I was at the Food, Hotel & Tourism Bali (FHTB) exhibition yesterday (Thursday). I have been a number of times before but not for a while.
There was a time not long ago I would have been invited by the organisers and waltz on thru like the Prince of Kuta, but not this time. I asked my old buddy Ricardo for a pass, which he sent, and on arrival I discovered that the QR code he had sent had already been used. This meant I needed to find my own, which I then paid for. But anyway, that’s the nature of the beast nowadays – things have definitely changed in the past few years. Of course, one could preregister, free of charge, at any time before the event, but who would think of doing that!
The event was very stylish, probably more so than ever, and being the last day of the three day event it was busy and fun. There were a lot of drinks, or tastings, going down and social moments to be had. Many old friends from the Bali F&B sector were in attendance and laughs and plans for the next year were aplenty. Being the last day there were also a lot of deals going down as the stalls and counters were packed up and heading home – preferably without much stock on hand. So it was sell, sell, sell at any price! Good times and good deals – it doesn’t get any better than that, except some Italian fella bit me on the ear! No kidding, some strange things were happening by the end of play and by then I thought it was time to get going. Always drink in moderation. FHTB
Photos Above: This is perhaps the F&B event of the year in Bali. The FHTB has two sections; the alcohol and hardware sections.
Last Friday I had the pleasure of heading to Taro, north Ubud, and to the Mason Elephant Park and Lodge. I hadn’t been there since maybe 15 years ago on an overnight stay, which among other things included the first meeting of last week’s newly weds, Paloma and Jian, and my first encounter with the elephants.
I can’t recall if we rode the animals on that trip, but now that option is totally off the table. Rides have been banned nationwide by the government and now the only chance to get close with the gentle giants is their offer of feeding, washing and walking the grand animals. So, my family, who were still in tow from the wedding a few days before, and I proceeded to do all of the above activities. Just being close to the elephants is a thrill and having them wrap their trunks around you while feeding them etc is a blast. We went for the walk with them around the park, watched the informative video on the history of the place, had a buffet lunch and a final stop at the Mason chocolate factory on the way home. It was a full and enjoyable day in the hills and comes well recommended. The Elephant Park
Photos Above: A day trip last Friday to the Mason Elephant Park and Lodge with family and friends. What a great experience with the gentle giants of Taro.
Have a good weekend you all!
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