Another Friday the thirteenth in our midst. I recall observing around mid-2020 we had a number of Friday 13’s gracing our calendar, like 4 in 6 months or something, and remarking at the time, maybe there is some truth in the superstitions surrounding the date, as we fell into the covid malaise of that year. Now, and quickly, it seems we are heading in a similar direction with this ridiculous war in the Middle East ready to grind down the economies of the world, let alone anything else it has in store in its diabolical wings. Let’s hope they find an offramp quickly.
On a brighter note, we have one of the best times on the island coming in fast and strong this week, and it is called Nyepi. The Day of Silence kicks off Wednesday evening with the Ogoh-Ogoh street parades around town and the island. It is definitely a time to get festive. Then the next day is a time to be quiet and meditative. Get prepared and enjoy it the best way you can.
Last Saturday night we went up the coast to the Right Reasons charity night at Bali Beach Glamping for their annual Hemingway Cook Off. A group of chefs were vying for the prize of best dish of the night, while guests enjoyed a few drinks, food and the company of new and old friends. This event signals the coming return of the season for me. It is only a few weeks now till the blue skies are back. And that is something to look forward to.
After the slow kinda show, we dropped down to Red Ruby to catch the Nakadia, the famed Thai German techno queen, who actually played some techno for a change. Normally, as she said to me once in an interview, she liked to play to the room, which meant a light weight form of melodic progressive techno for RR, but it would seem she has changed her perception, or the room has become more sophisticated, as she belted out some quality Berlin style techno. Good stuff.
Photos Above: The Hemingway Cook Off was as expected, basically the end and start of two seasons. Later we had a look at Red Ruby and the Nakadia show, which was a gas.
Fast forward Wednesday night and the James Bond of the bathroom world, Mr G is putting on an exhibition and party at a private villa in W Resort. A beautiful villa it was and beautiful gals were noted as we walked into the event. It appeared the exhibition was over by the time we arrived so next step was a trip next door to Shi Shi, a place I haven’t been to in literally years. It hasn’t changed much inside, the music is much the same; second floor banging EDM, third floor moving with hip hop and mash up, and as always the third floor is the busiest.
Photos Above: Our Tuesday night trip to W Resort and Shi Shi was kinda messy but interesting.
The downstairs entrance has definitely had a makeover and looks like their previous and famous Kuta club Sky Garden entrance more than anything. It has that feel. Not surprising with its heritage of course. As always Shi Shi is a well oiled, functioning machine from start to finish, and no wonder it is still so popular with regulars and tourists alike. It offers punters almost everything they need for a clubbing night out, albeit without the uber-cool, laid back feel of other popular clubs – the Canggu and Uluwatu style anyway. House music has never worked in Shi Shi, similar to their predecessor in Kuta—people who enjoy house music just don’t want to go there. It is a mystery why. I don’t know, maybe it’s too slick. They did try at the beginning, but that didn’t work at all. Anyway, so be it, Shi Shi continues being the place for your dose of EDM, hip hop and kinda fun, touristy crowd. Enjoy!
Have a good weekend you all!
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