Archive for September, 2006
Expats living in Bali often need the nuts and bolts, meaning hammers, drills, electrical and equipment etc. The one stop place is
Ace Hardware in Kuta. Today I went over to Ace for a closer look.
Ace Hardware is an American company, with branches all over the world. Their range of goods is extensive, everything from garden, to automotive to interior decoration. Here in Bali the prices are somewhat higher than they are in the US, as the merchandise has to be imported and shoppers have fewer options if they don’t go to Ace.
Ace is located in the Kuta Galeria, at the Sunset Rd and Jl. Imam Bonjol. Its building is one large aircraft hanger, with everything laid out in separate departments.
Here’s a few of the items and prices for each department.
Outdoor living:
Gazebo - 299,000rp
Weber gas bbq ,size large, deluxe with attached table - 11,500,000rp
Weber charcoal bbq - 1,567,000rp
RubberMaid medium cooler - 419,000rp
Tyrano mountain bike - 5,255,000rp
Other stock includes camping equipment, sporting goods (leather soccer ball - 59,000rp), swimming goggles (34,000rp), Pet care products and garden loungers.
Lawn & Garden:
This section has tools, gloves, chemicals, ornaments.
1 gallon of Ace Home Insect Control - 135,500rp
1 petrol lawn mower made by White Outdoor - 7.7m rp
Paint:
This section includes paint, brushes, ladders and other gear.
1 gallon (3.79 liter) Ace Flat Wall Paint (Acrylic latex) 230,000rp
1 quart (946ml) Ace Satin Wall & Trim (Acrylic latex enamel) 85,700rp
Basic step ladder - 597,000rp
Also includes exterior paint and spray paint.
Automotive:
Every accessory for cars except the car itself.
Turtle Wax Express shine - 53,000rp
Prestone ATF Stop Leak - 58,500rp
Shell Helix Motor Oil (1 liter) 31,500rp
Hardware:
Krisbow safe, 380*350*360 - 2m rp
Sentry Safe, fire & water safe, A5846603*472*472 - 6.2m rp
Locker set by Ace, featuring 12 lockers is a 6 foots stack - 1,729,000rp
Also available are locks, nuts, bolts.
A regular rotating Master Lock is 77,900rp
Tools:
J-Tech Double Open End Wrench Set, 5.5-2.7mm (9 pieces) - 272,000rp
Ace Adjustable Wrench (10 inch) 49,600rp
Krisbow 9 piece Ball Point Hex Key 45,000rp
Also available are tool boxes, trolleys, carts, pallet lifts, air compressors, drills, circular saws, hard hats, levels, tape measures,
Krisbow 600mm spirit level - 89,100rp
Electrical:
This section features interior lighting, flash lights, camping lanterns, ceiling fans, power strips.
Cleaning Supplies:
This section includes mops, detergents, scrubbing brushes
A 2.9 liter jug of Tide laundry soap is 191,000rp
Shout Stain Remover (650ml) is 57,000rp
Windex (768ml) is 54,500rp
Mop with head and handle is 73,300rp
Housewares:
This section includes cups, plates, vases, chairs, furniture, candles, picture frames, shelving, rice cookers, microwaves.
Kris microwave - 625,000rp
Kris stand up fan - 748,000rp
Also there is a large selection of Tupperware and dining accessories, air cleaners, irons, kettles.
Kris Dry Iron - 89,000rp
Looking at Ace from a 10,000ft level, I’d say most of there stuff is way overpriced, but it is handy to have a single place where you can come and pick up stuff that works.
Membership for a year is 100,000rp and will give you 5% off of everything you buy.
Ace Hardware
Istana Kuta Galeria
Jl. Patih Jelantik
Kuta
(0361)769328
Ace is open from 9am-10pm daily. Free parking available for cars and bikes.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 27th, 2006
Here’s the best of Bali nightlife for the next 10 days provided by the
Beat Magazine.
•Tuesday Sept 26th
Bacio
Aficionado
DJs Chandra, Andre and cut price on a choice of cigars
F Lounge
F Live Session
Live roots and blues classics served up by The Fonz and The Special Guests, open mic and doubles pool competition. From 11pm
Ku De Ta
Film Night 2006
See Main Stage for details
MBarGo
The Asphalt Jungle
DJ P-pen and Javaica percussion’s turn to rock the decks. From 11pm
Double Six
Funk Up
DJ Helmy
•Wednesday Sep 27th
Bacio
Babes & Bubbles
Half price champagne, wine, and cocktails only for the ladies. DJ Fadi on the one and twos
ESC
1000 Wings
Enjoy the delight of chicken wings, only cost you 1000 rupiah, while DJ Agung on the smooth tunes
F Lounge
Femme Fatale
Teased with ease by DJ Riz and 2 for 1 on all Roskas for the ladies till midnight
Kudos
Drama Queen
Bollywood style, with Monica, Jennifer, and Brenda taking the stage along with hot dancers. From 11pm
MBarGo
BKK Style Dancers
Hip hop dance show and go-go dancers taking over the dancefloor. From 11pm
Paparazzi
DJ Tommy
Double Six
Prettylicious
DJ Nolly
•Thursday Sept 28th
Bacio
Disco Glam
DJ Jonny digs in the crates for nostalgic classics. From 10pm
ESC
Customer Appreciation Day
Enjoy Smirnoff vodka for just 15K plus complimentary tapas from 6-11pm and deep House beats from DJ Andy Delux
F Lounge
Sir Norman Jay
See Main Stage for details
Kudos
New 2QT2BSTR8 Show
Contemporary dance show feat divas, dancers and DJ U-you live. From 11pm
Paparazzi
The Faces
Fashion show by Puravida while DJs Deecoy & Spry (Switzerland) drop tech and minimal house
Ubud
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Literary extravaganza with lunches, seminars, discussion, poetry slams and more. Runs till Oct 3rd. See HereNow, for full information contact (0361)971257 or check ubudwritersfestival.com for full details
Double Six
Evolution
DJ Emon
•Friday Sept 29th
Harris Resort
Live@Harris with Saharadja
Bali’s own jazz-world music group live on stage. From 6.30pm. FDC 50k, extra buffet 48k
Bacio
Flavours
DJs Ai (Moonchild), Emon
F Lounge
Salsa Lovers
A new flavour for F Lounge, grab a partner and brush up on your moves. . From 11pm
Hu’u
The Hu’u Tribe
An invitation to experience the dynamic and hypnotic essence of thumping house tunes and beat of african drum with DJs Nason, Yudi and Benk-benk on jembe. From 11pm. FDC 100k
Kudos
Showtime
The glam and glitz of Vegas is on with dancers, artists and DJ U-you behind the decks. From 11pm
DeJaVu
F**k Me I’m Famous
C&C Models strutting on the catwalk, along with tunes by DJs Emon & Anastacia. From 11pm
MBarGo
Vital Instinct
DJ Fadi (SWE)
Dee Jay Cafe
The Duel #2
See Main Stage for details
Paparazzi
Funktology
DJ Broyz
Double Six
The Vibe
DJs Wilson, Anastacia
Tanah Lot
Cakolosal
See Main Stage for details
•Saturday Sept 30th
Blue Nightclub
Early Birds Get Lucky
Never early to party! live DJ, drink promo, and free cocktails for girls from 9-10pm
Bacio
Fever
DJ Billy the Kid (AUS)
F Lounge
Felicious
Toasted to perfection as Alex Joy throws down soulful and deep house beats. From 11pm
Hu’u
Solid Gold
Across the tracks, heading way back to the 70-80’s, as DJs Jonny and Yudi play stuff you remember from the school disco. From 11pm. FDC 100k
Kudos
Sweat
With fire breathers, and bondage show, sweat is guaranteed. Dresscode: leather and black. From 11pm
DeJaVu
Made In Heaven
Javaica percussion with combo performance by DJs Lanang & Anastacia. From 11pm
D’Glow
Conjuction for Reward Members
Dance performance, tequilla girls, bikini waitresses, DJ Rowland (JKT) and ART. From11pm
MBarGo
Hell’ktrocity
DJs Fadi (SWE), Leon. From 11pm
Double Six
Insomniac
DJs Ai (Moonchild), Emon
•Sunday Oct 1st
MBarGo
My Crib
DJs Fadi (SWE) and free welcome shot to ensure a smooth close to your weekend. From 11pm
F Lounge
Fuzzy
Tenderly stroked, soothing you with chilled house and downtempo grooves. From 11pm
Double Six
Rainbow Night
•Monday Oct 2nd
Bacio
DJs Chandra, Andre
MBarGo
Reggaeton Summer Riddim
DJs Lazy Bones (JPN) and Leon serving you the Latino version of R’n’B. From 11pm
Double Six
Pure Volume
DJ Dede
Paparazzi
DJ Tommy
•Tuesday Oct 3rd
Bacio
Afficionado
DJs Chandra, Andre and 20% off selected cigars. From 10pm
F Lounge
F Live Session
The Fonz and The Special Guests got the blues up on the red carpeted stage, open mic and pool comp for the hustlers. From 11pm
MBarGo
Asphalt Jungle
Percussionist Javaica and DJ P-Pen collaboratin’ and perpetratin’. From 11pm.
Paparazzi
DJ Tommy
Double Six
Funk Up
DJ Helmy
•Wednesday Oct 4th
Bacio
Babes & Bubbles
Half price on champagne, wine and cocktails, but only for the ladies, DJ Fadi (SWE) presides over the music. From 10pm
F Lounge
Femme Fatale
Riz will tease you with ease till you drop to yer knees, plus 2 for 1 on all Roskas till midnight for the ladies
Kudos
2QT2BSTR8
Dance show with Monica, Patricia, Jennifer and hot dancers. From 11pm
Paparazzi
DJ Tommy
Double Six
Prettylicious
DJ Nolly
•Thursday Oct 5th
Bacio
Disco Glam
DJ Jonny all night long where boogie woogie will rules the night
F Lounge
Hip Shaker
Supasoul controllaz Wayne Wonder shakes a fonky payback from wayback. From 11pm
Kudos
Drama Queen
Chicago is in the house, along with its artists, dancers and tunes by DJ U-you. From 11pm
MBarGo
Bikini Show
The girls will strutting on the bar, in their sexy skimpy bikini provided by Bali’s own Surfer Girl. From 11pm
Paparazzi
Red Hot Thursday
DJ Rowland (JKT)
Double Six
Evolution
DJ Emon
Coming Events
•Friday Oct 6th
Bacio
Flavours
DJs Chandra, Andre, and special guest DJ
Sky Bar
Oakley Fashion Presentation
The wide range of their collection of wardrobe and eyewear on fall 06 will be on the stage. From 8pm
Kama Sutra
Ari Lasso Live On Stage
Ex-vocalist of Indonesian group DEWA, now solo, back to prove he’s still got the goods. Three successful albums already under his belt. “Rahasia Ilahi” (God’s Secret) and “Rahasia Perempuan” (Woman’s Secret) are already classics. what more reason do you need to check him out? From 11pm
Bahiana
Brazilian Carnival
Bringing the flavours of Rio with lavish outfits and samba beats! From 11pm
•Saturday Oct 7th
Bacio
Fever
DJs Chandra, Andre and guest performers
Paparazzi
Hottish Saturday
DJ Alfan
Double Six
Insomniac
DJ Emon
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source : www.baliblog.com
September 27th, 2006
Typing up some articles at La Cabana restaurant in Kuta, manager
Yani from Balikpapan, Kalimantan, came and sat next to me. If you are ever lonely, bored, or just want to chat to someone, go to La Cabana, and Yani will spill the beans on everything that is happening in her life.
Born to a Catholic father and Muslim mother, Yani shook up the jelly beans jar, by marrying an Australian Buddhist, and having a son him. Single again, Yani is the peppy representative of La Cabana.
One subject that came up today, was Ramadan. Yani spent her first Ramadan in Bali last year. Kalimantan is Muslim and in the main towns, everyone is going to the mosque and worshipping. In the villages its even more intense. Yani told me that after morning prayers people must fast all day. After sundown people head to the mosque (masjid) to take part in prayers, then everyone in the village will meet and greet everyone else, offering them a thanks for Ramadan and apologising for past deeds. Yani said people will be crying they are so into it. After the session at the mosque, people will visit the graveyard and spend an hour giving thanks to their ancestors. I told Yani I have a piece of paper saying I am a certified Mus.
The food is something she misses. During Idul Fitri, the end of the holy month of Ramadan, people will visit neighbors, relatives and friends, who visit the house and enjoy special food. Yani said the food they cook is SO complicated and hard to make, but that doesn’t stop her auntie and granny, from spending enormous effort to make it. One dish she described was a dough made into 4 inch circles, which became a type of noodle, only better. It would be filled with fish, fresh water and other ingredients and cooked.
I reckon someone should get up to these areas in Indonesia, and check out the special food during the times of celebration. You don’t know how long they will be around.
Yani is going back to Kalimantan for 2 weeks, covering the week of idul Fitri, so she can be with her relatives.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 26th, 2006
Ramayana Shopping mall is a place most westerners don’t visit. But a trip to Denpasar might take you past this past. If you head north on Jl. Tueku Umar and keep going, taking the compulsory left turn, onto Jl. Diponegoro, you will see the large orange-brick Ramayana Mall on the right hand side.
Why would you go to Ramayana Mall?
To get cheap eye test and glasses, cheap clothing, or just to check out a local Indonesian department store.
What can you get at Ramayana Mall?
Cheap food, clothing, glasses, household goods, books, new motorbike, Pizza Hut, mobile phones, haircut.
When is Ramayana Mall open?
Ramayana Mall is open daily from 9.30am-10pm.
Parking:
There is parking for cars (1,000rp) and motorbikes (500rp).
Next to the motorbike parking area are a line of ATMs, wartel, kunci (key shop), furniture and bed stalls.
1st Floor:
The 1st floor at Ramayana features a large area, selling a selection of cheap local clothing, the kind of place my wife and her sister would love to dig through. There is a selection of the latest Honda motorbikes in bright colors. Optik Seis is an optician with a wide selction of frames, including Calvin Klein for just over 1m rp. The staff told me they can do eye tests onsite, free if you buy a pair of glasses. New pairs take a week, but for single focus lenses, it can be as little as 1 hour if they have the lenses in the shop.
Optik Seis
Mal Bali (Ramayana)
Lantai Dasar
Jl. Diponegoro
(0361) 246182
Open from 10am-9pm
Countet Sports & Music, combines the 2 subjects in its very visible space. As well as running machines and exercise equipment, they sell a decent range of electric guitars, keyboards, drums and accoustic guitars. I bought a pack of nylon guitar strings for 50,000rp. A Yamaha classical guitar was going for 1,030,000rp.
Counter Sports & Music
Duta Ayu Bali Lt. Dasar
Jl. Diponegoro #103
(0361) 243843
On the 1st floor there are also small cosmetic and bread stalls.
The place westerners will probably like the most is Pizza Hut, although let me warn you that what you get, is more like warm bread with sauce and food items scattered on top. At least that was what I had at the Kuta one.
2nd Floor:
The whole of the 2nd floor is set up like one sprawling Matahari Department store, with cheap clothing, spilling out from everywhere. You can buy a new shirt for 29,000, cargo pants for 49,000rp.
3rd Floor:
The 3rd floor has a large food court area stretching 50 meters down one side. You can smell the place before you see it, by the cinnamon rolls. The food court is about 50 meters long, with many small stalls, brightly colored, selling Indonesian dishes. My rice, vegetable and beef in sauce was 21,000rp and was quite nasty. I think you’d have to experiment a little to get something to your taste. The largest food stall is CLS, which as well as a buffet type display, serve orange squash, Milo, Nestle capuccino, blackcurrent and iced tea.
One of the stalls is called Kare Jepang Samurai. They serve curry and rice, curry and spaghetti, curry and vegetable. Prices are all around 13,000rp.
Next to the food court is Pasar Swalayan, which is loaded with basic supermarket type goods, plus clothes, durable goods, rice cookers etc.
Also on the 3rd floor is Guardian apotek (pharmacy) Onix photo booth and a cell phone stall. Serba 5000 sells drinks and cheap goods. There is also a small fruit and veg market.
4th Floor:
Toko Gunung Agung is a large book store, that stocks a good selction of Indonesian and English language books, including best sellers and western business books. I bought a pad of paper and a pen for about 18,000rp. They also sell office equipment / furniture.
Zone 2000 is a loud amusement arcade popular with Balinese kids. It is located next to Zenith Cellular and Sakura DVD (pirated).
Bali Shinju reflexolgy sits in a tucked away location and in front of the DVD shop is a small photo booth, 7,500rp for 2 photos. DeKubu is a fairly large bowling alley (its amazing what you find in an Indonesian shopping mall!) .
The 4th floor also features 2 salons situated next to each other, Guh Wijaya Negara and Yopie. Guh Wijaya Negara does a haircut for 9,000rp.
Atmosphere:
The atmosphere at Ramayana Mall is part low-end shopping mall in Melbourne, and part fun fair, with families and kids (Indonesian) enjoying their shopping experience.
When I asked in Optik Seis if many ‘bules’ (foreigners) came by, I was told ‘Many, Australians’. For a few things, (glasses, a cheap guitar, strings, new motorbike, cheap clothes, quick snack, cell phone, DVD’s, etc. Ramayana can be a handy 1 stop shop.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 26th, 2006
Pantai Geger is located on the eastern side of the Bukit Peninsula. Pantai Geger is ideal for families with young kids, as the beach is protected from waves and is comfortable.
Getting to Pantai Geger:
From Kuta you can take the Bypass towards Nusa Dua, go through the main gate and turn right towards the Bali Golf and Country Club. You ride past The Bale, and Sekar Nusa to a narrow gang (alley) leading to Pantai Geger (Geger Beach). On weekends you will see other westerners heading that way also.
There is an large intersection on the Bypass, before you get to the Main Gate at Nusa Dua. You can take a right turn here and shoot over the hill directly to Pantai Geger.
Time from Kuta:
Driving time from Kuta is approximately 20 minutes, although it will take a little while to locate the beach, if you have never been there before. If in doubt, ask a local or a westerner, for Geger Beach. Looking at the map the temple, Pura Geger, is right there.
Vehicle access:
You can get cars and motorbikes almost down to the beach, so fmaileis with small kids will have no trouble. There is parking also. When you et to the beach look around as there are a couple of areas people park, one right at the beach, the other on an access road higher up.
Charges for beach access. I have been to Pantai Geger a cuple of times and I don’t remember beinig charged for access / parking, but even if you are it won’t be more than 1,000rp most likely.
Lifeguards:
I did not see any obvious lifeguard facilities at Pantai Geger.
Beach vendors:
There are beach vendors. some who will sit next to you, but not at the level of Kuta Beach.
Shops:
There are no shop here. Bring your own sunscreen, newspaper, sunhat, chewing gum.
Sunshades:
Sunshades are available, you can negotiate a price.
Natural shade:
This beach does not have the handy line of trees that Kuta Beach does. Instead most of the families who visit tend to gather on the extreme right of the beach under shade provided by the cliff.
Food Drinks:
Food & drinks are available at the popular Nusa Dua Beach Grill. Their food menu is western friendly and the drinks menu includes very good smoothies and arak madu’s.
Who is Pantai Geger good for?
Pantai Geger is good for people who don’t like surfing, or big waves. Families with young kids, who want a clean beach, with east access and a restaurant. This beach attracts a lot of Europeans and expats. Topless sunbathnig is popular here.
Who is Pantai Geger not good for?
Pantai Geger is not good for people who want a more traditional Balinese beach experience. This place really feels more like the South of France. If you don’t like to be around oiled up Euro’s with kids, this beach is not good for you.
Best time to go to Pantai Geger?
The most popular time to visit Pantai Geger is weekends. If you want a quieter scene, go during the week. Located on the eastern side of the Bukit, both wet season and dry season are okay for this beach.
Review:
Pantai Geger has clean yellow sand, decent clean water and small ripples rather than large waves. It is same for families with young kids and can be a pleasant change from Kuta/Legian/Semiyak Beach. The restaurant makes all the diffence and you can grab decent food and drinks while enjoying a sunny afternoon.
source : www.balibolg.com
September 26th, 2006
Every red blooded man who comes to Bali (plus a few Sheila’s), likes to get hold of a cold Bintang beer. Usually it happen about 5 minutes after checking into the hotel and 10 minutes before jumping into the pool. Bintang is a pilsner (clear, bottom fermented lager beer), which makes it ideal for those steamy Bali afternoons (some Seminyak expats like it on steamy Bali mornings, but that’s another matter).
Bintang means ’star’ in Indonesian, but the origins of Bier Bintang are in Holland. Indonesia used to be a Dutch colony, with the focus of attention being Java. Here’s what the official website says: “The history of PT Multi Bintang Indonesia Tbk. (MBI) dates back to 1929 when the company was founded under the name of NV Nederlandsch Indische Bierbrouwerijen. The first brand of the company was Java Bier.In 1936 Heineken became the major shareholder and the company name changed into Heineken Nederlandsch-Indische Brouwerij Maatschappij. In 1937 the company introduced Heineken beer for the first time on the Indonesian market.
During the Second World-war the company ceased the production of Heineken beer. In 1947 Heineken was introduced on the Indonesian market for the 2nd time.
During the years of Indonesia’s Guided Democracy (1957-1965), Heineken stopped being technical advisor and prohibited the use of the Heineken brand-name. Heineken beer was changed in Bir Bintang and the company-name changed into Perusahaan Bir Bintang. The label changed step by step from Heineken to Bintang.
In 1967 Heineken resumed the activities in Indonesia and – thanks to the renewed technical assistance of the Heineken company – the quality of the beer was again brought up to the international standards. Bir Bintang was relaunched under the name Bintang Baru.
In 2006 the latest label change took place to rejuvenate the Bir Bintang brand.”
Can you believe it, when Miguel Covarrubias (Island Of Bali) landed in Bali in 1936, there was cold beer waiting for him! In the last few months, Bintang has shaken the jar once more, introducing a new label. Some of the old fogies here in Bali, the 50 year old, Marlboro smoking, “I was here in 1970″ brigade, almost fell off their bamboo stools. Give me civil war, give me tsunami’s, give me volcanic eruptions, but don’t change the label on my beer bottle!
Where can you buy Bintang?
Almost everywhere. Supermarkets, Circle K’s, convenience stores, bars and restaurants, all serve Bintang.
Where can’t you buy Bintang?
In Muslim places like small warungs and Padang food places. The price of Bintang, while cheap for westerners, is still relatively high for locals. In places like Negara, you will find it hard to get a Bintang. Also in villages it will be served warm.
Where can you drink Bintang?
Anywhere you like, except in a temple / mosque / church.
Who can buy Bintang?
Anyone. In Bali the attitude towards drinking / sex / driving, is ‘when you are old enough, you can do it’. There is no drinking age, no ID required.
Where is the best place to drink a Bintang?
That’s arguable, but a few of my favourites include Lanai (formerly Benny’s) on Blue Ocean beach in Seminyak at sunset. Grabbing a cold one in the middle of a steamy afternoon can be refreshing, as can lounging in a hammock in East Bali.
What can you drink with a Bintang?
Bintang isn’t a particularly distinctive beer. Its decent, especially when served ice-cold. You can drink it by itself, with peanuts, as are often served in Bali, with pedas (spicy) Indonesian food, or at a bbq.
How much does a Bintang cost?
A small Bintang cost around 6,000rp at Circle K, a large 12,000rp.
What alcohol content is Bintang?
Bintang is 5%. A light beer.
Selamat minum.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 25th, 2006
Okay here’s the deal on Bali Business Visas. This morning I went down to Arjuna on Jl. Petitenget in Kerobokan. They looked closed, I mean permanently closed, probably moved location, and I’m not really that keen to find out where to.
Down in Kuta I bumped into Dallas Finn, founder of Bali Peace Park, the organisation that wants to build a memorial on the site of the Sari Club. We chatted about the supposed new visa laws, he offering to go with me to BaliMode, a place on the loop near the bottom of Jl. Legian. BaliMode handles investment, visas, exports, imports. spoke to their manager Tari, who seemed pretty switched on. She told me Multiple Entry Business Visas were denied extensions, starting 2 days ago. I hate to invoke Murphy’s Law, but don’t you love spending cash for new paperwork, flying to Singapore and spending more money for processing, only to end up with a worthless visa. I will have to leave again in 30 days to apply for a Single Entry Business Visa, which is extendable. AHHHH!!!! The nimrods in Jakarta just love to screw with things and all it does is waste time and money.
There are expats all over Bali who are at this moment, completely unaware of these events. Many people like me will have to rush to get airline tickets and paperwork organized. I guess it could be worse, they could of stopped visa extensions altogether, meaning you either get a VOA, Tourist Visa or KITAS. That really would see the back of many people who live here.
Check out BaliMode for your visa needs.
BaliMode
Jl. Sriwijaya #7
Kuta
(0361) 765162
source : www.baliblog.com
September 25th, 2006
A great idea has appeared on the horiazon. A tsunami warning system that is sent via cell phone. I read about it by browsing BaliDiscovery.com, and reckon its a good idea. Everyone in Bali has a cell phone even the beggers.
Here’s what I kind of suggested monthes ago. Someone in the weather bureau monitor earthquakes and strom surge and give the rest of us the ‘heads-up’ should any biggies come our way. The idea of having a warning system on the beach is okay, but the real value is spreading the word early.
The new tsunami warning system has its own website.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 25th, 2006
After getting all hot and bothered by my visa situation, I put on my Akubra hat and went for a walk. During my walk, I reflected that the same ‘dropping it in your lap’ treatment, had happened to some members of the Bali Nine, only they weren’t denied a visa extension, they were sentenced to death. I have nothing to complain about.
This afternoon I had a great workout at Seaside gym on Blue Ocean Beach. A session on the runner got the sweat rolling, and it didn’t stop for an hour afterwards. Sitting here at an internet cafe on Jl. Dhyana Pura, I have a large, cold, recently opened Carlsberg in front of me. There is a Circle K adjacent to the internet cafe, and the Carslberg cost me 15,500rp. Right outside the Circle K, attached to a pole, was a brand new metal bottle opener, with a cap-catcher. SAWEET!!! I thought, things are looking up. Opening the bottle, the new metal gadget took the top off of my beer, glass and all. ‘Damn it!!!’ I thought, does anything work around here? Walking back in the shop, the staff a handed me a paper cup, which was nice of them, but I also wanted coffee filters to make sure the beer wasn’t full of glass. No luck with the filters, so I put the full beer and cup on a shelf, and bought a brand new beer. As I was leaving, I told the 2 Balinese guys behind the counter, not to drink the beer, as the glass could cut their insides. When the guy realized I was leaving the beer, he smiled broadly and said “Thank you boss.” I knew as soon as I left, the guys would get into the beer, but its their guts.
Lovely weather here in Bali right now, you should come and visit.
source : www.baliblog.com
September 25th, 2006
Today is the first day of Ramadan in Bali. This morning at 3.30am, Ika’s brother called to tell her, and ask her if she was fasting. Ika is still breast feeding so she will not be fasting this time around.
Last night many Muslims across Bali and Indonesia, performed a Sholat Tarawih (evening prayer during the fasting month). Here in Bali, every evening around 7.30pm a Muslim prayer is broadcast on TV. This prayer is accompanied by a video compilation of people in scenes all over Indonesia (people walking in cities, farmers working in fields, people pulling the nets of fishing boats etc.). The 7.30pm time is to reflect sundown in Jakarta, the capital. This prayer is broadcast every day of the year, not just Ramadan.
Recently in Seminyak, I have observed teams of young Javanese guys working laying tarmac and digging deep ditches. In the hot sun they strain and sweat. I asked Ika how these guys can go without food and water, from before sunrise to after sunset. She said “That’s their fasting, they must learn to do it.” Allowances can be made for people in special conditions, and I reckon it physically dangerous, to work like that without food or water.
Today at Cafe Seminyak, I wished I had my camera along. We live in an international community here in Seminyak, and in front of me was a great scene. Sitting at one small table was a 50 year old French woman, super tanned like John Wayne’s saddle, dressed in a tiny bathing suit, with a wafter thin white shirt, over the top. Sitting 2 meters to her right, at another small table, was a 55 year old Muslim lady, dressed in blue jeans and a black Muslim cover, down to her waist. The staff and other customers were smirking and giggling at the skimpiness of the French woman’s outfit, and how she was strutting around. “Gigolo” said one fellow. Finally the French lady got up to leave, touching her toes as she did so, fixing her shoes. We all got a wrinkled view, of something I’d rather not remember, quite the opposite of what the Muslim lady wanted to project.
Visitors to Bali will probably not noticed anything different, because Ramadan has started. In fact tonight is the last night of the Kuta Karnival, complete with a food court (Kuta Beach & Jl. Melasti).
Selamat hari raya
source : www.baliblog.com
September 25th, 2006
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