Here we are in 2026. The last year’s gone by in a flash and we are now looking down the barrel of another entire new year. I always feel a little trepidation with the start of a new one. Getting older has its issues and concerns and the passing years just seem to fly away nowadays, faster than ever, but you always have to remember that somehow it all works out and after January has started, suddenly it is all fine and away we go at full speed once more.
As I said in a recent story, I had a wonderful Christmas period with family and friends and and also New Year’s Eve. NYE was a little wilder than I had anticipated, but since everyone seemed to be away, or not going out, one thing led to another until the madness could not be resisted another moment. I was solo later in the night and there was no holding me back. Thanks go to my buddy Clive for helping to keep the options open and thanks to those who came along for the ride. You know, those nights without any real plan can be the best and that was proven once again last NYE. I hope you all had a great New Year’s Eve!
Photos Above: I hadn’t been to Dreamland for years, but we dropped in for a look and it was kinda fun. Of course, it would have been better in the dry season and its pristine shape some 20 years ago, but there you go, it’s still a nice beach. Emri launching his new promotion business at Sun Shooters in Bidadari last Saturday. Then beers with Tom and Julia at Sunset Beach by Mrs Sippy, celebrating his return to the island!
As the rains continue coming down, it must be said, this wet season has to be one of the wildest on record. The floods are happening more regularly than ever for some reason. In years gone by, there were floods in the Sunset Road area and not really anywhere else. So what happened? Is it the garbage, is it the flagrant town planning mismanagement? Is it the villas being built right on top of the rivers (if that is indeed true), or just the mobs of cement being laid all over island, blocking all pathways to the river overflow? Who knows? Let’s hope the Governor and Co can sort that out quickly. One thing that has impressed me— and of course, you know this if you are a regular reader of this column—are the new roads being built around the Badung tourist zone. Not sure if it is happening in other areas, but the new drainage they are incorporating in the new road works has really improved life in some areas. Man, sometimes I feel like I’m walking in south of France, or Perth even, when walking my dogs in Berawa nowadays. OK, maybe that is pushing it, but there definitely is an improvement, so all is not lost. Let’s be thankful.
There may not be as many people in town this week than the Festive Season, it seems to have dropped off quite dramatically, but, let me assure you, there is plenty on around the traps. Check it out on our new app or on this website.
Have a good weekend you all!
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Highlights in the Bali nightlife this week? There are always plenty of parties and shows on around the island…. Bali never ceases to amaze! Check out all the events, both featured and regular, on thebeatbali.com/bali-events. And also, download The Beat App right here. Get lots of deals, guest list and discounts all over town.