Welcome to our November 2020 Blog

It’s wedding season in Bali!

Yes, you may recognise Made Doglar from housekeeping,  he and his fiancee (wife now) look like movie stars.  So romantic!

Ceremonies planned long ago will still go ahead.

Yuni (reception) was married on 29 October 2020

Aquaria is empty!. No guests, staff are bored without you.!

Life goes on in Bali, still ploughing the fields the old way. 

Bendy Palm trees are considered lucky in Bali, maybe break their fall if they slip down whilst cutting coconuts?

 The team are waiting for you

The Aquaria team are so grateful to receive their monthly food packs, which have only been made possible by the VIP Memberships.

Our VIP members have now received 6 months newsletters, recipes, photos and gifts. Thankyou to all of you for your Donations and support.   We hope our VIPs have enjoyed the recipes and the newsletters to keep up to date with Aquaria. VIP support has helped me to keep the team together and to ensure that our staff get monthly food packs.  Just contact us to continue your membership and receive more recipes for another 6 months. 

Yes, Candi Dasa is going downhill without guests!.... We are all at sea!

"The meaning of life is to find your Gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." Pablo Picasso

We have an idea for the perfect Christmas Gift for your friends and family. We will send them by email our Digital Flip Cook Book “A Taste of Aquaria”. The book is 50 pages, filled with photos and poems and quotes as well as the recipes.   (We hoped you would be able to pick up this book on your next visit, but that may be longer away than we first thought, so we have put the printing of physical books on hold for a while.) If you have experienced difficulty with postal services since Covid, as I have, then you may find this book to be the perfect answer for your friends and families, whether near or far. And of course, you will be helping to support the Aquaria family.

elaborate decorations for a Baby ceremony in the family home

On the way to a ceremony

"If you are always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be"             Maya Angelou

 There are 18 recipes in “A Taste of Aquaria” Cook Book.   Would you like to continue with your VIP membership for another 6 months and receive 6 more recipes and newsletters??   We would love to send these to you. If you wish to continue your membership, please go to the Aquaria website Appeal page on the April/May Blog and click on Paypal. AUD$50 for 6 months VIP membership.

Welcome to our October 2020 Blog

Hello to you all, How are you coping?

It is 6 months now that Aquaria has been closed. 

6 months since New Zealand first went into Lockdown.   The news around the world is not good.  Fires in California, and Greece.   Riots in USA.   "The World is in Chaos" as I said a while ago.  What do we do?  We can only send out love and not fear . We can only trust that we will have courage to get through all of this. Melbourne is still in Level 4. UK  is going into a stricter lock down.. In NZ, most of September has been in Level 2.5 lock down, but provincial areas outside Auckland have moved into Level 1.   We have a new strain of Covid now, and clusters keep popping up.  

We have been busy at Aquaria, we have been completing the ocean pool, and now have turned it into a Dip and Chat pool.   with seats around the edge.  So imagine sitting there at sunset sipping your cocktails, and chatting with friends!   I am hoping that my plan will help strengthen the ocean pool and the foundations. We will be adding a wooden  sunbathing  deck/terrace alongside the pool, and hope this can be completed prior to our guests returning.   The work on the pool has been slow, as it can only be carried out at low tide. 

On September 16 it was Galungan Day,  and the ceremonies will be completed on 26 September, Kuningan Day.   Usually streets are decorated with the Panjor, the tall bamboo canes, with their hanging decorations. 

Bagus and Budiasa prepare the Aquaria Panjor 

 I dont know if Toris is helping or just chatting to the girls!

The Govt has said that ceremonies and gatherings must be limited.  Galungan is a time for introspection, and cleansing the spirit.

 A simple ceremony with Priest at home 

 Everyone wants fish now 

The world is askew!   Even the horizon.! 

In September, staff were working 10 days.    I hoped that Covid would be over in 6 months, and I planned their 15 days salary for 6 months, but to keep all staff employed and Aquaria going  for another 6 months means that I have had to drop their work time and their payments.  As Aquaria is no longer open, it is not operational and therefore must continue in a "New normal" way. 

the food, for the food packs, ready to be shared out between 22 staff.   Thanks to your donations. 

Staff relaxing 

 A calm day on Candi Dasa Bay. 

Life goes on in Candi Dasa 

Its a landslide victory in New Zealand!   Jacinda, for the Labour Party, will continue as Prime Minister, and continue to put people first.!  Thank you Jacinda. 

Take care to you all out there, wherever you are.   

with love and gratitude  from Jeni and the Aquaria Team   

Welcome to our September 2020 Blog

Look at this photo!  How gorgeous... I am so lucky because every day Ketut sends me photos, so that I won't miss Aquaria Bali too much.  He sends Aquaria to me!     

We are all bored with Covid 19 Pandemic now, and we want it to be over!  But it looks like it's something we have to live with now.     From the latest info Covid seems to have increased again in Bali, Health Professionals are recommending that borders should be closed.  I think its a bit late for that now!  Aquaria Staff and Candi Dasa area are clear of Covid and I credit it this to  following rules, and their belief and faith or their immune systems.   In New Zealand we are still having trouble with quarantine, and we have a 2nd wave and still the news in Melbourne and Victoria is disheartening. When will Life be normal instead of "New Normal"?  Bali is open to domestic guests, and there are still a lot of expats and tourists around who have got "stuck" in Bali.  We hear that Vincents is doing a roaring trade !!  At last Bali is listening:   International travel is now planned in January 2021.   Bali will promote to the Chinese first.  I do not plan to open, until I know the situation is safe; I am not willing to put my staff at risk from outside, unknown sources.  Also, for maybe one or two guests dribbling through it will cost us more to be open, to have food available, and laundry, etc.   I dont want to add on any extra costs at this moment in time.   I am thinking to open maybe later, to keep staff motivated.  There is only so much maintenance they can do, and they are getting bored without you,  our guests. 

Thank you to all those guests who are still giving their support.  We are so grateful, and we did not expect this. We hope our VIP guests are enjoying recipe No.3 from "A Taste of Aquaria" Cook Book.  It's not actually the third recipe in the book, but we thought you may be bored with soup, so we gave you a starter recipe.!  We will go back to the soup recipes later.   The digital cook book is ready, and it has been sent out to all those that ordered it. . It's a flip book with 50 pages of recipes, photos, quotes, poems, all made with a lot of love. If you would like to become a VIP member, or order the digital flip cook book, then check out the April/May Blog Appeal on the website for details. 

Four of our staff have been off sick, and although they have been to the doctor, as I requested, they have not received any info on Covid or any Covid test. It's compulsory that Aquaria pays the government for all staff health care each month, therefore, to me it should also be compulsory that, if they are sick and cannot work in the midst of this world pandemic, then the least that should be done is a Covid test.  I feel I  cannot allow these staff back to work now for at least 15 days, even though 3 have recovered,  until I can be sure they are not a risk to their co - workers.    It is so clear from NZ and from Melbourne, that infections can spread so quickly from just one infected person.

Staff are keeping busy.   in August they still worked 15 days a month to maintain and update Aquaria; 

 made roki looking at kites

In August we repaired the foundations under the ocean pool.  But due to huge waves, the problem continues, and we now have to do major work to the ocean pool, as this whole structure is also the support for the ocean front bungalow.   We have cracks from heavy seas and the foundations.  We were in danger of losing the ocean pool alltogether... However, I have organised plans to strengthen all the walls and the floor, and have recreated the pool, into a Dip and Chat pool: A place to watch the sunset, and have a cocktail with friends.   It means that they can work on the foundations uninterrupted, and not affecting this new plunge pool.   I hope it all lasts until after we can open again..  All staff were helping to bring the rocks and sand and batako bricks and also keeping the worker hydrated and in the shade.   

"Eliminate something superfluous from your life.  Break a habit. Do something that makes you feel insecure"  Piero Ferrucci 

 toris and family

All the newsletters and recipes have been sent out to our VIP guests in June and July & August, and we are now preparing to send out the 4th recipe for month No.4

 Purna  (security) and family

To all our VIP members:  Your donations have been invaluable. On 1st September the 3rd food support packs went out to all Aquaria staff.  it will ensure that they have the staple food to support their families for each month..  We hear that the government will pay workers $60 each month for 4 months.  We are waiting. We also hear that the electric company will drop its fixed charges.! But the health and insurance for staff, they will defer payment until we operate again, this means we would start with a huge debt to the government, so I dont think that's a good idea.  

 ketut and family

Once again, thank you so much to our wonderful guests.  Your support is helping me to keep the team together.   I can last until Christmas.  After that I think we will limp along. 

  "Each painting has its own way of evolving. When the painting is finished the subject reveals itself."  William Baziotes

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the Universe will be simpler". Henry David Thoreau

 Look at this!  What a photo!   Are you missing Aquaria Bali yet ?   We will be waiting for you!   

Take care all of you,  keep safe, record your movements, wear masks, We need you back!!! 

Jeni and the Aquaria team

\

Welcome to our August 2020 Blog

Thank you to all those guests who gave their support. We hope our VIP guests are enjoying recipe No.2 from "A Taste of Aquaria" Cook Book  We apologise to everyone who ordered the digital cook book, for the long wait. We are pleased to report that after a few hiccups, this is now on it's way to you.   It's a flip book with 50 pages of recipes, photos, quotes, poems, all made with a lot of love. If you would like to become a VIP member, or order the digital flip cook book, then check out the April/May Blog Appeal for details. 

Well, the news around the world is still not too good relating to the Covid 19 Pandemic.   In Bali, as I predicted, the infections have doubled due to the influx of returnees, from other places and islands.   In New Zealand we are having trouble with quarantine, and infections have risen again, and the news in Melbourne and Victoria is disheartening.   But we are lucky that we are not living in Brazil, and we send out love to all ofthose who are caught up in political and government causes. Life has changed for all of us, and it will not be the same for a long time.  Even Bali is using the phrase, "New Normal", but I am not sure what it means for them.  Bali is now planning to open up to international travel in September, regardless of what the rest of the world is saying. For example, we hear that Australians are banned from leaving the country until June 2021.  We dont know yet what this effect will have on tourism in Bali.  However, as I thought, Bali will promote to the Chinese first, and also to domestic tourism, and we are expected to open and be ready, although we havn't yet been inspected or told to close.

Thank you all for your support.  Your donations have been invaluable. On 1st July the first food support packs went out to all Aquaria staff. This is what they chose to do with the support we received.   They will share it out for up to 6 months, to supplement their income from Aquaria, and it will ensure that they have the staple food to support their families.   We added fish from Budiasa, to the staple food pack.  As far as I am aware, there has been no further support from the government.  Four of our staff have been off sick, and although they have been to the doctor, as I requested, they have not received any info on Covid or any Covid test. It's compulsory that Aquaria pays the government for all staff health care each month, therefore, to me it should also be compulsory that, if they are sick and cannot work in the midst of this world pandemic, then the least that should be done is a Covid test.  I feel I  cannot allow these staff back to work now for at least 15 days, even though 3 have recovered,  until I can be sure they are not a risk to their co - workers.    It is so clear from NZ and from Melbourne, that infections can spread so quickly from just one infected person.

Staff are keeping busy still working 15 days a month to maintain Aquaria;  refreshing and updating and keeping it aired. They have been working on repairs to the ocean wall and also  sanding and whitewashing doors to give rooms a new fresh look.

As we have one builder available, as well as all the staff, (and we had already ceramic in stock),  we decided to renovate the bathrooms in the ocean front rooms.  This is under way now, and there have been a lot of questions and photos going back and forth via Whatsapp.  I am keeping fingers crossed that it all works out well, without my physical supervision!

The ocean wall needed major support, due to cracks from heavy seas, under the ocean pool.  All staff were helping to bring the rocks and sand to the ocean front. 

"When we are centred in oursleves, even for brief periods of time, in the face of the pull of the outside world, we can be at home wherever we find ourselves, at peace with things as they are, moment by moment."  Jon Kabbat-Zinn   

All the newsletters and recipes have been sent out to all our VIP guests in  June and July, and we are now preparing to send out the 3rd recipe for month No.3.

Once again, thank you so much to our wonderful guests.  Your support has helped me to keep the team together, and to ensure they will have enough to eat for a few months at least.    Take care all of you, We need you back!!! 

Jeni and the Aquaria team

  "Take your life in your own hands, and what happens? a terrible thing! - There no one to blame", Erica Jung

Maybe Trump could consider this Quote? :   There is a price to pay for being attached to the narrow point of view of being right.

\

Welcome to our July 2020 Blog 

The world is in chaos *
So much doubt, fear, confusion.
We have free will, we make choices. Did you know that?
Have faith in trust, shared knowledge and unconditional support.

The Aquaria Office Team have been busy sending out Newsletters to all of our recent guests.

We’ve had some teething problems as we are working from a distance,

but we hope that it’s all in process now.   

If you havn’t yet received yours, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I am overwhelmed and so grateful by the support we have received from the Appeal we launched in June .. We have received enough to be able to support staff for one or two months, or to give them food parcels.  The staff have chosen food parcels, and the first ones went out on 1 July.   In return for the support we have received, we have sent out our first month’s recipe with some news, to all donators. Krisna, one of our chefs, is the cook as well as the model for this year’s recipes, and Yuni is the recipe gatherer and photographer. I hope you will love Krisna’s welcoming face & Yuni’s photos as much as I do. Working via Whatsapp with these two has given me so much pleasure, and kept me going thru this dark time. Most of our guests from the Facebook Appeal have requested to be included in The Aquaria VIP Membership Club. This has proved a huge success, and I am so pleased to give a little piece of Aquaria back in return for the donations. Each month for 6 months, Aquaria VIP members will receive another recipe from “A Taste of Aquaria” cook book, together with news, and poems, and photos, for a one-off donation of AUD$50.00
This month we sent out over 70 recipes for our well-loved Pumpkin soup, and we want to thank all those supporters from the bottom of our hearts.

Situation Update:
The situation…… in Bali, remains the same….

The streets are getting busier in Candi Dasa and down South, as though this is the new normal…Yet there hasn’t been an all clear yet!. Unfortunately, as I predicted, infections have risen, as the Indonesians enter or return to Bali after Idul Futri…. I feel that Bali would have remained a safer place if the borders had been controlled from Indonesia, as previously Bali had recorded minimal infection and death, proving that prayer is a powerful tool. It seems that Bali staff from the cruise ships are now being put into quarantine, and are not infecting their home villages.. One of our guests from Carolia Charity reported that her sponsor boy, on returning early from his cruise ship, was made to go into quarantine twice, due to a mix-up: the local village did not trust that the Denpasar government had already quarantined him! We hear that most village elders have taken matters into their own hands, and also have a curfew at 7pm at night, to stop social gatherings.

Aquaria family/staff remain safe and well, although we have heard of infection in a village nearby. Staff remain vigilant, using masks and washing hands….but it is getting harder to ensure safe distancing.        However, Bali government is still predicting that it will open borders for tourists in July! and probably to the Chinese first.
The Aquaria staff want to work. Although I tried to keep them home and safe for the first month or so, during March/ April, it seems they are happier if they have something to do, but they are missing our guests. I think they felt more frustrated and stressed staying at home. They are still working in separate teams, on alternate days. They are busy doing some upgrading and maintenance. It would be a good idea to do some major projects and upgrades, as we have the time without guests, but it is not economic because the money we have is needed for the staff, and to pay the fixed costs at Aquaria. …

 People have been asking how they can support us. ….how they can help…. And this is why I came up with the appeal. The appeal is in our June Blog on the website. 

I hear that many of our staff are supporting their extended families.  Their brothers and sisters who have no jobs, and no income.  Ketut's small salary as well as providing for his own family and parents is also helping to support his 2 brothers (drivers with no tourists, no income, no security)   and their 7 children. Sadly,  I cannot support them all. The local government have given out 10kg of rice for each family, as a one-off aid.   It's better than nothing, of course, but most families use 1 kg  rice per day.   But  the Ministry of Tourism has sent out boxes of staple foods (to a value of $7.00) to all our staff (& probably to all hospitality workers). We assume it is a one-off, however the staff are very grateful for this.  If this is a one-off, then Aquaria will continue with this idea for staff, using the donations we have been given.

If you would like to Donate to support the Aquaria family…….and you don’t know how, then please contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Every time you make a donation we will send one of our favourite recipes to you.
We’d love to send you a copy of our book. Our digital cook book “A Taste of Aquaria” is almost ready… but still in process, as Yuni is busy with VIP memberships at the moment. A hard copy of the book will be available for purchase at the hotel in 2021.

Honorary Members This month: we thank Duncan and Kaye Pratt for their special kindness.
This month's winner of the digital copy of our cook book “ A Taste of Aquaria “ with thanks for their kindness: Susie & Leo Van Der Leit
If you too would like a copy of the digital cook book “A Taste of Aquaria “, it will be  available  soon and can be purchased for a donation of :: $40.00.

We don’t have on line e-commerce, but you can donate via PayPal, from our website.

With thanks for your kindness, Jeni & the Aquaria Family.

In NZ we have moved to level 1, as we had no infections for 28 days, however, on 18 June it was announced that 2 people from uk were allowed in for compassionate reasons, and now they have  Covid19, and  have already been in contact  with 300 people. This is a disaster. No control in quarantine, as we expected, and were promised.   We wait in anticipation, whether we will need to go back into Lock Down again.  We had hoped that the borders would soon open between NZ and Australia, however, this now looks doubtful. 

“Change is a door that can only be opened from the inside” (Tom Peters)
Make choices that mean something
Don’t waste your talents
Fulfil your potential
Be aware, time is short.

 
*THE WORLD IS IN CHAOS –is one of my “poems” at the end of the cook book, but looking at the current situation I now see it might have been better placed at the beginning!? We are all overwhelmed with the confusion caused by Covid 19, the havoc created by some governments and presidents, & appalled by the riots in USA that have spread around the world, due to racism.

THE WORLD IS IN CHAOS –

a “poem” by Jeni Durrant May 2018 from

the Mindful Travellers collection (Poems that don’t rhyme are called blanks)
As I knew,
As I was told
People are coming,
Confused
Need a safe place.
Need to be heard,
Neutral ground,
Peace, no demands.
It’s happening again,
The world is in chaos,
They are searching
Needing balance,
Looking for a path,
Looking for a door,
Looking for the key.
We are the key,
We are the balance.
We are not judging,
We are undemanding
We wish to share our passion.
We are compassion.
We are a safe haven

.

Hello and welcome to November lovely readers! 

November is the time for rainfall, yet sometimes Bali's rainfall hasn't been recorded to start until early January the following year, so it is not always rain storm during this month. Our advice is to come equipt with attire in case of rainfall, and to carry an umberella and or rain coat with you when on your adventures around the island of Bali. Do not worry, the rain is not consistant during November, sometimes it is a nice break from the hot sun and often cools the place down tempoararily. Humidity can increase signifcantly during this onset of wet-season, as high as 80% so we strongly suggest to keep yourself hydrated and well sun protected. November's average temperature fluctuates, but it remains somewhat similar to October's temperature. Here at Aquaria Eco Resort, after rainfall the cool ocean breeze replaces the rain pour. 

Read more ...

Dear October readers, first of all thankyou for taking the time to read our October Blog Edition this month. Bali during October is a great month because if you are looking to experience one of the quietest times to venture here it will be in October as it is low season. The weather sometimes feels like it is dry season and other times rainy, but usually there's only 15 days when you may see rain in October - but rarely a huge downpour. There are many opportunities to enjoy relaxation or acitivities around the island, so you can enjoy a quieter, tranquil Bali. October brings about pristine blue sky when the rain isn't falling and makes you feel like exploring the island. The humidity is between 23 and 33 degrees throughout the day, but it is still a wonderful month to come here. 

Read more ...

'

It's now Bali's 'summer season' which spans across May to September, throughout the year. September is a month that both tourists, and locals alike, love for the bright sunny days, lower humidity levels in comparison to the wet seasons, and the reduction in rainfall. This month is known as 'the dry season' - one of Bali's many monthly 'seasons', it is a very popular time for tourists to explore all around Bali. Bali is the place to be away from the Australian winter and by September it is less crowded as the European holidaymakers from the various European countries make their way home. September is the ideal time for you to come to Aquaria Eco Resort Bali, to explore East Bali,and also enjoy the peace and harmony, and maybe a romantic, beautiful candelit dinner by the waves in Candidasa. 

Read more ...