Aquaria's monthly blog

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

 

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