Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

Roy wrote:Mat, do you mind if I call you “Mat” for short?

I'd prefer "Mats"....it sounds a little less like a door mat.

Roy wrote:your insights and memories of your “Bali life” would make for extremely insightful reading on this forum.

Chris I agree, your tales would make fascinating reading!

Mats it is. No offense implied with Mat...as my late "brother" who was quite a well known character here in Bali was named Mathew, and of course always called Matt. Guess I was figuring Matt for the male gender, and Mat for the female. He wouldn't let anyone step on him anymore than I expect you would...but, Mats it is.

Beers it is Chris, if that's your "poison." You are welcomed to ring me up...(0361) 974445...when you get settled in. I'll contact Victor, and we'll let the day determine the outcome. I'm sure Sir Victor will be very happy, and enjoy re-convening court.

Mats / Roy

I will think of some "publishable" stories from those days.

Roy, your on. I will call you when I get back to Bali.

Chris, I honestly look forward to it, just as I do your continuing posts. Just one thing though, when I answer the phone, please be sure to tell me who you are and why you're calling. My phone number has been left on too many Bali mandi walls.

I will think of some "publishable" stories from those days.

Can't wait.

I also met Victor Mason last time in Ubud (at Nuri's, of course). During our conversation, he was surprised that I already knew his name and of his bird walk fame.

I added, "You have no idea Victor, you're famous all over Bali chat forums". He was astonished!

I did have to explain the meaning of a "chat forum", so I don't think he's a big fan of computers or the internet.

OK Roy,will do.
Actually, my first visit to Bali was in 1967, as a visitor. I came to Indonesia to work in late 1974, and was resident in the country until late 1980. My area was East Java and Eastern Indonesia, and I lived an worked in Bali for just over a year, 1976 to 1977. I was based in Surabaya for most of that time, but, course, with frequent visits to Bali on the public holidays etc.

I was young, foolish and impressionable then. Now I am a bit older, probably more foolish, and even more impressionable.

There were several "characters" living in Bali, one of whom was "Captain Jack", and american pilot who used to fly an old beat up DC7 between Bali and Kupang. Victor may be acquainted with him. He used to take anything on the plane, passengers, cargo, live chickens etc, and he was quite well known on local scene in Kuta. Our local watering hole was known as "The Pub", which used to be right on the corner of Poppies Lane, at the cross roads. I used to live in Sanur, in a bungalow complex across the road from the Tanjung Sari, and owned by the Hotel. Captain Jack, and a colleague of mine visiting from Jakarta were sleeping off the effects of a pleasant night in the spare room, and a reasonably severe eartrhquake visited us. I noticed it first when the chain suspended lights started swinging. At first, I blamed it on too much Bintang, but when the floor and walls started moving, everybody ran outside. The thing was, my colleague from Jakarta weighed about 18 Stone, and was "minimally" dressed. It so happened that there were three beautiful french air hostessess who were taking their ease by the swimming pool. One of the best conversation starters you could wish for.

Chris, Captain Jack sounds like a real character. From my limited experience, eccentricity seems to be a pre-requisite for long-term expats!

Have you returned to Bali since those early days?

Captain Jack, as I recall, was one of those notorious members of "Air America." There is another, of whom I will not say the name, or where on earth he has built his own paradise.

Nuri's on a Thursday night...like right now...would indeed open up a lot of doors into Bali expatriate history.

As Mats writes:

eccentricity seems to be a pre-requisite for long-term expats!

Totally true my dear, totally true!

Roy wrote:Nuri's on a Thursday night...like right now...would indeed open up a lot of doors into Bali expatriate history.

If it's Thursday night, why are you not at Nuri's? Or maybe you are, and "on-line" in situ?

Nope, ma'af Mats, but Nuri's is not my Pura. At best, these days, I am there once a month, if that.

I'm a "home body" with my work, and my family. Sure, I love a Thursday night at Nuri's...who woudn't, but for me now, it ain't my "regular" thing.

Oh well, maybe I'll catch you for a martini or two in January. And maybe Chris will be around at that time too. Now if only Bert could come and join us.....

Not to worry about Bert, or his wife Dewi. They know very well that the doors into my house are always open to them, and they've both been to Nuri's as well.

Sure, if it's "meant to be" then yes, it would a very fun time, I think, if we all were to get together....anywhere, so long as it's Bali.

Wouldn't want to leave. Would cost me 1 million anyway

Bert wrote:Wouldn't want to leave. Would cost me 1 million anyway

1 million for what.....oh, you mean for drinks? Or do you have a private bet with Roy that needs repaying?

Nope...no outstanding bets with Bert. Bert doesn't owe me a thing, and visa versa.

Bets, maybe it's time we move on to this issue...found that book yet? You could easily order over the internet, and have it by the weeks end to read.

OK, Mats, one "mercy" post. The million rups that Bert referred to, was the cost of the exit permit for him to depart Indonesia.

Sorry we were talking, and "funning" around you. Ma'af I called you "Bets" it appears you reminded me of my ex-wife.