Aquaria's monthly blog

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