. Seminyak (the one that’s popular with expats just around the corner from Jl. Kunti) I swung by Bali Land & Houses on Jl. Kerobokan and took care of the electric.
I was overdue to pick up my laundry and before shooting off downtown made ap it stop at my laundry. I used to go to a shop on Jalan Oberoi around the corner but the problem was they closed at 5pm so I was out of luck coming home late. This place I’ve been using was recommended by Sean and is much better. Located on Jalan Drupadi I can walk there but elected to ride to save time.
I parked my bike outside a small alleyway and recieved a nice smile from a lady going to work as I was snapping away.
The little alley leads to a sign painted on the wall which is the entrance to the home of a couple of families. There’s a central area as in most traditional houses which can be used for relaxing or ceremonies.
The laundry is right inside the door and the older lady who lives here was taking care of her young son. The younger girl who lives here is expecting and after saying hi ran off to get my bundle. Its hot inside the laundry room…no change in that scenario no matter where you go.
For my dozen items the cost was 20,000rp ( $2.35 ), good for me as I’m running all over without time to sit and watch dryers spin.
At home I am sweating like a flea on a bald man and will take a cold shower before heading off to Arjuna immigration consultants in Kerobokan. My visa has to be renued every month for 500,000rp and this is the first time I’ve had to hand over the green.
I have a meeting with Rob from Australia tonight at Warung 96. Rob’s the guy who asked me to track down his friend Made. I was unsuccessful but hopefully we’ll get together tonight.
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Hi Nick, do you have to renew your visa evey month BECAUSE of the the new visa regs??. As you know I am coming on a cultural Visa and before these new supposed regs came out, I didn’t have to renew my visa for 2 months. I would really appreciate any advice on this Nick. The only other problem I have is that my Cultural Visa is prepared in Yogya which means it has to be renewed there - or so my wife was told. Damn regs!
Nick,
Very interested in how you’ve arranged your visa.
If I were to go through Arjuna, what kind of arrangement could I make if I could prove I work for myself (all money made over the internet as a contract programmer, for example)
Any ideas?
Jason
Waikiki, Hawaii
Nick,
I magine how much that load of washing would cost in the western world, where a machine would do everything!!
I love that about Bali you drop it off & come back the next day to a perfectly gift wrapped parcel of your own clothing & it is cheap! For a while I used to do all my own washing in Bali by hand in a big tub in the bathroom. Now it is just my personal items & the rest go off to Laundry!
Barrie, you must be heading off shortly?
I am so jealous! Have fun….
Hi Tracey, yeah I have exactly 29 days!. Arrive the 1st Juni and I am flying with Paradise Air for the first time. Garuda has always been the go for me but I thought a bit of support for the Bali airline is just the ticket (excuse the pun!). Only prob is that the plane arrives in DPS at 18.30 hrs. Hey, I don’t mind just as long as I am in Bali AND with my beautiful wife!. Tracey we can meet up in Bali and have a good natter eh.
Vincent, I find I sweat more of less continously, more noticeable when in direct sunlight or where ther’s limited airflow. It doesn’t take as much out of me as when I first arrived though.
Let’s all meet up for a beer.
I’m on a business visa and after getting stmaped with 60 days on arrival have to renue it 4 times for 30 days each. Arjuna does this for me for around 500,000RP per time. I arrived on a tourist visa in January and 60 days later left for Singapore. Coming back I had 2 monthes and now I’m doing my first renewal.
Just give them a call when you’re here and they’ll spell it out for you.
Thanks for the sweat report Nick.
Sounds like shadows and the shade are the places to be.
I know someone from Australia (hardly the coldest place in the world) who has lived in Bali for 5 years. In August she walked across a hotel courtyard to greet Akari & I. Bingo! She was a Sweaty Betty!
Cheers for the info Nick. I will check out Arjuna for some advice etc.
This sweat thing …. do you acclimatise? Or is that it for the rest of your life; one sudden movement and half a litre of perspiration appears??