Expat life (page 3)
Living, working, house-hunting and raising a child in Seminyak.
What Indonesians in Bali have heard about the Yogya quake
The Yogyakarta earthquake in Central Java is grabbing all the headlines. Here in Bali there are many people from Central Java and Yogya itself.
Ika's visa not granted in Jakarta
Just heard this morning, that Ika was rejected, for a visa to visit the UK. They don't give a reason, but if she wants to pursue it, she can attend an interview in Jakarta, on June 6th.
Warming up for friday night in Bali
Friday night is here in Seminyak Bali. The time is 8.30pm, which means any kind of action is hours away. The party doesn't start till midnight, and goes all night in some places.
Putting the word out in Seminyak Bali
I'm out of here soon, heading for the FIFA World Cup 2006 in Germany. I will be gone for several weeks and while not overly concerned about leaving Ika and Jevon here alone, I wanted to put the word…
Jevon O'Neill: Not too many of them
Today I got an email from a fellow in the UK, who's name was Jevon O'Neill. He said he reckons he and my son, are the only 2 people who have that name.
Expensive pre-school in Bali
Schools are a subject most of us have forgotten about. That is until we have kids, then school are all of a sudden in the picture again. This morning Ika's friend Ayu, from Kalimantan came over.
Kerobokan jail: A tough hole to climb out of
Talking recently with an expat who has been living in Bali for years, we got on the subject of Kerobokan jail.
Getting ready for World Cup Germany
The clock is ticking on my time left in Bali. FIFA World Cup 2006 Berlin Germany is coming up. I'm out of here on March 31st and will be gone 6 weeks.
Cody & Jeff: Bali Expats no more
Sunday night I got an sms from good old Cody, from Oklahoma . He and his friend Jeff were 15 minutes away from leaving Bali for good.
Residents meeting in Seminyak Bali
Latest developments in the neighborhood security situation: A couple of weeks ago, my neighbor from Australia had a bag with 30m rp stolen from his house.
Coconuts in Seminyak Bali
This morning we heard the sound of chains saws close to our house. No it wasn't the security guys trying to bore their way in, it was another house close by chopping down coconut trees.
Bath time in Seminyak Bali
Late afternoon in Bali, one of the family get to take his second bath of the day. Jevon likes the water and our bathtub is where he ends up with his plastic duck and a bottle of kid soap.
There's a snake in the house in Seminyak Bali
Our porch backs directly onto the garden, which, minus the mosquitoes, is cool. This afternoon Ika came upstairs to tell me there was a snake in the garden.
Talking to Ika about being a parent and kids names
Ika has been a mother for over 10 months already. There have been huge changes in Jevon, from the screaming little package we brought home, to a kid that can react to his surroundings.
Sunday morning in Seminyak Bali
Sunday morning here in Bali and we are getting ready for a little bike ride. My rear brake is worn down to the metal, so its getting serviced right now.
Security at my house in Seminyak
Arriving home just 20 minutes ago, I saw the 2 'security' guys, hanging around outside their little office.
Jungle garden in Seminyak Bali
Welcome to the jungle, when you come to my house in Seminyak Bali. The flora out here grows like plants on steroids, extra big and super fast.
Bali expats have million stories
Every time I run into a long term expat, they seems to have some new story to tell me. This morning I ran into my neighbor, the one who had the bag of money stolen from his house.
Canggu Club: Private members club Bali
Canggu is trying to become the next big 'bule' district in Bali. Anyone who has been out there can't avoid noticing the villas, some already built, others being constructed.
Interview with Patrice from France
Bali expats come in all shapes and sizes. On this day in 2003 I interviewed a French expat named Patrice at his home in Sanur.
Jevon's carriage in Seminyak Bali
Ika is totally in tune with Jevon, understanding his energy level and mood. The other day she told me she knows when he is about to 'pee pee' and 'poo poo'.
Bali: Expat's heaven & hell
Someone told me once that when you first come to Bali, you love everything about it. After a year or so you hate everything about it, then after a some time things balance out.
Bali Villa Worldwide
Villas, villas, villas. That's becoming Bali's best crop. Move over rice farmers (figuratively and literally), that field close to town is worth money.
People in Balinese history - Bob Koke & Louise Garret
Bob Koke , a young photographer from Hollywood, and Louise Garret , his future wife, came to Bali in the Dutch East Indies in 1936 , to spend a few weeks painting and taking photographs.
Break in at my neighbors in Seminyak Bali
My neighbor just came over to tell me his house was robbed this afternoon. He hasn't lived there long and seems a nice young guy.
April 19th 2003: Taman Legian restaurant
Back on this day in 2003, I talked to a young lady named Made, who worked as a waitress at Taman Legian , a shack along Jl. Double Six.
Raising kids in Bali
This morning Ika took Jevon to a small local clinic, as his feces contained some blood. She told me before, that he sometimes struggles to go to the bathroom.
A villa in Bali: Your piece of paradise
Bali is a becoming a place where expats and part-time stayers look to build a villa . Bali has 20,000 hotel rooms, ranging from bargain basement to luxury.
Important people in Balinese history: Mads Lange
Mads Lange was the first European to set himself up in south Bali. He singlehandedly put south Bali on the trading route and helped prevent Dutch rule for a period of time.
Meeting Mark from Kangkung Cottages in East Bali
Back in 2003 I took a road trip out to East Bali and stayed at a guest house ran by an Aussie guy named Mark.
Saying goodbye to old friend in Bali
This evening in Seminyak there was a small gathering, about 30 people or so at a bar by the beach. The wind was blowing and the sand flying.
Upscale Bali: The movement to re-market the image
Bali is in a state of transition from a bamboo and trinket, hippie trail layover, to a villa, spa, nightlife retreat for tourists.
Jevon has 6 teeth in Seminyak Bali
Jevon the little bugger, has 6 teeth right now (2 bottom and almost 4 top). People have told me he will cry a lot when his teeth start coming through, but that's not the case at all.
Bali - Java stereotypes
Feeling like zombie today I dragged myself down to the gym and sweated away on the running machine. Nothing like sucking in air and getting the old circulation moving.
Meeting Mick and Upi in Kerobokan Bali
Late Saturday afternoon I got a call from an old mate, Mick Turnbull, from Victoria.
Nyepi evening in Seminyak Bali
Nyepi evening was super quiet and super dark. I literally could not see any light outside, or hear any noises other than nature.
March 28th 2003 in Bali
Three years ago today I was in Lovina on the north coast of Bali. My friends Mick.
Jevon goes to the doctors in Denpasar Bali
Jevon went to the doctor's today for another immunisasi. Its a once a month deal and he's very good about it. We ride the motorbike after getting thoroughly dissheartened with the taxis.
Sub letting your way to fame in Seminyak Bali
People try all kinds of ways to make money over here. I'm talking about the foreigners of course, we all know how the locals make money.
Sakit in Seminyak Bali
Saturday in Seminyak I have a slight chest infection and a cold. No exercise for me for the last couple of days.
Crawling kid in Seminyak Bali
Time flies and having a young kid highlights that. Jevon is 8.5 months right now and is a totally different little creature than the one that popped out last June.
Shakedown Street Bali
'Nothin shakin on Shakedown street used to be the heart of town Don't tell me this town ain't got no heart You just gotta poke around' -Hunter / Garcia- Bali is dealing with its economic situation in…
Seminyak Bali: Religion and tourism in close proximity
Cafe Seminyak on Jl. Seminyak is my usual place for a coffee. Just the other day I was sitting there with my hat and sun glasses reading the Jakarta Post, when someone said "Are you Nick?" An…
Ika having hard time with allergies in Seminyak Bali
Ika has started to look like Jesse James. The reason for this is allergies, something I know very well.
Sweating like an Indo cop on a lie detector
Man its a steamer today! My internet connection isn't working, probably due to the power supply to the antenna.
Dinner at Warung Murah in Legian Bali
Saturday evening I was ready for food and asked Ika where she wanted to eat. After 30 minutes she said Warung Murah on Jl. Double Six.
Nusa Dua Sunday
Sunday in Seminyak is usually a day I try to take off. Actually I usually do some stuff for part of the day and take Ika somewhere when I get the chance.
Expat friends in Seminyak Bali
Many people think that living in Bali is paradise. I know people who visit Bali once or twice a year and who dream of moving here.
Sunny day in Seminyak Bali
Saturday here in Seminyak I was recovering from Friday night. Working out more and not drinking is a great, but when I have a drink it hits me harder.
Cutting the jungle back in Seminyak Bali
Our house in Seminyak has a small area of garden which is surrounded by bushes. We also have a few palm trees over 30ft.
Made Wijaya: An expat with an attitude
Made Wijaya came to Bali 30 years ago as Michael White. He has a successful landscaping and design business as well as a column in a magazine called Stranger in Paradise .
Academy Awards in Seminyak Bali
Modern media is so powerful because of its reach. Nowadays any dipshit who can make it onto MTV will have a worldwide audience, including people in the farthest flung places.
Sunday afternoon at Pantai Segara in Tuban Bali
Sunday afternoon, Ika, Jevon and I went to a beach called Pantai Segara in Tuban. Located just north of the airport, Pantai Segara is almost exclusively a locals beach.
Blue Ocean Beach this afternoon
A cloudy afternoon that was bright encouraged some people to make it out to Blue Ocean Beach. I made it out because I work out there, and man did I work up a sweat today.
Yippee my computer works!
Thanks heavens for small mercies (should I be thanking Allah?). This morning my machine continued its naughty behavior, so during the 3rd iteration of its start / stop routine, I did a 'Ctrl/Alt/Del,…
Internet & computers: Not my friends today
Getting online is a continual struggle for me in Seminyak and tonight it took another turn. I can't start my computer, I think it has a virus.
Giant spider in Seminyak Bali
Add another critter to the ever expanding list of wildlife that calls my house home. Ika pointed out a giant spider that lives in our garden.
Interview with Gin from JED Village Ecotourism Network
Name: Gin Age: 30 From: Adelaide Australia Occupation: Marketing manager How long in Bali: 9 months Bali has a great variety of unique people and today I interviewed Gin from JED (Jaringan Ekowisata…
DVD night : Papaya to the rescue
Relaxing in the evening on the weekends and watching a DVD with Ika has become something we I enjoy. She has an old TV and a DVD player, I bought a few DVD's and a friend lent me some new one's.
Looking for houses in Legian Bali
Many people ask about houses and villas. Sure the holiday villas are well advertised, with silly rates to match. Long term rentals are all over the place too, but are a bit harder to find.
A lizard in the house in Seminyak Bali
To the list of specimens found in my house we can add another. This afternoon I was chatting to Ika when I saw this little bugger on my path.
Fun with the internet in Seminyak Bali
Back from the gym, getting online was my next hurdle. A number of things can happen to my connection, the most common being the power supply fails for a second due to the useless plug adapters.
Rushing to get 'huge' in Legian Bali
Here's how my schedule worked today. Like a man on methamphetamines, I had a lot of stuff going through my mind and not enough time to do them all. What's new?
Taking Ika for a massage in Kerobokan Bali
Bali has so many things to offer and I'm not good at taking advantage sometimes. All my mates tell me I should surf, the nightlife is relentless and there is a huge array of fine dining places.
Rainy night in Seminyak
Monday night I rode up Jl. Seminyak and stopped at the cool padang place, Pondok Dua. They serve up the Sumatran style food from pyramids, piled on plates, and its always good.
Workout over in Legian Bali
Okay I survived my workout and feel like a hundred dollars. Its a steam bath right now, and I am sucking down OJ like an alcoholic at an AA meeting.
Time to workout in Legian Bali
Its 1pm and the sun is blazing here in Seminyak Bali. I just ate a chicken salad made by chef Ika and am ready to go for some exercise. The gym is called Sunset and is located on Blue Ocean Beach.
Jevon's haircut in Seminyak Bali
While I was working out this afternoon Ika was taking Jevon for a haircut. His hair was getting a bit long and she felt it would be good to tidy it up. A place next to Bintang did it for 13,000rp.
Tricky employees in Legian Bali
Bali's economy has been hit by the 2005 bombing. Things are on the mend and there is a tremendous amount construction work and new places opening all the time.
Warung Joglo in Kerobokan Bali
The Bali Advertiser came out the other day and ran an ad about a warung in Kerobokan. 'Warung Joglo' it said, 'Lunch Buffet 5,000rp' .
Running into Linda Garland in Ubud Bali
Today I went to Ubud for some adventure and one of the adventures was running into Linda Garland. I have heard about Linda but never met her.
Ana and Ferry: My helpers in Bali
Ana from Java is our pembantu (helper) who does a very good job, Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm.
Sebentar, you're only the first in line
My usual lunch date is with a packet of nasi bungkus (take away rice) for 4,000rp. I spend more money on dinner, but try to economize on money and time at lunch. The place I go is located on Jl.
Jevon has many friends at Cafe Seminyak
Sunday morning in Seminyak the un is blazing and most people are at the beach. Balinese families get together and the roads are noticeably quiet.
PlanetMole: Bule situations
Barrie's site PlanetMole features an article by Tracey, called 'Bule Situations: Motorbike Fashions' .
Schools in Bali
Jevon is growing fast. Now almost 7.5 months and 8kgs, he is noticing more and more. We want him to interact with other kids and at some point he'll be in a playgroup.
Friday in Kuta Bali
Taking care of erands today and trying to avoid getting cooked in the tropical sunshine. That pretty much sums up my day.
Evening at Global in Kerobokan Bali
Last night I could not get online to save my life. Frustrated I went down to an internet cafe on Jl. Dhyana Pura. They had a sign up saying Indosat was dwon between 5pm-11pm.
Kuta Beach 3 years ago
On this day 3 years ago I ate breakfast at Cafe Moka in Seminyak then went to Internet Outpost on Poppies Lane II in Kuta.
Jevon is 7 month old in Seminyak Bali
Jevon is looking a healthy boy and his diet is moving along too. From just susu ibu (mother's milk) and bottled milk, he has dropped the bottled milk and been on a bubur (porridge) regimen a couple…
Cell phones in Bali
Cell phones are all the rage in Bali just like most other places in the world. My sister-in-law Ningrum, loves chatting to her friends and I get the feeling that between her, Ika and and brother…
A day in Seminyak Bali
Lunchtime today I walked over to Warung Mimpi for some nasi campur (mixed rice). My meal was 20,000 rp which included a watermelon juice. Mimpi is located on Jl.
Wednesday afternoon in Seminyak Bali
Wednesday afternoon for me consisted of typing stuff in bedroom. The platform I use is on snail speed right now so getting stuff online takes for ever.
Classic shot of dissapointment in Bali
Life is full of little dissapointments and as we get older we continually discover new ones. Jevon got a nice little vacation to the NE coast of Bali recently.
Spider in the house: Seminyak Bali
Ika pointed out a large spider that had fallen onto one of our chairs. Add this to the list of creepy crawlies that call our house home. I photographed Ika holiding it and it was already dead.
Michael Blanc: Lifer in Bali jail
Michael Blanc is a 33 year old Frenchman languishing in Kerobokan jail along with Schapelle Corby and a whole host of other undesirables.
Superbowl Sunday or Monday in Bali
Three years ago today I was in Tuban watching the Superbowl with Sean and a guy named Andrew, at Stadium Cafe in Tuban.
Checking villas in Seminyak
Gang Plawa is the small alley that is across from Jl. Dhyana Pura. It connects Jl. Seminyak with the Sunset Rd. Along there area some okay villas.
Helping Cody & Jeff look for a house in Seminyak Bali
Jeff & Cody do not know Seminyak very well and my local knowledge came in handy. Riding down Jl. Drupapi we stopped and checked out a couple of places.
Hot property in Bali
This land is worth money and they ain't making any more of it. If you have the cojones to slap your wad down on a piece of the 'Island of the Gods' you just might make out like a bandit An article in…
Mutant gecko's and other creatures in Indonesia
After that photo of Sam, the 'ugliest dog in the world', we're back on the subject of pets. Or should I say, unwanted house guests.
Art & Music in Seminyak Bali
Aside from sitting in my room typing, the only other thing I do each day is go for a walk.
New Stavol from Bintang Seminyak
See what I've got to go through to keep you people entertained? After checking the power sockets in my room, the plug adaptors the outgoing sockets from the Stavol, I assertained the device wasn't…
Give me power: Bali internet
After a quick nasi campur at Warung mimpi on Jl. Dhyana Pura, I walked home to get back online.
Tricksters in Seminyak Bali
Last night I went out for a few beers at a local bar and chatted with some Seminyak expats. One guy was quite angry about something that happened to him on Dec 26th.
Ningrum, Ika & Jevon in Seminyak Bali
Ika, Ningrum & Jevon all went shopping today for odds and ends. I think they went to either Discovery Mall or some other big place.
Power outage in Seminyak Bali
This morning in Seminyak I talked to the waitress at Cafe Seminyak, who's sister was injured in the Raja's blast. She's better, but still out of work.
Freedom: Bali Nine makes me think about what I've got
All this stuff about prison and courts has once again got me thinking about freedom. This afternoon I walked out of Denpasar District Court without so much as a blink of an eye.
Meeting Cody in Canggu Bali
Saturday afternoon I rode out to Canggu, largely because I was bored and wanted to get out of the concrete jungle. My destination was the Beach House at Echo Beach in Canggu.
Fungus grows everywhere in Bali
The wet season in Bali (Nov-Mar) means daily showers and high humidity. The Balinese say that during this time the earth is ' panas ' (sick) and have a special ceremony marking the end of the wet…