Last few days in bali were amazing....temples, waterfalls, pissing around on motorbikes...but.... for every positive there is always a negative. Nothing is perfect. Indonesia is far from it.
Whilst we met some amazing people and saw some amazing things, talking to people there is a darker side.
The Indonesian government and police are corrupt as fuck. Word from a few people is teachers are paid around £20/month. Aparently the wages are so drastically low to try to stop Indonesian people from being educated. The government is actually poisoning kids school meals by giving them rotten food....many have died. Luckily there are a few punks (of course) trying to help by providing meals so kids don't need to eat that shit.
Hardly any of the tax received goes towards infrastructure or maintenance but largely to line the pockets of a greedy few. Even the recent demonstrations seen aren't as straightforward as the first appear...in the news we were told that protesters set fire to government buildings...locals say this was not the case...it's largely thought it was done by opposing parties and government provocateurs (spelling).
Whilst there are small pockets of actual resistance, locals are generally in no position to fight due to fear of retaliation.
I am basing this purely on what I've been told by some and am interested in any opposing views from locals.
Animal rights is another issue but mostly due to lack of education and 'tradition'.
Luckily there are also people we met that are trying their best to change this.
I will be trying to set up some benefits/ fundraisers in the future to try to help both human and animal mistreatment when we get home.
Wanna thank everyone that helped us on our travels. You and most of your country have been absolutely amazing!!! You've all helped to make experiences that we'll never forget.
Feel like we've made some new family members for sure.
Hopefully see you all again in December when we come back.
Peace, love and Anarchy
Got a bit caught up in the moment in Ubud 😀
Came to Bali with huge reservations about it.
Imagining a massive tourist trap...well it is but what a place...still in touch with it's culture and roots but coexisting in a melting pot of diversity. Met some amazing people here that will stay friends for a long time. Cheers Areu Pendul Djangkaru and all the rest of the crew ...we'll be back for sure.
Made a bookmatched (two consecutive cut slabs opened out), waterfall table with a bit of local elm from Russ Richards.
Porch is having a bit of a revamp so we can have mates stay and chill there in the winter. Benches fold away for space.
Hinges apparently came from Sting (police) house.
This was a big one!
Personally I think it's my favourite build I've done to date! (Over the ever watchful eye of Mr Wilson). The build took around a month, its built from 90% recycled or second hand materials. Its a bunk house here at Rockaway Park for bands and guests to stay in.
First I gotta say a huge thanks to Mark Wilson for giving me the trust and opportunity to create stuff like this. It's a million miles away from my old site work days! So lucky to be able to collaborate on some amazing projects! Also thanks and credit to Danny Wilson for help with the design and sketching out of the tree that surrounds the rear window, looks amazing!!!
Fucking nerve-wracking today lifting her into place with millilitres to spare! Phenomenal driving from Paul, our super skilled crane driver!!!
Looking forward to the next one!
If you need something like this building or any commisions then hit us up!!! The good photos were taken by Hani Ce!!!!
Cheers!
