Expat life (page 2)
Living, working, house-hunting and raising a child in Seminyak.
Made gardener in Seminyak Bali
Pak Made is a Balinese man employed by the owner of my house, Nyoman. Made is the gardener / fixer upper, who is always around and deals with minor problems at the owner 4 houses.
Afternoon shower in Seminyak Bali
Sitting at Ocha's warung, on Jl. Seminyak, eating nasi campur this afternoon, I chatted with a world traveller about India and Nepal.
Raising a kid in Bali
Raising a kid in Bali, for a foreigner has pro's and con's. The con's are that kid will develop outside of your culture and away from your relatives.
Draining the swamp in Seminyak Bali
Taking my own advice, or at least the advice posted on my own website, I had Ana's husbands Fery, come over and bores holes in my flower pots.
Big papayas, little papayas in Seminyak Bali
Bali is in the tropics, as anyone who is in Bali at the moment can attest to. Its steamy, and last night that steam conspired to create a sudden downpour.
Farewell Scotty Col: Bali misses you mate
Scotty Col (Colin Forrest), a Baliblog reader and genuine good bloke, passed away recently. Scotty was a witty guy and had visited Bali, on many occassions.
Moving to Bali: Difference in expectations and reality
Moving to Bali is a dream for many, a reality for a few. Since living in Bali for almost 4 years, I have met longtern expats, and short term ones, who have come and gone.
No change in Bali
What joke this place is. I just went to Circle K in Seminyak, and had to leave without my stuff, because the guy couldn't change 50,000rp.
Sunset on Blue Ocean Beach Bali
Sunset here in Bali is usually around 6.30pm, give or take. My friend Richard from Australia, a musican who will be doing music tours in Bali, invited me to watch the sunset with him.
Sitting on the porch in Seminyak Bali
You remember that James Taylor song, 'Up On The Roof', where he's getting some down time in a peaceful place? This afternoon I sat out on my porch, but for a different reason.
Recent life in Bali
Living in Seminyak Bali, I get to meet a whole range of interesting people. Its the kind of place that attracts them. Yesterday afternoon I bumped into the good-vibes guy from Oregon.
Where to build a house in Bali
If I had a pot of money and time on my hands, I might build a house in Bali. Even if I don't, just thinking about where it would be, is a lot of fun.
Indonesian woman wants foreign boyfriend in Kuta Bali
There's no accounting for taste, and very often people wants the exact opposite of what's around them.
Friend moving to Canggu Permai Bali
Tonight I had dinner at Yut's in Legian, with a friend who is moving out to Canggu Permai .
Can the'Real Bali' be saved?
Can the Real Bali / China / Thailand, Peru be saved? That question has for a long time, appeared on travel message boards, and will in the future.
Schapelle angers Michelle Leslie with book comments
Schapelle Corby, the Australian beauty therapist, serving a 20 year sentence in Bali for drug important, has angered model Michelle Leslie, with comments made in her book.
Skype a pain in my Bali ass
Everyone out there know what Skype is? Its a program that allows you to chat online (VOIP) and all that jazz. Great idea, but being around Skype users isn't easy.
Balinese ceremony in Legian Bali
Traffic, fumes, moneychangers, touts and noise. Man do we all hate these things. Makes us wonder what Bali has become and why we come here. This afternoon, while strolling down Jl.
Trapped by killer bees in Seminyak Bali
This morning while preparing to leave the house for a bike ride, I was stopped in my tracks by a loud buzzing sound.
Lawnmower in Seminyak Bali
Coming home today at lunchtime, I spotted a strange creature moving slowly across the lawn. Rather large and shiny, it made a clicking noise.
Closing thoughts on wednesday in Bali
Here are some thoughts and extra news items fron Bali this wednesday. •Today was stinking hot. I was like an armpit by 5pm. •Coffee can perk you up, or put you to sleep.
Keeping things in perspective in Bali
This morning in Seminyak, the owner of my motorbike wanted to borrow the registration, in order to renew it. This means I risk a fine, if I am caught riding without it.
Shopping for lunch in Seminyak Bali
My usual lunchtime routine is to hit a warung for some nasi campur. Today I felt like a change, so I went over to Bintang supermarket to see what appealed.
Mango in season in Seminyak Bali
November is mango season in Bali and Bintang supermarket had tons of them. Most people are used to large green mangoes, that are slightly orange.
Awful internet connection in Bali
Saturday night here in Seminyak Bali. I am at an internet cafe on Jl. Dhyana Pura, the place is pretty empty, the connection awful. Not much more I can about these places.
Illegally run Bali villas urged to get in line
Bali's tropical climate makes things grow like nobody's business. In Seminyak, its not just the palm trees that sprout up, its the villas. If you don't own a villa, you are building one it seems.
Internet access in Bali
This evening I went to a smart looking internet cafe on Jl. Benesari (12,000rp / hour). After 40 minutes, I was unable to send 1 email via Yahoo.
Bali rental and restaurant eccentricities
Today I talked with a Euro guy who is opening a restaurant in Seminyak. He asked me if, when I go to a restaurant, do I prefer the service and tax, to be built into the prices, or added at the end.
Retiring in Bali: The expats dillema
Living here in Seminyak I run into quite a few retired people. When I say retired, I don't mean geriatrics, wheelchair bound with home-help, I mean people who are in their 50's, but have made enough…
Monte Swims for Bali, Peace, and UN Millennium Campaign
Bali resident Monte Monfore, is a world record breaking distance swimmer, having swum the Bali Strait , between Bali and Java, and the Badung Strait between Nusa Lembongan and the Bali.
Picking papaya in Seminyak Bali
One of the most pleasurable thing about living in Bali for me, is watching things grow in my garden.
25 Rules to Grow Rich By in Bali
Sound like some kind of smart alec don't I? I'm not, I'm as in need of good advice as the next guy. Browsing through CNN's money section, I saw 25 Rules to Grow Rich By and thought I'd share them.
Life's little shocks: Part of being a Bali expat
Life is full of possibilities and sometimes, those possibilities manifest themselves as little shocks to the system. Living in Bali, you had better be ready for them.
Geo caching in Bali
Exploring Bali is probably my favourite thing to do here. With a motorbike and some time, I can always find new and interesting places to eat, hike and photograph.
Saturday night in Seminyak Bali
Sitting here in an internet cafe in Seminyak, I am warming up to saturday night. Ika is in Java with her family for Ramadan and I have plenty of space to do whatever I want.
Red hair people need a hat in Bali
Today while walking around the Bali Bombing anniversary area, I wore my Aussie hat. Packing onto the outside of my daypack, it got a little bent, but nothing I can't deal with.
Villas are a cash cow in Seminyak Bali
A western friend told me recently a piece of gossip that would put the wind up many people living here in Bali.
Bribery in Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the top 3 most corrupt countries in the world. President SBY has created an anti-corruption department, but some of those investigting others, have been caught taking bribes.
Interview with Dallas Finn, founder of Bali Peace Park
This evening I interviewed Dallas Finn, founder of Bali Peace Park, in Legian. Bali Peace Park was set up after the Kuta Bombings in 2002, to develop the Sari Club and Paddy's sites as a memorial.
Sunday in Yeh Gangga Bali
Sunday here in Bali was spent for me, exploring the beach, roads and rice paddies of Yeh Gangga , just up the coast from Tanah Lot.
The cultural divide in Bali
The other night Ika, Jevon and I went out to Cabe Rawit , the Indonesian food place on Jl. Kunti, for some ayam taliwang (grilled chicken in Lombok style sauce.
Positive influences for Jevon in Bali
Raising a young kid in Bali we are surrounded by all kinds of people, from a multitude of places.
Sunday afternoon at Pantai Geger, in Nusa Dua Bali
Sunday afternoon in Bali, a quiet time of the week, to spend with family and friends. Ika, Jevon and I took off to Pantai Geger , in Nusa Dua , for a quick dip and a snack.
The gangs behind Jl. Seminyak Bali
My house sits down a small gang (alley) in Seminyak. Its the kind of place you would never know existed unless you'd been there.
Zen style: Easy to do in Bali
Twenty years ago the bamboo / tropical style was popular in Bali. It still is to a large degree, but the problem with that look, is your place feels like its got one foot in the kampung.
New Honda motorbikes in Bali
Californians get excited when Chevrolet puts out a new model of the Corvette . In Germany its the Mercedes and here in Bali is a Honda scooter.
Being a dad in Bali
Before I was a parent I had no interest in kids, and it was not my ambition to have them. Now that I have a son Jevon , I think it is the most wonderful thing.
Why Bali is good for your parents
Since living in Bali I have met other expats, who have had their parents visit. The way it often works is a person moves to Bali, loves it, tells their parents about it, only to have them offer…
Yani from Kalimantan Indonesia
Typing up some articles at La Cabana restaurant in Kuta, manager Yani from Balikpapan , Kalimantan, came and sat next to me.
Traffic chaos in Semiyak Bali
Traffic is getting worse in Seminyak no doubt, but yesterday I witnessed pure madness on Jl. Seminyak.
JED Bali: Local eco-tourism
First time visitors to Bali, often complain that the tourist industry had bypassed the poor old Balinese, and they are being left with nothing.
Jimbaran Bay real estate on the radar
Jimbaran Bay real estate is creeping onto the world radar. To be honest its there already, with the Intercontinental hotel and the Four Seasons.
Balinese carvers: Still the best
Last night I did not manage to meet up with Asya fom Russia, who was still returning from north Bali. I did however, have dinner with 2 long time expats, one of whom makes unique carved products.
Thurday night date with Asya from Russia
Tonight I'm supposed to meet with Baliblog reader Asya, who is on her way back from Lovina.
Lawn bowls in Nusa Dua Bali
Lawn bowls is a sport we often associate with white haired couples, and summer afternoons. Its the other end of the spectrum to 10 pin bowling, all noise and whollop.
Saying goodbye to Steve from WA Australia
Steve Love just came over to my house to say goodbye. Steve has been over my place for bbq's before, this time he's been surfing almost everyday.
Meeting old time Bali expats in Seminyak Bali
This evening I met with a frequent Bali visitor / expat from Isreal, to help her with a website, that she is is having made here in Bali.
Jevon's new haircut: Little bugger looks Japanese!
While I was drinking beer and tapping away at a downtown internet cafe in Ubud, Ika was secretly getting getting Jevon a haircut.
Blazing past cops in Bali
When I first came to Bali in 2003, cops were pulling people over like crazy on the road.
Jl. Drupadi Seminyak: Fast dissappearing rice fields
This afternoon I rode down Jl. Drupadi in Semniyak, the location of my first house in Bali.
Bali based fashion designer shows in Melbourne
Bali is home to a whole menagerie of expats, who scratch a living in interesting ways.
Investing in real estate: Bali vs. Phuket
All this talk about holiday villas and real estate , brings up one important question: How does Bali stack up with it regional competitors, as an investment location?
Bali attracting expats from all over Asia
Bali is ahead of the pack when it comes to islands, holiday places and locations to buy a vacation home. Last year I met Ian Macaulay, Director of Developments, at Elite Havens, based in Kerobokan.
Own a piece of paradise in Bali: Buying a holiday villa in Bali
Someone told me there are 2,000 villa construction projects currently going on in Bali.
Living in a Balinese community
Life has changed dramatically for the Balinese over the last 50 years. Areas such as Seminyak, which 20 years ago used to be rice fields, with hardly any foreigners, are now 'bule central'.
Blue wall in Seminyak Bali
For 2.5 years I have been looking at a nasty grey brick wall in my garden. Arriving home last night the nasty grey wall had dissappeared and was replaced by a bright blue wall .
Sim Lim Plaza Singapore: Tech central
Westerners looking to pick up some tech gear gear in Singapore should head on over to Sim Lim Plaza, close to Bugis MRT station in downtown Singapore, for an avalanche of options.
Getting the house painted in Seminyak Bali
Its been over a year since I had the house painted, and today the painters came over for a tour of duty.
Sunday night bbq in Seminyak Bali
Sunday evening at 5pm a little bbq kicked off at my house. My goal this time was to only cook meat that was not atttached to me, my feet now almost recovered.
Who wants a piece of an Ambon diving business?
Just met my friend Mike Hillis in Sanur. Mike is invilved with a really exciting business, that provides scuba diving in Ambon, one of the premier dive spots in East Indonesia .
10 most desirable places to live in Bali
Bali is a desirable place to live for many people. Within that broad statement, there are certain desirable spots to place that dream house , or villa . Here are 10 of the best . • 1. Jl.
Expat life: Seminyak Bali
Expats in Seminyak Bali, tend to be the 'long termer's'. No need to get overly excited with your situation, or stay out till 4am every night celebrating, after all, unless you are stinkin' rich…
Bali Gecko's: Aussie rules team
Bali is home to many Australian expats, who like to keep in touch with the homeland. Those from Victoria, in particular, enjoy Aussie Rules football , and Bali has its own team, the Gecko's .
Top 10 things a Seminyak expat might do on Sunday
Today is saturday and most people in Bali have to work. Sunday however is definitely a day off for most people. You can tell by the amount of traffic on the roads.
Taking the kid for a coffee in Bali
Saturday morning I got Jevon into his disposable diaper, short, shoes, and took him down the street for a coffee.
Expat in Bali: Can you handle it?
Many people dream about being an expat in Bali, waving palm trees, scorching sunshine, perfect waves, lovely people. How could life be better?
Pembantu wars in Seminyak Bali
Having a pembantu , or helper, to take care of the daily chores is a huge help. Most foreigners who live in Bali hire a pembantu and the local landlord will often recommend one.
Riding a motorbike in Denpasar Bali
Riding my motorbike in Denpasar today, looking for a particular shop, I rediscovered my reflexes. Anytime I am away from Bali, it takes a while to mentally get used to the sizes and speeds of things.
Hole in my roof in Seminyak Bali
Waking to a sunny day here in Semiyak Bali, the actual thing that woke me, was an insistant scratching that was coming from the roof.
Raising a child in Bali
Raising kids is an education in human nature, patience and logistics. Since I have returned to Bali, Jevon has been trotting around the house, bright eyed and inquisitive.
New Resorts on the Bukit Bali
Chatting with a friend last night I learned there are 2 new resorts being built on the Bukit Peninsula . Apparently there will be a golf course too.
Hot feet in Seminyak Bali
Sunday afternoon I had a great idea. Why not nip over to Bali Deli, pick up some chicken and sausages and throw a little family bbq for Ika, Jevon, Ningrum and myself. Bali Deli, located on Jl.
Back in Bali!
Hooray for good things. I am back in Bali after a 12 hour flight from London to KL and a 3 hour flight to Denpasar. It feels awesome to be here, better than I was hoping for.
Child safety: A British angle
Living in Bali, one becomes aware of the lack of safety, in many of things we participate in.
Water sports can be hazardous in Bali
This last week in Bali 2 tourists died while enjoying water sports. The first was a 40 year old Australian who was rescued from drowning on Kuta beach.
Top 10 things I'm looking forward to when I get back to Bali
Here in jolly old London I am trying to get a plane back to Bali soon and there are many things I look forward to, outside of the obviously family stuff, life's little pleasures.
Government to Allow Dual Nationality for Children
It can be very confusing if you are married to an Indonesian lady and have a child because under the government law the child has to take the nationality of the father irregardless of the child being…
Rotary Club Seminyak Helps East Bali Schools
A few days ago I put up an article about the good Work Rotary does in Bali and about the jewellery they are selling to raise funds.
Wayang for Children: Bali
Whenever I am in Bali I often watch the Bali TV channel and particularly enjoy the cultural programs and those programs geared towards travellers to the island.
Government to Cut Kerosene Supply: Indonesia
In a Business News report it appears the government will start reducing the supply of kerosene next year in a bid to encourage households to switch to liquefied petroleum gas.
Bali to Berlin: Two very different places
Barrie is doing an excellent job on Baliblog and we're all enjoying his intelligent and interesting stories and posts.Hell, maybe they should hire Barrie instead of me!
Two sides of life in Bali
Living in Bali is a dream for some people. Those who come over on hoilday, often gush about the Bali and the Balinese, is this place the closest thing to paradise?
Bashir and a Double Insult: Indonesia
I read an article in the Daily Telegraph yesterday and became so irate that I almost choked on my coffee.
Governments Want Monitoring of Bashir: Indonesia
A lot of politicians from numerous countries have voiced their opinions on the recent release of Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Bashir.
Anger at the Release of Bashir: Indonesia
I could never come to near to imagining how the parents and family members of the Bali bombing victims feel about the release of Abu Bakar Bashir yesterday.
Gusmao to Get More Power: Timor Leste
Rebel leaders in East Timor are planning a conference to seek ways of modifying the country's constitution to allow greater power for President Xanana Gusmao.
Quake Resistant Houses: Indonesia
It would be perfect to have quake resistant buildings and houses throughout the archipelago of Indonesia and in doing so it would dramatically lessen the damage costs and loss of life.
Ba'asyir Free Next Week: Java, Indonesia
Next week the ageing cleric Abu Bakar Basyir will be released from jail after being incarcerated for two and a half years for his part in the first Bali bombing.
Militant Wanted To Be a Bomber: Denpasar, Bali
An Islamic militant confessed in court yesterday that he had offered to become a suicide bomber before the blasts that ripped through three restaurants on Bali last year.
Taking the family to the beach in Seminyak Bali
Wednesday is my last day in Bali for a while, so I took Ika and Jevon down the road to the beach.