I did check the map out at the time but it was nothing I hadn't seen before. Thought I must have been missing something.

Was a bit disappointed as I was looking forward to something new and much better.

Catherine

Catherine, is there anything new in Bali these days? At least, anything new that you like? I have just read again what I have just typed and realise that it sounds a bit negative. Not meant in that way. I love Bali

Cheers,
David

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Smile and the world you are travelling in will smile back at you

Hi David, nice to hear from you.

Unfortunately, I feel very out of touch with Bali. We didn't get there last year and the year before our time there was taken up with business. I developed a nasty chest infection during our second week and spent most of the time in bed. We stayed in Seminyak and didn't venture very far from that area.

I've had mixed reports about the way things are going. Many people still stuggling to get back on their feet business-wise since the bombings and currency crisis. It seems the high end of the market is quite healthy and still plenty of manufacturing going on although that doesn't help those retail businesses.

I'm planning a trip some time this year and will spend as much time as possible in the Ubud area. We sponsor a boy to go to school through Rotary and I would like to visit him. He's in the village of Sembung - I'd love to know exactly where that is but can't find it marked on any available maps. It's about 45 minutes north of Denpasar.

I heard that Murni (from Murni's Restaurant) is not at all well at the moment which is very sad news.

I've been reading a book called "Under the Volcano" by Cameron Forbes who is an Australian foreign correspondent. It's a most interesting story of Bali's political and cultural history. I didn't ever quite realise what a turbulent history Bali has endured. I think you would enjoy it if you haven't already read it.

Are you planning a trip this year? I'm very much looking forward to going and seeing what's new myself.

Catherine

Catherine, good to hear from you! Sorry to hear you were not well during your last visit.
I have a copy of "Under the Volcano" in my possession but have not ventured into it yet. Yes, managing to get to Ubud in July for a couple of weeks and again in October for a few weeks during which time the Ubud Writers' Festival will be on.
Regarding your observations of the state of things in Bali I thought that what I saw last October in Ubud was very positive. New business's springing up, smiles on faces, the begging women and children are now selling things instead of putting their hands out, litter is largely under control with the rivers looking the cleanest I have seen them.
I hope you can get to Ubud soon under better circumstances!

I didn't know about Murni being un-well, but I did know that the famed Peter Kumis went back to Oz for good, but re-appeared at Murni's after a couple of months - I expect he found Australia hard to cope with after living in Ubud for 20 or so years, and maybe is helping Murni out.

Regards,

David

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Smile and the world you are travelling in will smile back at you