Sorry about that

Second post of the month, second apology, but we have popped our heads briefly out of the cone of silence. The past few weeks have been far busier than we could have anticipated. Not only have we enjoyed the company of family, there have been myriad social events. We are also making some big decisions, so talking, researching, emailing and considering has engaged our time. More of those developments another time.

With the Festival starting on Friday, we have been fortunate to start the partying early. Who knew that the new premises of Bali Adventure Tours were so, well, lush? We certainly do now, as a welcome reception for sponsors and volunteers was held there last week. The drinks and food foreshadowed many other lavish affairs to come over the next few days, but as few had been to this newly opened venue, the style came as something of an extremely pleasant surprise.

No doubt the hotels that cater for the rich and famous, and there are a few in Ubud, also enjoy stunning views, but they are exclusive. Any lucky rafter who finishes their adrenaline-filled whitewater experience will end up here. Not quite where we were - that was the posh part of the eight levels (four underground). They will be even higher* so will probably have an even better view over the gorges than ours, but it's difficult to imagine. And we have to imagine, as it had become dark when we passed this area on the way to see the helipad.

Did I mention the helipad? We were in the right place at the right time when the entrepreneurial owner** asked three of us if we would like to see it. A touch James Bondish with the press button retractable roof. He explained that he believes Ubud is ready for a high-end space such as this centre. Goodness only knows what it cost, but it certainly is impressive, and you would have no idea from the road.

This is not the only festival-related socialising we have done recently, either. The expat life!

As I have said, the Festival begins on Friday with the opening ceremony, although a Balinese ceremony and blessing will be held on Thursday night. Banners are fluttering all over town and the writers have started arriving, with the biggest number from all over the world due on Thursday. I am going to the airport in a meet-and-greet capacity in the afternoon. More on the exciting days ahead soon.

* No building in Bali is permitted to be higher than the coconut palms after the 1960s architectural disaster of the Bali Beach Hotel. The gods had their revenge later when practically the whole building was destroyed by fire in 1993 with a mysterious outcome. When you have been here a while, you begin to take such strange happenings as quite normal.
**He is also responsible for wonderful Taro Elephant Safari Park, where there is a rescue and breeding program for Sumatran elephants.

Still can't do links.