February had at it’s highlight the Valentine’s Day. Anyone out there who did not receive chocolate or at least a peck on the cheek? Same as Mother’s or Father’s day the value of those artificially created events is that we have a special reason to think about the meaning and benefit of close relations. However, it is beyond me, why we are supposed to say ‘Happy Valentine!’ when history tells us about Saint Valentine of Rome who was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. Before his execution, he signed a letter with "Your Valentine”. A rather unhappy ending for a good man, but sure a lovely business opportunity for the greeting card- and sweets manufacturers, and consequently dentists too.

Although 2017 is already slightly used up, let me still say this: You probably heard often enough ‘Happy New Year!’ so you won’t get that from me too, as you are already well equipped with many hopefully well working wishes. What I am would like you to enjoy is a healthy and prosperous year with plenty on the plus side. Well’ get to that in a minute. Since from all areas in Bali you have chosen Ubud to focus on, we should start the New Year on a happy note and look at all the good things to see and experience in and around Ubud. However, a promise is a promise, because in the last newsletter I said I will finish the review of some mainstream investment options by looking into investing into Ubud’s properties. Therefore there will be not much on culture and happenings this time. Maybe next month.

Season’s Greeting to you! When you read this you may be in preparation for the holiday season or end of year celebration. “ Why Celebration? ” “Who in his right mind would be partying over the dreadful speed in which this year has passed!” John Lennon actually got it right: Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” Well, it is not all that bad. I heard once: “try to find in every sad thing 5 or more good aspects, then write them down. That puts the problem into perspective.” This is indeed a 100% working cure without unwanted side effects. Just try.

Ketika saya memulai perusahaan ini dan saat membuat website, kalimat pertama dalam deskripsi tentang Ubud saya tuliskan “ Ubud adalah kota yang tidak seperti yang lain….” Mungkin pernyataan tersebut terdengar berlebihan. Tetapi ketika mendengarkan apa dikatakan para expats mengenai Ubud, kehidupan di Ubud itu ajaib. Lihatlah foto-foto lama (bisa dilihat di buku - buku di toko buku Ganesha, Jln. Raya Ubud dekat Kantor Pos). Saya baru bergabung di Ubud tahun 2000. Walaupun saat itu jalanan sudah mulai lebih macet, saya merasa ini adalah tempat untuk mengharapkan “ Kehidupan yang indah”. Hari ini kita kadang kesal dengan kemacetan yang lebih buruk, tidak ada parkir, asap knalpot, komersialisasi, pengemis jalanan dan Anda bisa menambahkan lagi dari pengamatan Anda sendiri. Tapi hanya sedikit yang bilang : “ Cukup, saya pergi” Dari pengetahuan Anda- adakah tempat lain kecuali Greenland atau Kalahari dimana lingkungan justru membaik daripada memburuk? Dan untuk tempat-tempat itu, bagaimana dengan insfrastrukturnya atau kehidupan sosialnya?

When starting up this Company and putting together the website, the first words in our description of Ubud were: “Ubud is a town unlike any other ...” My feeling at the time was that this statement may be a bit over the top. However, when listening to what expats had to say who knew Ubud from the last century, Ubud life must have been truly magical. Look up some of the old photos. (You find books at Ganesha Bookshop, Jl. Raya Ubud near the Post Office). I only joined the Ubud Community in 2000, but even then when the streets already started to fill up with traffic, immediately felt - ‘this is a place where to expect ‘The Good Life’ to happen.