Bali's Elephant Sanctuary

Bali's Elephant Sanctuary 

I feel the need to write a short rebuke to Simon Cowell as I feel he has done Bali a rather large disservice in his criticism of the Blair's over there visit to Bali's Elephant park.

1. Bali by its very nature is an animal loving place
2. Bali has many facilities devoted to the care of their animals,
• Animal Safari Park
•  Zoo
• Elephant Park
3. Animal Safari Park - is an incredible place, it has been established as an education centre and as a result the Balinese care for many endangered species do so in a loving way, making their habitat as natural as possible and as educational as possible. If you visit you will see just how caring and knowledgeable the staff are.  Furthermore, the staff visit local school in order to educate on the behaviours and requirements of the animal kingdom.  For me long may they exist, long may the public visit and support the wonderful work that is done here - Simon perhaps a generous donation would be appropriate to support the staff of this great humane service.
4. Zoo - it is fair to say that the zoo benefits from the same caring attitude, with natural habitats in abundance, a night visit recommended to show the natural behaviours of these magnificent animals.
5. The Elephant sanctuary is the same, yet this sanctuary is way off in the middle of the Bali Island, far away from the tourist areas of the south.  Each elephant lives within a rural setting reminiscent of its own habitat and each elephant well fed, stimulated and very content.  

In short the animals that have Bali as their home are very lucky indeed, the staff are well educated very caring and have devoted their time to the well being of their charge.

Simon - come see Bali see the good work that is done here and then praise or criticize based on knowledge.

For me I'm proud of you Blair's for supporting the activity of this serene race of people.

Simon love your shows to some extent, although I believe that you exploit and humiliate people, you have made a great deal of money from this anti-social behaviour.   By the way congratulations on your other news I wish you and your partner well.

When you come here perhaps a stay in one of the Leading Villas Bali properties and enjoy the rain forests, as well as the many parks.

I suggest a visit to the web pages of The Leading Villas of Bali in order to book an Exclusive villas holiday

For other villas look to the pages of: Booking Villas in Bali also The Villas Bali.

For value villas then visit Budget Villas in Bali.

To enhance your Asia experience visit Statura Consulting Group

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Rough day in Paradise and the Sanur sparkle

Rough day in the Bali Paradise,  I say that a little tongue in cheek so to speak

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The day started well as I awoke the right side of the turf, my partner had to head back to her town as her uncle had passed and today was the cremation.  With the advent of modern technology I was able to receive unsolicited I might add blow by blow accounts of the cremation ceremonies, accounts which only went to confirm that my abstenance was warranted as I am sure I am not able to bear witness to such an event, for me a cremation involves a chapel, a casket and a curtain after which time it's drawn and only then does the casket disapear and I assume to be cremated at some later date or time.

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I should add that a Balinese cremation involves a high bamboo tower, a prepared body and an intense open fire on sacred open ground.  Sometimes depending on importance then an over sized model of an elegant black cow accompanies the cremation.  All of this takes place whilst relatives, friends and community elders and participants are gathered to bear witness, grieve and share their sorrow.  Hey ho each to their own and huge respect as this surely is a personal way to say goodbye.  

Budget Villas in Bali

However,  my day has really passed without too much incident, as I decided to tackle lunch on the beach of Sanur dining at the Luthu cafe, which I have to say is worth a visit as the staff service and the food is really quite excellent.  However, dining is an extravagant term as I  had a chicken sandwich together with a cold chablis of ice lemon tea, followed by a long black with milk on the side, you know how did coffee get that term in my younger years you asked for coffee black or white with or without sugar.  

Younger years being the operative word here, as I left Luhtus I wandered back passed the local markets where the ladies asked for you to look in their shop and the men ask do you need a taxi, despite that I am jingling car keys at my side. hey ho its the life.  I digress one of the young ladies asked how old I was, I made the mistake of suggesting that she should guess... She did!... she put me at 70 an addition of 15 years, mmmmm one has to wonder; is the daily ritual of exercise, gym, treadmill, weights and a more relaxed life etc working for me.  However, I shan't dwell on this hiccup here in Paradise. I shall just put it down to one of my lighter moments and chuckle, maybe she thought I was 80 and by saying 70 I might be flattered and visit her shop..

Anyway the messages here are clear - Luthu's for breakfast, lunch or the occasional drop in.  Breakfast because Luthu's is in Sanur, Sanur is on the east of the Island and as the sun rises to the east then the sparkle that can be seen on the Indian ocean at this point is really quite spectacular.

The Villas Bali

I shall complete this blog at this point and ponder my lost years.  Meanwhile, take a look at the various web-sites that I promote with my dis-jointed ramblings: 

Kuta and its re-emergence as a great resort of choice for the sophisticated traveler

Kuta a Seminyak suburb great beaches great surf and great Villas 

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The reinvention of Kuta as a vibrant township formerly famed for the Australian resort of choice which forgave drunken revelry.  If you like it was a resort which had all the characteristics of the more loutish European resorts frequented by the footballing lager louts.  Forgive the footballing analogy as I know I am doing a dis-service to the many loyal supporters who avoid the hotspots.

I digress Kuta is great spot to visit, stay and be seen within, it has all the outdoor street cafe's and atmosphere of a Parisian coffee house on the Champs Éleysées (I know artistic license).  But really there is a great holiday buzz in this area and is so close to the airport as well as Seminyak Sanur etc... 

The old streets with street cafés adorn the paths in amongst the sports shops, Matahari and the boutiques which include the stylish chic dress code that Bali is famed for.  In addition to this area and very much complimented is the new Beach walk shopping experience, again with ample beach side cafés and restaurants, but also with excellent designer and International boutiques and chains.  The backdrop is the expanse of golden sands and vibrant turquoise surf.

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The Beach is just so beautiful with its Balinese walled surround, the rolling surf which leaves a white break as it lashes the sun drenched beach.  A little way along from Beach walk is a new and fabulous hotel known as the 'Stone' I mention this as it really is beautiful and I believe it to be of a 6* rating.  However, at the front of the hotel which is part of the group is a restaurant with superb cuisine, but on the roof of this restaurant is an oasis of Jacuzzi and a large pool, the area is open to the public for a small fee approx $10 per person and for that you get the money back in food or drink.  There are ample beds available to lounge around the pool, the large Jacuzzi  of which their are several have seating within which from its elevated position overlooks the sea and surf of Kuta.  

Well worth a visit and perhaps a stay in this olde part of Bali.  There is of course still a selection of nightclubs and bars to choose from as well as beach side restaurants.

I suggest a visit to the web pages of The Leading Villas of Bali in order to book an Exclusive villas holiday

For other villas look to the pages of: Booking Villas in Bali also The Villas Bali.

For value villas then visit Budget Villas in Bali.

To enhance your Asia experience visit Statura Consulting Group

See us on Amazines

Budget Villas Bali

    

Bali an economic miracle

Bali Home to Exclusive Villas in Bali and Now Home to the Exclusive Apec Club of Nations

Bali is again a focus for good; here within these idyllic shores the Apec conference will hold their 2013 economic meeting.  That is; 23 countries and possibly 23 heads of state from the region as well as on the other side of the pacific, including the US will descend on Bali in order to discuss greater economic cooperation between their individual markets.

Given that the world's most populated countries are within these confines it should be no surprise that this is a formidable meeting, making Bali a formidable venue.  In these economically difficult times it is no surprises as to how important such alliances are to the global economy.

It should be noted that not only are the most populated countries here, they are also home to a demographically important age group of under 25's making them the largest members of the population groups.  
  

It's no secret, as many financial pundits are prophesying that the world will soon enjoy an economic growth the likes of which will be bigger than any growth seen before.  That period will be fuelled by the under 25's and will come from the emerging markets, most of which are represented at this Apec venue.

The west, predominantly Europe should really get on board here otherwise they will lose out in this expansion, America has embraced Apec and are well positioned to benefit due in part to their innovation and sophisticated technology, Germany will be fine as they have the overt end of the luxury car and products market,  Italy with Ferrari, Maserati and apparel, France with their chic fashion and colognes.  It is really difficult to see where the UK fits into this equation, other than London is a place to be seen to own an expensive apartment which benefits no British person as few can own such places.  Jaguar and Range Rover will figure in the evolution of these growth markets, but the beneficiary of course is Tata India.

I digress, Bali is a beautiful Island of 3.5 Million smiles, and needless to say it is an island that sits within the Indonesian archipelago that forms a significant part of the economy of Indonesia, an oasis of Hindu calm, frequented by the populations of the world over.

Happy holidays in Bali - if you need advise or some guidance then I can be reached through the comments section.

 

In the meantime take a look at 'The Leading Villas of Bali' range of luxury villas http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

For other villas look to the pages Booking Villas in Bali http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com
Look also at http://www.thevillas-bali.com 

Due their superb pricing this collection will soon be added to: http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com  
 
To enhance your Asia experience then take a look at http://www.statura.co.uk

See us on Amazines  http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/4137908?articleid=4137908

Bali's eco friendly hub - Pinge Tourism Village in the district of Tabanan

Bali's eco friendly hub  - Pinge Tourism Village in the district of Tabanan

Pinge is a beautiful hamlet nestled in the hills of Bali, with a stunning backdrop provided by the elegant conical peak of Batu Karu.  The village has been designated an eco friendly tourism village, one of several and soon to be 30 such places in the district of Tabanan. 

The Village boast a plentiful supply of home stay rooms all of which are amongst the locals own home compounds.  The village has the comfort of a more inclement weather pattern in so far as it is sunny in the mornings albeit cooler than Bali's lower coastal regions with less humidity.  At 3pm almost by clockwork the clouds settle overhead and a liberal sprinkling of rain emerges providing further respite as well as to damp down the area, bringing life to the vibrant colours from the local tropical vegetation.

The home stays are stunning, albeit indigenous to the homes of the local community.  Their number are 27 rooms in total and have operated since 2010.  Since this time; this single village has enjoyed the attendance of 1,041 people. In 2011, 1,408 visitors of which 146 stayed overnight at the villagers homes. Meanwhile, among 749 tourists visiting the village in 2012, 187 stayed overnight - the trend is growing and will soon be a must see when visiting this area.
   
Happy holidays in Bali - if you need advise or some guidance then I can be reached through the comments section.

In the meantime take a look at 'The Leading Villas of Bali' range of luxury villas http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

 

For other villas look to the pages Booking Villas in Bali http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com

Look also at http://www.thevillas-bali.com

Due their superb pricing this collection will soon be added to: http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com  

To enhance your Asia experience then take a look at http://www.statura.co.uk

See us on Amazines  http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/4137908?articleid=4137908

 

"The Lady" Aung San Suu Kyi an awesome women.

The face of right, the face that  humbles us all.

The Lady - Aung San Suu Kyi

I am deeply humbled by the true story portrayed by the film "The Lady", for it is an account as to the struggle of Aung San Suu Kyi as she battled the tyranny of the Junta that held her country hostage for so long.  

Let this be a lesson to all the despots around the world. for their stupidity there will always be an Aung San Suu Kyi to focus the world's attention.  As history has recorded with such names as "Nelson Mandela", "Gandhi" "Benazir Bhutto" (for anyone who doubts the resolve of Benazir Bhutto should read the book "Daughter of the East") etc..  I have written about this remarkable lady, "Su" on 2 other occasions and I wish nothing but the best as she brings humility and dignity to the Burmese people.  There is also another lesson to the Junta's, you may feel secure in what you do!  You will always by irking democracy, face sanctions from the west, gain the support of less sensitive nations as the Burmese did with China. Let's be clear in the case of the Burmese it was that support that undid them for they took many years to understand, the support from China was indeed what we know as cupboard love, i.e. their [China] interest was purely in Burma's assets, history will show that the straw that broke this tyranny was the power plants built by the Chinese with Burmese labour, fueled with Burmese resources, yet the  output only benefited China.  Thank God there was an Aung San Suu Kyi to pick up the pieces and bring a sensible face to the table of nations. 

I am in awe as to the achievements that "Su" made but I am also impressed by her husband's commitment to her cause and the support that he gave to "Su" under incredibly difficult circumstances.   I am also somewhat disgusted by the way the Junta behaved as they toyed with the phone calls that were allowed to and from him during, well any time but made worse during his dieing days.

History will show a vain dangerous fool

I have for many years taken an interest in Burma / Myanmar as I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time there during the late 90's.  However, I do this with a heavy heart as I was involved in some small way in their telephony emergence on to the mobile world stage.  However, had I not played a part then some other organization perhaps the Chinese or Alcatel would have benefited.  

I am so pleased that events have now normalized to some degree and I wish the Burmese and Aung San Suu Kyi, and her two boys the very best, as for Mikey may he rest in peace. 

A needless, senseless shadowy world

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A needless, senseless shadowy world 

I would like to devote some of my free time to bringing a greater awareness as to a senseless handicap that is inflicting the children of the developing world, many of which are right here in Indonesia. There are over 20M people who suffer from cataracts causing blindness /visual impairment and for just $20 many can have their sight restored. 

As the world emerges from the catastrophic recession, my hope is that we are able to bring humanity from the ashes of greed.  If we can do this; then a great place to start would be to restore the eyesight of so many children and adults alike that suffer needlessly, children who are in the main from all parts of the developing world.

I have lifted these two articles which explain this tragedy in more detail.

I am using my incredible vast audience who regularly visit my Bali Villas blogs in the hope that this article can be FB liked and shared in order to bring greater awareness to this miserable, senseless handicap.

Article 1:

Priority eye diseases

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Cataract

Definition

Cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye which prevents clear vision. Although most cases of cataract are related to the aging process, occasionally children can be born with the condition, or a cataract may develop after eye injuries, inflammation, and some other eye diseases.

Magnitude

According to the latest assessment, cataract is responsible for 51% of world blindness, which represents about 20 million people (2010). Although cataracts can be surgically removed, in many countries barriers exist that prevent patients to access surgery. Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness. As people in the world live longer, the number of people with cataract is anticipated to grow. Cataract is also an important cause of low vision in both developed and developing countries.

Prevention and treatment

Reduction of cigarette smoking, ultraviolet light exposure may prevent or delay the development of cataract. Diabetes mellitus and high body mass index are identified as additional risk factors.
The treatment of cataract is surgical, very successful in restoring sight. The opaque lens is removed and replaced by an artificial intraocular lens. In many remote parts of the developing world, people remain blind from cataract, due to a lack of access to eye care.

Article 2:

Cataract Surgery Techniques

While, many causes of illness require long-term treatment (medication, monitoring, hospitalization), cataract does not. Cataract surgery is a one-time, low-cost procedure yielding dramatic results.

Protocol for Cataract Surgery Optimized for Use in Developing Countries, as designed by the Himalayan Cataract Project and the Tilganga Eye Centre

To allow widespread delivery of cataract surgery in developing countries, innovations that continue to decrease cost and complexity while preserving the highest level of safety and visual outcomes are urgently needed. HCP is dedicated to creating and implementing solutions to the barriers that impede delivery of cataract care in underserved parts of the trans-Himalayan region. For example, low-cost, portable, and robust operating microscopes and YAG lasers have been developed at TEC.
Source: "Fighting Global Blindness"

The HCP is committed to training surgeons and support staff in the developing world in the highest quality surgical techniques that are sustainable in their countries or context. To accomplish this, we continue to be a leader in the innovation of cataract removal techniques, including improving patient access and teaching advanced technology (such as phacoemulsification), facilitating access to quality low cost consumables, and developing increasingly efficient models of surgical delivery.

HCP Performs Cataract Surgery in a Small Nepalese Village

Recounted by Dr. Geoff Tabin:

“For the next three days, 12 hours a day, Dr. Ruit and I perform surgery side by side in a makeshift operating room without any high-tech equipment besides our microscope. When the generator fails, we continue using the microscope to work on eyes illuminated by flashlights, which our dedicated assistants hold.
Technicians, whom Dr. Ruit and I trained, inject local anesthetic to numb the patients' eyes and prepare them for surgery. When an operation is finished, the patient is rolled off one side of the table and the next patient is rolled on. The new patient's face is painted with antiseptic and surgery continues. The turnover time between patients is less than one minute. Dr. Ruit has no trouble sustaining a rate of seven perfect surgeries per hour for a 12-hour operating day.
For a cost of about $20, these patients get approximately the same surgery that was state of the art in America 10 years ago.”

Please share this article and help in some way, I'm not asking for donations only to get this issue out in the open so that it can be dealt with.

Many Thanks from the leading villas of Bali - we hope to do our bit.