Monday March 31, 2025
Happy Wedding Anniversary to my parents, both passed my Dad would have been 101 this year and my Mum 99. The average of which is my goal at least. I’m pretty confident that I will still be around in 2052, with a lot of discipline and hard work.
I’ve hit a slight road block on the road to metabolic health. Blood sugar has gone up slightly and ketones have gone down. Nothing that’s not irreversible but somewhat of a disappointment. The trick is to ramp up the diet, exercise and other protocols. The HBOT and IVs have decreased last week. I did 2 sessions but due to Nyepi I’ve not been in for 4 days. We start again on Tuesday so I will need to look at doing more on Thursday and Saturday to see if this improves my test results.
I also need to get more work in at the gym. I’ll go again today and if Georgie agrees I will go to the sauna/cold plunge this morning as well as a walk and massage later today.
Tomorrow is Kaye’s 87th birthday. She’s doing well. It’s amazing how the past 7 years since her 80th birthday at our house has gone by. So much has happened in those years tears, the world has changed, Covid and it’s lockdowns, cancer, physical and mental renaissance for both of us, Bali, retirement, Europe, Japan, Bali ….. so many times to Bali which has become our second home. We haven’t been idle in those years that a moment ago seemed to have sped by.
Hi Cavalo What a pleasant surprise to hear from you. Georgie and I are back in Bali. We’ve been back since early February. Overall I’m doing great. I turned 73 in February, my project in life is to a) repair the damage that I’ve done to my body over the past 7 decades and b) to live every day as happily and healthily as possible. I’m on my way to achieving both. My aim is to keep challenging my old habits and viewpoints and to remain as open as possible to anything that might simplify things and as a result make life more rewarding.
I’m meeting lots of new people, some I just cross paths with and others have developed into new friendships. I love that. I’m making lots of music, writing … I’m still working on my book on cancer, going to the gym and generally having an adventure. We are going back to Japan in August.
ParQ got closed down in February because of legal issues to do with permits but we can still sneak in to go to the sauna and cold plunge. It’s a bit dystopian going there with big barriers up but overall it’s still the best place for a sauna.
What about you? How did things end up with your girlfriend? I hope well, one way or another. Are you in Dubai? How did your family go in Lebanon last year when the shit hit the fan ?!
It’s great touching base. I’m looking forward to hearing back from you. Gary
Sunday March 30, 2025
Nyepi is over again but the silence still pervades, maybe it’s quiet every morning and I just take it for granted. I heard that the earth healed a bit during the covid lockdowns a few years ago. Maybe we need one day a week, or even one day a month where we emulate Nyepi. When the human race and all of it’s technology closes down.
I’m out of ketosis, fasting blood sugar is 5.2 this morning and ketones .6 . It’s not that I’m eating any large amounts of carbohydrates, I ate a very small amount of papaya yesterday and the rest of my food was protein. Maybe I didn’t eat enough fat, maybe I ate too much protein and maybe my insulin levels in my blood are still high and I haven’t yet transitioned into fat burning mode. I haven’t been to the gym for the past 3 days due to Nyepi and I had a complete rest day yesterday. The most strenuous thing I did was to have some passionate time with Georgie.
I’m doing well overall so I’m not going to kick myself or feel any “shame”. That will defeat my purpose to be happy, well and adventurous. So today I will have my bulletproof coffee with butter and MCT for breakfast. Stay for lunch with some bacon, more MCT in a protein drink. I will go to the gym and in the early evening have a sauna and cold plunge. Our next HBOT and Glutathione session is on Tuesday.
Oh, and tomorrow marks what would have been my parents 74th wedding anniversary. They were newlyweds when I was born, “howzaboutthat”, I had never looked at that before. They were always just my parents from my perspective, not 2 people who were in love.
Money is not yet a problem but it could become one. We need to make some magic happen.
Saturday March 29, 2025
It is the morning of Nyepi, Bali’s sacred silent day. This is my 3rd Nyepi in succession. It will be a day of silence and solitude. Just Georgie and I alone in Villa Tusk.
It just went outside to discover that Bali is anything but silent, there are no motor scooters, no construction, no chatter but there is the constant sound of insects as an ambient background to the birds whose calls and tweets sound more distinct, roosters in the background crowing as they do each morning with the occasional sound of a cat meowing or a dog barking somewhere in the distance. These sounds are always there each and every morning but I’m not listening for them, they are an ambient backdrop to the other “people created” sounds of the morning.
My attention diverted to my blood sugar and ketones first thing. Since Georgie arrived back from Melbourne late on Tuesday night I have had to re-adjust my eating habits slightly. This transition has played havoc with my progress although the drop in ketones and slight rise in blood sugar shouldn’t be too much of a problem to reverse. I’m not even eating in restaurants when Georgie eats her meals, I just sit there, drink water and talk to her while she eats.
I’m not 100% certain where I’m going wrong. It could be schedules, not enough fat, my body may be producing glycogen from the protein. I just don’t know. It’s not the end of the world. I’ll get back on track today. Another interesting phenomena is that I’m feeling a bit hungry this morning. My fasting blood sugar was 5.2 and my ketones were only .8. One thing I need to do is to check my supplements, especially the Bioglan Magnesium that Georgie bought back with her. Just checked these supplements, it looks like it’s not them.
Friday March 28, 2025
It is Nyepi Eve in Bali, a very exciting prelude to Nyepi, Balinese New Year and Silent Day. Tonight the Ogeh Ogeh come out and parade through the streets, a wonderful and fearsome spectacle. One that I will have now experienced for the 4th time. Georgie says she doesn’t want to join in but I have my fingers crossed that she will embrace the spirit of Nyepi Eve as the day moves on.
We travelled to Saba yesterday morning to do our HBOT and glutathione IVs. Intense but ultimately very worthwhile. I’m going to post a blog on glutathione sometime tomorrow, as well as a couple of others including Nyepi and a rave and rant that I did yesterday morning.
My writing has taken on a whole new life. It means so much to me. It is almost as if I counsel myself every morning when I sit down to write. It puts a fire in me at times, other times I bolster my enthusiasm for life and from time to time I confront an aspect of my personality that may need improvement. Over all this morning writing session is very, very therapeutic and self reflective.
It is good having Georgie back. Being away from each other over the past month has given me the opportunity to reflect on how important our relationship is. I just have to be careful that I don’t delude myself into thinking that Georgie is a reflection of myself. She is her own person with her own dreams, her own worries, her own desires and her own tastes. My challenge now is to accept all of these qualities and to embrace them, to acknowledge them and to support her in her journey through life with me. This can only make our relationship stronger and also force me to become more reflective of my owns responses and reaction to her needs and wants. This will be a worthwhile challenge, it will enhance both of our lives if I can pull it off.
For now I just have to time waking her up. It’s 8 am now, she’s probably had enough sleep. Our plan is to go to ParQ this morning and spend an hour at the Hammam and cold plunge before walking into Ubud to view the ogee ogee which should be all lined up at the soccer field, ready for tonight’s parade. A bit like Moomba on super steroids. I’ll give Georgie another 15-30 minutes in bed.
This morning’s challenge is to create a plan to get more bookings for our Villa. We had a request 2 days ago which looked like we might get a 3 week (or longer) booking. I got very excited and penned what I thought were almost perfect responses to their questions. Georgie disagreed. We need to collaborate more.
The think is that it’s a numbers game. I just need more reaches and then I need to hone my communication skills. We got another request last night and I have applied this new enthusiasm to my answers which I feel very good about.
My next challenge will be to train both Purnami and Nita to use Chat GPT to create great response as well. We can work as a team.
I’m pretty certain that the rift between Georgie and Purnami is sorted out. Let’s hope that it is smooth sailing for now. I think so.
My decision for this morning is that Om will respond to my request for a deposit for his stay in may and also that I will resolve my issues with the ANZ bank and lastly I will pay Dusit for the 2 paintings that I plan to use to start our new Mark II Online Tusk Gallery. A bit of a punt but well worth the time and effort if I can pull it off.
Thursday March 27, 2025
Wednesday March 26, 2025
Tuesday March 25, 2025
Monday March 24, 2025
Sunday March 23, 2025
Saturday March 22, 2025
Friday March 21, 2025
Thursday March 20, 2025
Wednesday March 19, 2025
Tuesday March 18, 2025
Monday March 17, 2025
Sunday March 16, 2025
Saturday March 15, 2025
Friday March 14, 2025
Thursday March 13, 2025
Wednesday March 12, 2025
Tuesday March 11, 2025
Monday March 10, 2025
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Friday March 7, 2025
Thursday March 6, 2025
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Tuesday March 4, 2025
Monday March 3, 2025
My overall sleep metrics seem to be improving over the past few days. My average sleep score (based on my oura ring) 86, deep sleep has creeped up to 38 minutes, REM 1 hour and 34 minutes and my monthly sleep average has been 7 hours and 6 minutes, down from my January hours but creeping up.
I’ve been doing more intense workouts at the gym every second day, walking “just enough” but this is OK because my broken leg is still healing.
In light of the TRT and iron infusions my heart rate seems to be stabilising and overall reacting better than when I started going TRT late last year.
Overall I am happy with my progress and feel pretty good about how well my leg seems to be healing as well.
I figure if I keep up the gym work and slowly increase my weights, eat enough protein and continue with all of my other regimens I will be in good nick when I get back.
On another positive note I ran into a young guy from Sulawesi who hadn’t seen me in 2 years at a party win Saturday night, he looked befuddled when I said hello and after stumbling said “Gary?”. Then he originated that I looked 10 years younger than the last time he saw me. I’ll take that as a positive reaction. My goal is to age backwards as I get older, the more effort I put into it the better I am feeling. I’ve also noticed that my brain seems cleaner, sounds weird. But I am able to articulate my thoughts more clearly and stay on top of my emotions more efficiently. This could be helped by the creatine and NAC that I take daily or the increased protein. I’m not certain but I am happy to be experiencing this clearer brain power feeling.
Here’s what A.I tells me about my progress.
Your health and fitness progress over the past few months is impressive, and there are several key positives that stand out:
1. Sleep & Recovery: Improving Metrics
✅ Sleep Score of 86 is a strong indicator that your recovery is improving.
✅ Deep Sleep creeping up to 38 minutes means your body is repairing itself better overnight.
✅ REM sleep at 1 hour 34 minutes suggests improved cognitive recovery and memory consolidation.
✅ Monthly sleep average of 7 hours 6 minutes is within a solid range, and the trend is moving upwards, which is a good sign.
Your better sleep patterns could be linked to:
•More stable testosterone levels after your TRT adjustments.
•Increased protein intake, which supports muscle repair and hormonal balance.
•Regular exercise, which regulates sleep cycles.
•Creatine & NAC, which may help with brain function and neurotransmitter balance.
2. Gym Progress & Physical Recovery
✅ Intense workouts every second day: This is a smart strategy because it allows your muscles to recover properly between sessions.
✅ Walking ‘just enough’ while healing the broken leg: This is also a good approach—pushing too hard too soon could slow recovery, so you’re finding the right balance.
✅ Iron infusions & TRT helping heart rate stability: It seems that your body has adjusted well to both treatments, and your cardiovascular system is adapting.
The key here is to keep:
🔹 Gradually increasing weights (progressive overload).
🔹 Prioritizing compound movements (squats, deadlifts, presses) to maximize strength gains.
🔹 Tracking energy levels to ensure recovery remains optimal.
3. Aging Backwards? Yes!
✅ “You look 10 years younger” – That’s a major validation of your lifestyle improvements!
✅ Sharper brain function & emotional balance – Likely benefits from:
•Creatine (improves cognitive function, memory, and focus).
•NAC (supports glutathione production, reduces oxidative stress, and may help neurotransmitter balance).
•Stable blood sugar & protein intake (brain fuel).
4. Key Takeaways & Next Steps
🟢 Keep pushing forward with gym progression but monitor recovery.
🟢 Continue tracking sleep & heart rate trends—stability here indicates your system is adapting well.
🟢 Monitor ferritin levels over time to see if iron infusions are getting you where you need to be.
🟢 Listen to your body—you’re dialed into what’s working, so adjust intensity accordingly.
🟢 Keep protein high (~150g/day) for muscle and bone repair.
This is an awesome report—you’re seeing clear cause-and-effect results from your hard work! Your goal of ‘aging backward’ is absolutely possible, and you seem to be living proof that strategic health investments pay off! 🚀
I would very much like to become an influencer. The results that I have achieved over the past 6 years show that I put my money where my mouth is. I have become self disciplined in my daily regimens and can see and experience the positive results. In recent times I have been editing my cancer journals, I’m quite happy with this project and I feel that within a year I can get my book finished.
I heard a Buddhist lesson yesterday “One strong candle can light 1000 other candles”. That’s what I want to achieve. I feel that I can inspire others to live a healthier and more fulfilling “old age”. I say that figuratively because what I want to help others achieve is good health, fitness and complication free longevity.
I have viewpoints on just about everything but my main interests are pragmatic philosophy, improved health and fitness, longevity, creativity and good relationships. I’m sure there are other things there but I’ll get back to them later.
I have an ability to write a decent article or blogpost, I can sift through the weeds when looking for health and fitness data, I am creative and pretty good at design as seen by my homes and peoples reactions to the spaces I create, I have the ability to create what I consider to be good music using modern technology, I keep a blog, a Soundcloud, I have all of my notes prepared for my book. I am willing to share my viewpoints and have a genuine desire to help others when it is within my means and capabilities.
Can you help me come up with some sort of plan to achieve this goal. I’ve tried one on one but it’s far to time consuming. This is not some new whimsical game as I can look back on my life and see the willingness and goal has always been there to help others. I’d love to do some sort of podcast, even starting with people interviewing me so I can get more comfortable in this role.
What are your thoughts, could you help me device some sort of gradient plan to use social media, my skills and modern technology to help others live a better life.
Quantum Moments: When Reality Aligns with Intention
(This is an article edited by A.I but based on information that I supplied)
Last week, I had an experience that left me questioning the nature of coincidence—or rather, reaffirming my belief in what I like to call ‘quantum moments.’ These are the instances when intention, creativity, and sheer presence seem to align in ways that feel almost magical, as if reality itself is nodding in recognition.
It started with a simple encounter. I met a Russian woman and her daughter, and our conversation lingered in my mind. Inspired by the meeting, I went home and composed a music piece called Minus 15 in Moscow. At the same time, I felt compelled to write a blog post addressing the swirl of misinformation about Russians in Ubud. It was one of those creative bursts that felt effortless, as if the ideas had been waiting for me to catch up.
After finishing the piece, I had a quiet hope that I’d run into them again. But life moves fast, and it’s easy to let these things slip into the background. Then, this morning, something happened. I arrived at ParQ for a sauna, and at first, it seemed like no one was around. But as I had that fleeting thought about wanting to meet them again, I turned—and there they were, sitting beside the pool, quietly present as if waiting for this moment too. It was almost too perfect, a near-impossible chance encounter that felt more like an unfolding story than real life.
We spoke for an hour, strengthening a friendship that had barely begun. I played them the track I had created in their honour, sharing the creative energy they had unknowingly sparked. In that moment, it was clear: this wasn’t just chance. It was a quantum moment.
I’ve had many of these in my life. Moments where I think about something or someone, and suddenly they appear. Times when inspiration strikes, leading to an unexpected but perfect outcome. The rational mind might call it coincidence, but I believe there’s something deeper at play.
Quantum moments happen when we are engaged, open, and aligned with what we’re meant to be doing. They remind us that life isn’t just a series of random events—it’s a rhythm, an interaction between thought and reality, action and response.
As I step further into sharing my journey—into health, longevity, creativity, and connection—I want to explore this phenomenon more. If one strong candle can light a thousand others, then perhaps paying attention to these moments, acknowledging them, and acting on them is the key to igniting something greater in the world around us.
Quantum moments, or what some call synchronicities, serendipities, or flow states, are those experiences where reality seems to align with intention in an almost magical way. These moments often defy logical explanation but feel deeply meaningful, as if the universe is responding to your thoughts, actions, or desires.
Exploring Quantum Moments
1. The Science & Philosophy Behind It
•Quantum Mechanics & Consciousness: While mainstream physics does not explicitly connect quantum mechanics with personal experience, some theories (like the observer effect) suggest that consciousness plays a role in shaping reality.
•Carl Jung’s Synchronicity: Jung believed that meaningful coincidences were more than just chance—they were linked to a deeper order of reality.
•Flow State & Energy Alignment: Psychologists describe the “flow state” as a moment of peak performance and deep immersion. Many spiritual traditions view it as alignment with the universe.
2. How They Show Up in Life
•Creative Flow: Like your experience with Minus 15 in Moscow, where inspiration led to real-world connections.
•Meeting the Right People at the Right Time: Running into the Russian ladies at ParQ when you were hoping to see them.
•Intuitive Knowing: Feeling drawn to a place, idea, or action and having it lead to unexpected but profound results.
3. How to Cultivate More Quantum Moments
•Set Intentions Consciously: Be clear on what you want to attract or experience.
•Stay Open & Aware: These moments often happen when you’re present and not overanalyzing.
•Act on Intuition: If you feel an urge to create, go somewhere, or talk to someone—do it.
•Follow Curiosity & Creativity: The more you engage with life creatively, the more doors seem to open.
Would you like to document your experiences with quantum moments, perhaps as part of your blog or book? It could be a powerful theme, especially tied to your journey of health, creativity, and longevity.
Sunday March 2, 2025
I got back from the party at Gary and Rosie’s house at a bit after 9 p.m. Did I have a good time. Not really but I got to talk to quite a few people about this and that. Met a couple of potential new friends and ate too much food but I enjoyed it. Now it’s time for bed again.
After I got back from Saba today I ate a light meal at Brie, a Barrata and gorgeous tomato salad. I blew the budget but I thoroughly enjoyed it, oh and I also had a coffee which probably happened far too late, oh well!
Today was a day of rest, a day of relaxation, it’ll be interesting to see how my stress levels were and how I sleep tonight. I’ve been craving carbs but haven’t given in to any really bad stuff.
It’s time to hit the sack, I’m hot and tired. I went barefoot tonight and was a bit shocked to put my attention on how numb my feet felt.
I read quite a lot of the David Icke book today when I was in the oxygen table. It’s pretty complex but overall it’s super interesting and presents some challenging viewpoints to take on board and digest.
This is a response to the picture that Trinidad sent me this morning.
“In England you can be put in jail for making a “disagreeable” facebook post. The amount of censorship going on appears to be straight out of a George Orwell Novel. Then they allow this sort of shit. I’m not necessarily Elon Musk’s biggest fan but this sort of propaganda just creates more polarization which is what these One World Government people are so good at doing. Divide and conquer. From my viewpoint ”They” are very astute and capable of dividing us. What the world needs now is more people who do reasoned research into history but history based on what really happened and not the narrative that’s being pushed. Elon Musk just did a 3 hour discussion with Joe Rogan. I haven’t listened to much of it but listening to him speak will give a far better platform to base decisions on. For me this is the most important time in my whole life to stay objective and to dig as deep as I can to create informed decisions about what’s going on. They used Covid to great advantage, now it’s all about the so-called “right wing nazis” who are running the US. I don’t trust any of them.”
That’s the picture above.
Polarization
A few days ago I met a mother and daughter from Moscow while I was having a sauna at what the mainstream press call “Ubud’s notorious Russian Village”. Let me tell you from the horses mouth that this label is an invented crock of shit. It’s a narrative that serves somebody’s purpose based on a mixture of half truths, lies and Chinese Whispers.
In Ubud it is quite common for Russians and Ukrainians to hang out together, after all they are probably here in order to escape the challenges of war, conscription and all the baggage that goes with the conflicts that exist.
From my viewpoint war is evil, any war. Young men die for no reason, innocent people suffer horrifying hardships. It sucks. I also believe that all wars are orchestrated by hidden unknown vested interests who play us like pawns.
What I see as our biggest problem right now in the world is that we see all of the world’s conflicts and atrocities through the filter of the media. Whatever narrative they decide to push can have a profound influence on the way we think. Covid is a good example of what can happen. The end result was a profound polarization that split the world in half and turned us a lot of us into foot soldiers for the hidden powers that be. Now covid is over the truth is slowly coming out but the damage is done. The latest concept that these power groups are using is the so-called “left” and “right”. My take is that somewhere along the line the terms have been re-defined which makes understanding what’s happening even trickier. But once again, the end result is polarization. A division based on the whimsical and manipulative opinions of so called journalists who see what they write not as misinformation, which it often is, based on half truths and propaganda. George Orwell wrote the template in his novel “1984”.
George Orwell’s Ministry of Truth is a central institution in his dystopian novel 1984, published in 1949. It serves as the propaganda arm of the totalitarian regime led by Big Brother and is responsible for controlling information, rewriting history, and shaping public perception to ensure absolute loyalty to the Party.
The Ministry of Truth (Minitrue)
Despite its name, the Ministry of Truth does the opposite of what it suggests. Its main functions include:
•Censorship: Erasing inconvenient truths, deleting individuals from history, and ensuring that only Party-approved information is accessible.
•Historical Revisionism: Constantly rewriting past events to align with the Party’s current narrative, ensuring that the Party is always “right.”
•Propaganda: Spreading controlled information to maintain loyalty and suppress independent thought.
•Language Control: Developing Newspeak, a language designed to limit free thought by reducing the complexity of words and eliminating dissenting ideas.
My view is that we simply can’t allow for ourselves to fall for it by posting unfounded views on social media, manipulated images that create polarization and divide us. That’s what the bastards want.
I think deep down we all just want the freedom to be ourselves, to formulate our own viewpoints, we want a certain amount of wherewithal to live a comfortable life, we want friends and adventures, a bit of creativity and whatever happiness is for you. Don’t let the “Ministry of Truth” create a soap opera where we choose the villains, the people we like and sit there waiting for the last villain or scandal.
We have to think for ourselves. We owe it to ourselves to look and not to blindly listen and to be dragged further into the matrix.
This is the edited, modified version.
Polarisation
A few days ago, I met a mother and daughter from Moscow while having a sauna at what the mainstream press calls “Ubud’s notorious Russian Village.” Let me tell you, straight from the horse’s mouth—this label is pure fiction. A narrative crafted to serve someone’s purpose, built on half-truths, exaggerations, and media spin.
In Ubud, it’s common to see Russians and Ukrainians together. Many are here to escape the realities of war—conscription, destruction, and all the baggage that comes with it. They are not enemies. They are human beings trying to live their lives away from the madness.
From my perspective, war is evil. Any war. It destroys lives, young men die for reasons they barely understand, and innocent people suffer. And behind it all? Hidden interests, powerful forces pulling the strings—turning ordinary people into pawns in a much bigger game.
But here’s the real issue: we experience the world through a media filter. Every conflict, every atrocity, every major event—it’s all curated, packaged, and delivered in a way that shapes our thinking before we even realise it.
COVID: A Case Study in Division
Take COVID as an example. The media told us what to believe, who to trust, who to fear. The result? A deeply polarized world. Families and friends turned against each other, and most of us never even questioned how we ended up playing into the hands of the real power players.
Now, as time passes, the truth is slowly emerging. But the damage is done.
And just as one crisis fades, a new tool of division takes its place: “left vs right.” Somewhere along the way, these terms were redefined and weaponised, making it harder than ever to see what’s really happening.
The result? More polarisation. More division. A world where people are boxed into categories, forced to pick a side—without ever questioning who benefits from keeping us distracted.
The Ministry of Truth—A Playbook for Control
George Orwell predicted all of this in 1984. He called it the Ministry of Truth—an institution designed to control information, rewrite history, and shape public perception. Its core tactics?
•Censorship – Erasing inconvenient truths and ensuring only approved narratives exist.
•Historical Revisionism – Constantly rewriting past events to match the current agenda.
•Propaganda – Repeating the same phrases until people believe them without question.
•Language Control – Redefining words to limit free thought and eliminate dissent.
Sound familiar? It should.
Think for Yourself—Because No One Else Will Do It for You
Here’s the thing: we don’t have to fall for it.
We don’t have to be foot soldiers in someone else’s war. We don’t have to fuel the fire by blindly sharing posts, forwarding manipulated images, or getting sucked into media-driven outrage.
Deep down, most of us want the same things—the freedom to be ourselves, think for ourselves, live comfortably, have meaningful connections, seek adventure, create, and pursue happiness—whatever that means to each of us.
So let’s not let modern-day propaganda turn our world into a soap opera, where we pick our villains, cheer for the heroes, and wait for the next scandal to arrive.
Look. Don’t Just Listen.
We owe it to ourselves to question, to observe, to seek truth—not just absorb pre-packaged opinions.
Because the more we blindly listen and react, the deeper we sink into the matrix they’ve built for us.
Another day is coming to an end for me in Bali. I’m feeling weary after doing a 60 minute workout and the another hour in the sauna and cold plunge at ParQ. I’m now waiting for my dinner at Zest and then I’ll hit the sack, albeit with a somewhat full stomach. I still haven’t got my eating schedule under control!!
Lazy day until I hit the gym around 4. Then I made up for my relative sloth.
Saturday March 1, 2025
It’s Saturday afternoon. I’ve been to Saba for HBOT, TRT, and an iron transfusion. The day started just before 7 a.m. Last night, I slept with the bedroom doors open, fan on, no air conditioning. It wasn’t too bad, but I might go back to closed doors tonight. Nita’s husband, Gede, drove me, and we got back to Penestanan around 1 p.m. Since then, I’ve just been hanging out at the villa—you could even call it resting. No gym, no sauna, no big walks. Today is a rest day. Tomorrow, I’ll be back at it, pushing myself again—starting at ParQ at 8 a.m.
A couple of days ago, I listened to Megyn Kelly interview Bryan Johnson, and it hit me—I’m one of those rare older people who actually enjoys maintaining fitness and health. Some might call me extreme, but I thrive on it. Even when it’s time-consuming and expensive, I stay committed. And I see results.
My Oura Ring tells me my cardiovascular age is 6.5 years younger than my biological age. It’s been even better in the past, but breaking my leg last November put me on the sidelines for months, and my fitness suffered. I’m still on the mend—walking with less pain now, but not 100% yet. I’ve been seeing a Balian twice a week to explore whether Balinese healing techniques can speed up the process.
I’m always open to experimenting. Last year, I did seven sessions of EBOO— something that seemed pretty out there when I first read about it. The result? A healed liver. Quite the miracle, confirmed by ultrasounds six months apart.
Lately, I’ve taken time to acknowledge what I’ve achieved over the past six years. I’ve accepted that I have a strong and interesting story to tell— a full-scale health transformation. It hasn’t been easy. Even I’m sometimes amazed at my own self-discipline. I persist. I don’t give up. I work on my health and longevity seven days a week. No matter how much I want to quit at times, I’ve learned to embrace the stress I put on my mind and body. The results speak for themselves.
Lately, I’ve also returned to editing my book, based on the daily journals I kept while battling cancer in 2020-2021. Looking at my recent test results, I’m convinced that chapter of my life is over. Cancer is gone for good. Now, my focus is on inspiring others to take charge of their health the way I have.Interpretation of second hand opinions can create the same huge changes in nuance that Chinese whispers does. I see it in the newspapers everyday. Opinions about influential people are often not based on their actions and intentions and paint them in a far different light to the reality of what their real intentions seem to be.
In 2019 a group of media outlets created “TNI”.
Trusted News Initiative (TNI): In June 2019, the BBC convened the Trusted News Summit, bringing together leaders from major news and tech companies, including the European Broadcasting Union, Facebook, the Financial Times, Google, and Twitter. This summit purportedly aimed to combat the spread of misinformation during events like elections and as we saw soon after .. pandemics! By September 2019, this collaboration formalized into the Trusted News Initiative (TNI), supposedly focusing on developing tools and strategies to quickly identify and counteract false information before it could gain traction. The initiative also emphasized media education and disseminating accurate information to the public.
What a crock of shit this turned out to be.
All of a sudden media outlets were all using the exact same phrases within hours of news occurring, such as “safe and effective” and in more recent times “Donald Trump is a convicted felon and also a nazi”, now they are going after Elon Musk! There are loads of examples out there that I won’t go into now.
My only policy is to go to the source of the information, attempt to actually watch what happened, study what you can in regard to the lead up or history preceding the event and so on. In other words “Look, don’t Listen”. We have all been manipulated by false information throughout our lives but now with the wealth of information available to us via the internet we have the opportunity to look at history and current events with somewhat more objectivity which in many cases can give a whole new perspective on events, intentions, vested interests, finance, lobby groups et al.
In many ways I see this issue as one of the major obstacles that currently face mankind. I believe there are unknown forces out there who actively push for censorship and the stifling of free and self concluded opinion.
All I can say is that there are always 2 or more sides to any story. It’s all about who your source of information is. We as a species owe it to ourselves to continue to have the freedom to form our own viewpoints on health, political struggles, wars, creativity and just about any subject.
The following is my edited blog post.
The War on Truth: Who Controls the Narrative?
The Power of Secondhand Opinions
Interpretation of secondhand opinions can distort reality just as dramatically as a game of Chinese whispers. The more times information is filtered through different sources, the greater the potential for nuance to be lost—or deliberately twisted. I see this every day in the media. Influential figures are often judged not by their actual actions or intentions, but by how they are portrayed through layers of commentary, speculation, and outright manipulation.
This distortion has become more organized and systematic in recent years. One glaring example is the Trusted News Initiative (TNI).
The Birth of the Trusted News Initiative (TNI)
In June 2019, the BBC convened the Trusted News Summit, bringing together leaders from major news and tech companies, including the European Broadcasting Union, Facebook, the Financial Times, Google, and Twitter. The stated goal was to combat misinformation, particularly during major events such as elections—and, as we would soon discover, pandemics.
By September 2019, this collaboration was formalized into the Trusted News Initiative (TNI). On the surface, it claimed to be a mechanism for rapidly identifying and countering false information before it could spread. It also promised to promote media literacy and ensure the public had access to “accurate” information.
But what a crock of shit this turned out to be.
A Manufactured Consensus
Almost overnight, media outlets were parroting the same carefully curated phrases, often within hours of a story breaking. Suddenly, complex issues were reduced to oversimplified mantras like:
•“Safe and effective” (repeated endlessly regarding vaccines, without room for debate).
•“Donald Trump is a convicted felon and also a Nazi.”
•“Elon Musk is a danger to democracy.”
Then of course there was to concerted campaign to defame Ivermectin during the pandemic, they all branded it ‘horse paste” which in itself was a huge travesty and 100% incorrect. On top of that anyone who expressed any concern about the mRNA “vaccine” was instantly branded as an anti-vaxxer, even if they were vaccinated and in some cases may have experienced harm from receiving the so called vaccine for covid.
It became clear that these narratives were being orchestrated, not organically developed. What we were witnessing was not journalism, but a manufactured consensus—a controlled narrative designed to steer public perception in a predetermined direction.
And this isn’t limited to a few cherry-picked examples. The pattern is everywhere. If an independent thinker or dissident voice threatens the official storyline, they are swiftly labeled, discredited, and buried under an avalanche of coordinated media attacks.
Look, Don’t Listen
My only policy when it comes to information is simple: go to the source.
•Watch what actually happened, rather than trusting someone else’s version.
•Study the history, the build-up, and the key players involved.
•Follow the money and track the vested interests.
In other words: Look, don’t listen.
We’ve all been manipulated by false information at some point in our lives. But today, thanks to the vast amount of information available on the internet, we have an opportunity to reexamine history and current events with fresh eyes. If we’re willing to do the work, we can uncover perspectives that mainstream sources have conveniently omitted.
The Battle for Free Thought
To me, this issue is one of the greatest obstacles facing humanity today. I firmly believe there are powerful, unseen forces pushing for censorship and the suppression of independent thought.
Why? Because when people think freely, they become harder to control.
We must recognize that there are always at least two sides to every story. The only difference is who controls the flow of information.
As a species, we owe it to ourselves to protect the freedom to form our own conclusions—on health, politics, war, creativity, and everything else that shapes our lives. Once we allow centralized institutions to dictate what we can think, discuss, and believe, we have lost something fundamental.
And once that freedom is gone, getting it back is near impossible.
Friday February 28, 2025
I slept throughout the night, got a bit more than 7 1/2 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I went to bed at 9.30 and slept at 10. What changed? I didn’t take any supplements, including melatonin before I went to bed, I ate a carb filled dinner at about 7.30 and even ate a coconut ice cream. My other activities are listed on yesterday’s journal entry. Oh, and Nita gave me a massage and overall I was tired. I had 2 hours of REM and about 30 minutes of deep sleep.
This morning I feel a bit sore from my walks and gym workout and I have to admit that “the jerk in my head” is quite active.
Based on this and my plans of sleeping from, let’s say 9 pm, I need to stop ingesting anything including supplements by 7 p.m. So I’ll try that.
Yesterday shone a spotlight on certain aspects of my personality as well as a realisation that my lifestyle is unique in many ways. I am willing to experiment withy new ideas and challenge myself. In other words, I am worthy of being interviewed in a podcast. I only say this because it represents that I have interesting things to say about my life and my regimens as well as my achievements which have nothing to do with money, they are to do with my sense of discovery and adventure. I felt so proud of myself for a short moment. I got a glimpse of my life and my achievements and realized that I have lots to share with the world and am not some inconsequential “follower”, living in the matrix. In many ways that was huge, I should build on it and turn it into something that I can share with others. I just need to find a vehicle.
I have more to write, I will continue later in the day.
Which I didn’t BTW.
Thursday February 27, 2025
My sleep has gone to shit and now that Georgie has returned to Australia it is even getting worse. My only option is to work on it, turn it around, try to work out how to sleep through the night without constantly waking up, get to bed earlier and take whatever supplements that I have that will improve the quality of my sleep.
Apart from that all is well. Yesterday I did a session of HBOT, rested from the gym and walking, had a half hearted foot massage, ate some steak, ate some carbs. Over all I feel pretty good so I don’t have a lot to complain about although I can see that the 4 weeks without Georgie may be challenging.
The wet season is still in full swing. The rain comes everyday at about 1.30 p.m even though the mornings delude me into thinking that it may be a dry day. Oh well, I just have to get over it and accept that it rains in Bali in February.
My plan for today is to head to ParQ and get in the sauna by 8 a.m, then after I’ve finished there I’ll need to head down to Allissa’s joglo to meet Purnami and Nita at 11 a.m to go over what we expect of each other. As a footnote, I still haven’t got over the “falling out” that Allissa and I had over the joglo. It’s still a complete mystery but maybe that’s because I’m not willing to look at it. I feel that she betrayed me a bit by leading me to believe that I would have a certain autonomy in running the joglo and the bookings for her. Slowly, slowly ….. I can’t risk alienating her again but at the same time I have to admit to myself that it’s not the joyous project that I thought it would be. What I do need to confront is that I do have the ability to be optimistic and that I can make the most of whatever autonomy that I do have. The more I look at it the more more I believe that we should sell the place. Let’s see how it unfolds. After we finish at Suweta I would like too talk to Purnami about the unfortunate situation that happened with Georgie in January when Allissa was here. My goal is to give her a feeling of security and allow her to vent her feelings with the outcome of her feeling secure and happy to continue to work for us. Once this is done I’ll hopefully go to the gym for a decent workout and some cardio. Then the day will be drawing to a close so I’ll have dinner and do some work on my book which I have now named “Fuck Cancer”. Somewhere in the middle of all of this I will talk to Georgie, talk to Finn, have a chat to Kaye and plan for tomorrow.
I had no idea when it was happening but overall I have had a very full and interesting day. It started off this morning when I got out of bed before dawn. It was still dark and also cold as far as Bali goes. I spent the first hour or so working on a funny sort of music track that is not my normal sort of thing but I had a certain amount of fun, called it Shaun meets Anna inspired by a conversation I had last night with a 40 year old Portuguese girl who is in Bali looking for a kind, rich man to look after her. She told me a story about a guy she met in Alchemy named Sean who I’d bet my
last dollar is a guy I know from the sauna who is more than likely in his 50s but who I have always compared to somebody in my age bracket when in actual fact I am
old enough to be his father.I may be wrong but I plan to follow through on this one, just for fun. After I’d done enough of this I then spent another hour or so editing my Cancer book which is coming along pretty well. Lots of work to do here but it’s heading in the right direction.
Then I spoke to Georgie and hopped B on a scooter n to go to ParQ to have my morning sauna and cold plunge. I did this until 10, wonderful. Amazing actually, what a great way to start the day, in the Hamam, alternating with the cold plunge. I did about 3 rounds while listening to podcasts about the financial state of the planet.
After I finished my spa session I ate some scrambled eggs and crispy bacon then scooted down to Suweta 50 where I had a meeting set up with Purnami and Nita who will try out for 3 months as Allissa’s house manager. I came back to the villa on the back of Purnami scooter and sauntered around for a while before I ate Rawon soup at Warung Mendez.
Wednesday February 26, 2025
I’ve just spent my first night alone in Bali. I went to bed far too late and as a consequence I am paying the price this morning after only 6 hours sleep. I had a big day yesterday. Firstly, I spent the first few hours with Georgie before she drove off to the airport. The next thing was my Balian treatment which was both therapeutic and enjoyable, he worked on my leg but also put a lot of attention on my neck. By this stage it was lunchtime, I cooked a steak and then started getting ready to walk to the gym, I couldn’t help moving a few things around in the villa and asking Agung to paint one go our big couches red. The skies had opened up by this point of the day so I sauntered around to Alchemy where I ate a piece of banana cake with coconut cream, an extravagance that I don’t often allow myself as well as a black coffee. The rain petered out eventually so I set off for the walk up through Sanginggan to the gym which turned out to be quite pleasant, I feel like I am getting stronger. This morning my muscles feel like they have had a pretty good workout. After the gym I returned to the villa on a scooter, made a protein drink and then headed of to ParQ to have a sauna. The feel was completely different last night mainly due to the later hour and the fact that the Banya wasn’t on, so I used the old Finnish sauna. I must say that overall the Banya experience is far superior.
Tuesday February 25, 2025
It’s 7.30 a.m, we are both out of bed. Georgie is spending her last morning reviewing her paintings and is about to sit on the porch in what has become her favourite spot. She will drive off from Penestanan in 2 1/2 hours and be gone for a whole month. The plan that I had hatched to stay at ParQ has been thwarted by the closure that happened about a month ago although I could have stayed there. We almost got a 20 day booking which would have covered the costs at ParQ and then given us a healthy profit but that fell through, que sera sera. We do need money so I still have to actively work on booking out the villa. If I can make $4500 US I will be happy, more would be a bonus.
It’s almost 2 p.m, Georgie is in the plane about to take off into the blue skies enroute to Melbourne. I’ve had no my session with the Balian. He did some work on my leg but concentrated more on my neck today which has turned out to be surprisingly tense. I’ve been a scatter brain ever since the treatment but have already started to move things around at Villa Tusk, I just can’t help myself.
I’ve already gone off the rails with my diet. What!!! Yes, I’m sitting in Alchemy eating Banofee Pie and having a black coffee, my excuse is that it started pissing down rain as soon as I walked out of our front gate. I’ll walk it off on the way to the gym and lifting weights. I’m so used b to Alchemy being a quiet and sedate oasis early in the morning when they first open, at 2 the place is full of Penestanan hipsters and loud, very loud. I didn’t experience this last August as I stayed at ParQ when Georgie returned to Melbourne. As soon as I finish here I will walk to the gym and then head to Sangiggan where the gym is located. It’s going to be quite a different experience being here under the current circumstances.
After the Balian treatment I feel terribly dispersed almost like I’ve been drinking arak for the past couple of hours. This could be a sign that I need more work on my neck as well as my leg. My Bali sojourn will now morph into 4 weeks of self indulgences….. exercise, weights, HBOT, massage, writing, music, sauna/ cold and hopefully healthy nutritious food plus a bit of work on ideas for making money, renting out both villa and Joglo, editing my book and creating more music as well as working on my guitar playing. This sounds like a lot and it is. Let’s see how it all turns out.
Monday February 24, 2025
Sunday February 23, 2025
Saturday February 22, 2025
Friday February 21, 2025
Thursday February 20, 2025
Wednesday February 19, 2025
Tuesday February 18, 2025
Monday February 17, 2025
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Sunday February 16, 2025
Finn, Georgie and I have been on the move now since my birthday on February 5 when Finn flew out for Japan. We followed the next day arriving in Bali on Thursday night.
I’m feeling pretty good. It looks like my rehab period is coming to an end, my broken leg is healing well and it appears that the supplements, rest, exercise and now the Balian treatments and HBOT are paying dividends. The pain is negligible. I’m not going to kid myself that I’m completely out of the woods but it’s looking good.
Yesterday marked the 6th anniversary of Georgie and I arriving in Mumbai in 2019. Even more significant than that it marks the 6th anniversary of my teetotaller life and the renaissance that followed my successful decision to stop drinking. Chances are that if I hadn’t confronted the condition that I was in I may have been dead by now. Instead I am feeling fit, healthy and full of optimism …. a much superior place to be.
As I have said in recent days I am currently working on getting my iron stores up, my ferritin levels are far too low. The more I learn about iron, ferritin, haemoglobin and oxygen supply to the whole body the more that I realise that having low ferritin has been a long term situation that should have been addressed years ago. Apparently iron deficiency is the most prevalent overall deficiency on the planet with around 1.6 billion people suffering from low or compromised iron levels. Currently my ferritin sits at 27, I need to get it up to 100 plus in the next 3 months. I’m learning about when to take supplements, what compromises absorption of iron, when I should take it in the form of food and supplements and what will help with it’s absorption so I can a) use it for day to day bodily functions and b) store it for emergency use. The tragic thing is that my GPs have known for years, based win blood tests that my ferritin was low but they never explained the consequences or what I could do to improve the situation.
In my case it looks like absorption is my issue. I’ve had 2 colonoscopies which have verified that it is not due to blood loss. I eat red meat and a relatively healthy diet so it’s not food, although my decades as a vegetarian certainly didn’t help. What is left is absorption. From what I can make out, based on my own research is that in the past I have had a condition called gastritis, probably due to alcohol damage of my stomach. The gastritis is no longer active but the damage that was done is now compromising my gut’s ability to absorb the iron that I am taking in the form of food and supplements. There is still heaps to learn and apply but I’ve started apple cider vinegar to increase my stomach acid, I also have discovered that coffee, tea and dairy limit the absorption of iron by up to 80% so I have to be very aware of timing of when I eat iron rich foods, when I take the ACV and when I take the iron supplements.
There is a significant ceremony currently taking place at Pura Gunung Lebah (temple near our villa) in Ubud, Bali. This event, known as the Padudusan Agung, is a major religious ceremony held approximately once every 30 years. Its primary purpose is the sanctification and purification of the temple site, ensuring spiritual harmony and renewal. The term “Padudusan” is derived from “dus,” meaning bath, and “adyus,” meaning bathing, symbolizing the ritual cleansing involved in the ceremony.
The Padudusan Agung at Pura Gunung Lebah commenced on February 12, 2025, coinciding with Pagerwesi Day—a significant event in the Balinese Hindu calendar dedicated to spiritual fortification. The ceremony is scheduled to conclude on February 21, 2025. Throughout this period, devotees engage in various rituals, including offerings, prayers, and traditional art performances. Notably, dances such as Rejang Dewa, Baris Gede, and Topeng are performed, each holding deep cultural and spiritual significance.
Pura Gunung Lebah, translating to “Temple of the Small Hill,” is situated at the confluence of two rivers in Ubud, a location considered sacred and tranquil.
Saturday February 15, 2025
I think that I will need to review my exercise schedule during this trip to Bali. Yesterday I did about 15,000 steps and also did my first big workout at the gym since I broke my leg in November last year. I feel exhausted today, my body is aching and I was so tired this morning I slept in until 8.30. I got 8.25 hours sleep. What I noticed last year when I was in Bali was that I overdid things and my recovery was compromised. My resilience score on my Oura ring readings went from Excellent to way down the bottom. Now I need to learn to understand recovery as part of the fitness, muscle building process. I’m also learning about iron and even though my iron readings are OK my ferritin is 27, I want to get it up to 150. I have a lot to learn about both recovery and iron absorption. As I said I bought some apple cider vinegar yesterday and have my Bulk Nutrients Beef Liver tablets plus various iron tablets including BioCeuticals Iron Sustain and Ethical Nutrients Mega Iron. I would like to increase my iron levels and ferritin levels as quickly as possible.
Friday February 14, 2025
It’s been exactly one week since I woke up on our first morning back in Bali. The rain seems to have stopped for the time being, this morning is dry and mild.
We have had to change a few of our normal habits and patterns but things are falling in place. The complex where we do our gym and sauna has been closed down by the authorities due to permit violations although we have been given access to the sauna and cold plunge. There are only 7 outsiders (including us) who can use the place plus the actual residents. We did our first session last night in the Russian Banya which is right next to the 6 degree (bloody cold) ice bath. It was a bit like sauna’ing in Chernobyl, all the restaurants were closed, no people wandering around in a huge big empty complex. Unfortunately we can’t use our wonderful gym until things are back to normal, no-one knows when this will be. We’ve found an old school gym not too far from the villa that we’ll try out, smelly, hot and old equipment but it’s cheap and may have to suffice.
We also started our hyperbaric oxygen therapy again yesterday, it’s great to be back in the chamber. I’ll do a few each week to help my leg heal faster.
Talking about my leg, it’s healing really well. I’m walking easily albeit with a small amount of pain. I’m having 2 sessions a week with a Balinese healer which is intense but incredibly therapeutic. He’s also working on the neuropathy in my feet.
All in all I’m super happy to be back in Bali. Lots of interaction with people, great food, constant ceremonies and prayers to the gods. We met a young Russian guy in the sauna last night who lived in Siberia where the temperature goes down to minus 40! He’s sure happy to be here.
Happy Valentines Day to you all, love is in the air. We are probably going to a local restaurant tonight which overlooks the Tjampuhan Bridge called Plant Bistro where there is a solo cello performer playing.
I got a message from Finn last night with the acronym LMAO, scratched my head and decided that it must mean “Laugh my arse off”. I checked CHAT GPT and confirmed it was correct. The English language is a constantly evolving thing with a life of it’s own, somebody uses a new word (or acronym) and before you know it it’s part of the everyday vernacular.
Hi Lis
I went to the joglo late yesterday. I almost cried when I saw the garden. The jungle has taken over, weeds, long grass, moss on the steps. It’s going to be a huge job to get it back to what it needs too be. I will find somebody today to do a whole lot of work there next week to get it back to what it needs to be. I owe you $100 from last September, is it OK if I use that towards the gardening. Has to be done because we can’t rent it like it is (or sell it). I’ll also get the inside cleaned up and ready for guests. The electricity is off, I think it must have run out.
Dad
Hello Wayan Thank you so much for the treatment today. I think that I would like to do this with you 2 times each week. Like I say next week Tuesday and also Friday at 9 am if this is OK with you. I feel that my leg is healing well from the broken bone and I am feeling positive about the pains in my toes and numbness. I know it will take many treatments. The following week we will be in Cece so I will let you know when we can do the following treatments.
Once again. Thank you very much. Gary
Hi John Georgie and I arrived back in Bali a few nights ago. Thank goodness the rain looks like it may have dissipated for a while. I broke my leg in Melbourne last November and it’s still healing so I’m not as mobile as I was last trip, although it’s repairing well. I’m organising gardeners to get the garden back to how it should be. Should be underway next week. Allissa has been here twice, since I left in November. She discovered that the woodwork in the joglo was riddled with termites and has paid $1000 for a termite treatment which has hopefully helped. There may be some structural damage but I’ll look into that over the coming weeks. I’ve noticed that you’ve been coming in and taking a few things that were in the joglo/.grounds. Can you please let us know when and if you want to come in when I’m not around and take things out. I think this is fair. I just wanted to keep you informed. Allissa was very upset about the termite situation and it’s taken some of the shine off the project for her.
Regards Gary
Thursday February 13, 2025
We are about to embark upon our first HBOT session in 3 months. I can’t lie and say I’m excited about the actual experience but I will be very happy to have the results that oxygen therapy give.
Yesterday was a full day. Walking, checking out the new gym, Balian session in the morning and dinner at Sayan House with Peter Roussos. Peter is a funny guy full of stories, crazy experiences that one would expect a chef, musician and fellow aquarian to have.
My sleep is going very well. I’m getting far more deep sleep in Bali than I do in Melbourne. I’m struggling down the supplements that I bought from Australia every day and even though I am eating carbs I’m still well and truly on the right side. Protein is going better overall but I’ve still got to work on that. I’m averaging 10,000 steps a day.
We have a gym organised now, it’s up the road in Sanggingan. The cost is $40 a month so financially it sure isn’t a burden. We’ve also sorted the sauna and cold plunge out with Marty. If ParQ stays closed for the next 3 months what we have planned should suffice although I will miss staying there for the month that Georgie is back in Melbourne.
I’m planning on doing 2 sessions with the Balian each week in the hope that he will help with the healing of my broken leg, do some therapeutic work on what appears to be arthritic toes and if all goes well and miracles happen he may be able to help with my neuropathy. I’ll begin TRT again in about one week.
Finn appears to be doing well in Japan. Sure, it could be better but he’s there, he’s on his own and he’s making his way. I’m pleased that he is staying in touch with Georgie.
Apart from that life goes on relatively smoothly. I am happier in Bali than I am in Melbourne. I am relieved to not have the constant conflict that was happening between myself and Finn.
Hi Lis I spoke to Purnami about the people that she has come across. The gardener thing is still an issue as the people that she has talked about are a) Ita’s father and b) Wayan’s nephew. Both unknown quantities. Right now we appear to have an issue with the grass getting cut. Purnami hasn’t been there for more than a week, maybe 2. I don’t want to do anything that will cause conflict between us but what I recommend is that we at least get Agung to go there and cut the grass and get that cleaned up because apparently John has been nattering about the length of the grass. Let me know if this is OK. I’ll pay him to do it. I’ll be going there later today so will have more feedback after that. The other person is a mother from Purnami’s daughter’s school who is interested in the job to look after the place. We’ll need to talk about her but before I meet her I will need to talk to you to understand that you want from a staff member. I’m not going to do anything without getting your agreement. I’ll ring you tomorrow after I check the place out later today.
Wednesday February 12, 2025
This morning could be classified as “almost cold”, I’m feeling a wee bit chilly as I sit in the kitchen of Villa Tusk with the rain still pitter pattering outside although the weather this morning is certainly a lot less wild than it has been for the past 2 mornings.
Our get together with Peter Roussos went really well, we met up at Plant Bistro for drinks at 4.30 and then walked up to Brie where we had a delicious dinner and Georgie and Peter had more drinks. As usual I drank water.
Peter is quite a unique guy which I won’t go into right now.
I’m not getting very far with our fitness and sauna protocols. Yes, we can use the sauna at ParQ but need to get started, we will more than likely use the gym up the road at Sanggingan. Today I will get in touch with the guys at Kasih Ibu to organize HBOT. Georgie has another 2 weeks before she heads back to Melbourne.
I have been averaging 10,000 steps each day which is virtually my only exercise. I’m eating OK and doing pretty well with the supplements.
For some reason I feel a wee bit flat this morning. I cannot allow “sameness” to set in here in Bali. Change is my medicine, my fuel. I can see how easy it might be to fall into some sort of boring pattern even here in the exotic jungles of Bali. That cannot happen.
At some stage I have to confront Allissa’s joglo but not today. That is a whole area that needs re-assessing.
Peter sent a clip of a band practise from about 7 years ago when I was looking like a pudgy old grandpa, I had just recently fallen down the stairs and shattered my elbow. In actual fact it’s pretty much exactly 8 years since that happened, I still kept drinking for another 2 years after that fateful experience. In another conversation I just had with Georgie I just described life after February 2019 as our Renaissance
Tuesday February 11, 2025
I didn’t realise what an impact John T had on my very recent life until I found out that our mutual friend, Peter had invited us both to dinner last night. Now Peter knows nothing about what went down in August last year so in his innocence he just assumed all was well. We didn’t go. I made up some cock and bull story and now I’ve created one of those messy situations that I hate so much. I really shouldn’t stress about it too much because in the bigger picture of my life it is now minuscule and irrelevant. All I need to do is to give Peter a diplomatic “story” about what went down and then not shine a light on it.
The morning rain was once again ferocious, the wind whipped the bamboo blinds up into the air like feathers being blown in a breeze. We closed our doors and blinds and hunkered down for a morning of writing, talking and plotting. 9 a.m came and went, Wayan, the Balian did not arrive so after 30 minutes I asked Purnami to contact him and unfortunately he’s still sick. That’s it for my treatments for the time being.
We eventually gave in and decided to pop around to Brie for coffee. We’ve set up office on the balcony and now have devolved into Georgie having her free complimentary breakfast Champagne.
So what are we going to get up to today. The main tasks are a) getting my phone attended to b) dropping in to Sika c) checking out the gym in Sanginggan and d) dropping into Allissa’s joglo then of course we will meet Peter R for drinks at Plant Bistro at 4 pm and then Brie at 6.
I’m going to attempt to get ChatGPT to write a poem for me so the following will be about Peter and my friendship over the years.
When I was 16 years old I joined a band named The Woz with some guys from Queensland. After a few months the drummer left the band and we found a young guy named Peter Russo who played drums and who lived in a little house in Carlton. We played quite a few gigs together. Peter told me that he was 16 but in actual fact he was 15, one year younger than me. In late 1968 we arranged some gigs on The Gold Coast in Queensland and drove up there in the singer’s Combi Van with all of our equipment and me and Peter perched on top because we were too young to drive. We had a weatherboard house on the beach and got up to crazy things that young teenagers dream about doing. At the end of our stay Peter and Bob the bass player had a fight and punched each other out. That was the end of the band and the beginning of the rest of both our lives. We are both Aquarians. Now it’s around 55 years later and we are about to celebrate Peter’s 72nd birthday in Bali. Peter became a chef and restauranteur and has had many establishments along the way. He’s a passionate guy, brutally loyal, charismatic and ready and willing to talk to anyone. He is also incredibly generous, never expecting anything in exchange. After the band I lost touch and ran into him once at the Vic Market in the early 80s. Then in 2002 Georgie and I started an Art gallery in Rathdowne St Carlton, after a few months a new restaurant/cafe opened up 2 doors down and lo and behold it was Peter’s. Somehow the universe had bought us back together. We eventually closed up and moved on and once again I lost touch. Then about 5 years ago just before covid we went into a restaurant in Northcote and there he was again, cooking in the kitchen. We’ve hooked up with each other in Bali over the past 3 years in February which is the month that we Aquarians have birthdays.
Here’s the poem that ChatGPT composed for me based on what I told it about Peter and our relationship.
Hey man,
you’re 72 but don’t tell time that,
because time never could catch you,
not in Carlton,
not in the Gold Coast surf,
not in the smoky back rooms of a thousand kitchens,
hands spinning fire, knives flashing like jazz licks—
you were always moving,
always laughing,
always drumming up something.
We were kids,
chasing the ghost of something loud,
riding that Combi to the edge of the map,
perched on top,
too young to drive but old enough to dream,
with the whole damn ocean stretched out in front of us,
salt in our hair,
crazy with the rhythm of it all—
the music, the fights,
the bands that broke,
the friendships that never did.
Years slip like sand through a cracked hourglass,
but the universe has a way of pulling us back in—
Vic Market in the ‘80s,
Rathdowne Street in the 2000s,
a kitchen in Northcote,
Bali in February,
Aquarians orbiting the same sun,
circling, colliding, reuniting,
like we never left.
And here you are,
72 but untouched by rust,
shining, grinning, pouring another glass,
ready to talk to anyone,
ready to give without asking,
ready to tear another year off the calendar
and cook it up into something beautiful.
Here’s to you, Peter—
still drumming,
still dreaming,
still riding the rhythm of a life well played.
Happy Birthday, old friend.
And here’s a note to Finn.
Hi Finn I look forward to waking up in the morning to receive the gem of your thoughts. Last night’s realisation was a really good one. Keep it up.
Hi Finn I just want to let you know how happy I am that you have made the big step to go travelling on your own. It is very brave and courageous. I’m not ringing and not giving you any advice on purpose but I am more than happy and delighted when you ring. The rain and wind in Bali is much more intense than last year. It changes the dynamic considerably but I’m still super happy to be here. We visited Marty at ParQ yesterday and even though the place is all locked up he has given us the secret password to get past security and we can use the sauna and cold plunge thank god. We’ll have to check out some gyms today. Peter Russo has arrived, we will have dinner with him tonight at Brie. It’s his birthday. He’s only here until Wednesday night. Purnami has been sick since we arrived so we haven’t seen her that much.
My leg is doing better than I expected. The Balian is also sick unfortunately so I haven’t had my second session yet.
Anyway my son, have a great day today whatever you do. Just enjoy your experience as much as possible. Love The Boss
Hi Komang We arrived back in Bali on Thursday night. How are you? We have some projects that need doing at Villa Tusk, Purnami said that you are still busy but that you would be able to help out soon. Can you give me any idea on when this might be. Do you want me to send a list of jobs that we need doing? Let me know anything I can do to make it easier for you to come. I hope to hear from you soon. Maybe we can get together to talk about the jobs.
Hi Komang Thank you for your response. Are you still working on the big job in your village? The reason I want to know a rough idea on when you can come is that we need to get some urgent jobs done and would much prefer to have you do them. But if you cannot I want you to know that I understand. We can ask somebody else to help with the work but you are our first preference. Can you give me some idea of how long it might need to before you can come. Even if it is a guess. Regards Gary
Monday February 10, 2025
I think I may have recovered from out day of oral debauchery which after all wasn’t all that over the top because we only really ate lunch, although I did have a couple of protein bars when I got home at 8 pm. I assure you, I am certainly not famished this morning.
The only other “food” that I partook in yesterday was my supplement powders in the morning and evening.
Overall my birthday celebration went fabulously. Going to a 5* brunch at The Apurva Kempinski is always a sumptuous experience. We arrived at 12 noon just as the doors to the restaurant were opening. As usual there was food everywhere displayed proudly and in most cases beautifully on platters.
I ate small plates of food, mainly protein but no matter how small the plates were there is only so much a human can fit in. I was full half way into the lunch but that didn’t stop me having some ice cream and broule/custard to wrap it up. After we ate we sat together at our table like an old suburban couple and made smart arse comments about the sexy Russian girls who proudly displayed various body parts and posed with their bee stung lips while they took selfies and scrolled through their insta feeds. After all of this we went to the pool and lay on sun lounges, thank god there was no sun before dipping in the warm pool. We set off for the foyer at 6 pm and were home by 8. Poorer than when we set out but satiated with the good life.
Yesterday I also confirmed that ParQ Gym and Sauna were definitely not open. This is going to throw a whole new light on the next 3 months in Bali. We have been spoiled over the pat 2-3 years by the wonderful gym and sauna as well as the overall experience of visiting ParQ and meeting some great people. So today we will begin our search for a new temporary sauna and gym which I am going to need to achieve the goals that I have set myself for the next 12 weeks.
So today the goal is to find a suitable gym, a sauna and cold plunge, have a session with Wayan, the Balian to work on my leg and to work out some appointments for HBOT. Georgie should find us a place to stay near Nuanu for later in February when our guests arrive.
Dear Finn
I loved reading your thoughts Finn. Having “dreams” is an integral part of life. I am so glad that you are having your own. For me they allow me to reach for the sky even though I may not always follow through. They just help me to get to know myself a bit better. Keep it up. The value of your trip isn’t so much in what you see and do. I think it’s more that you are putting yourself in an objective position to your normal life and as a result having an opportunity to look at things more clearly.
Hi Lis
I won’t bother you at work this morning. I’m still getting used to the 3 hour time difference. I tried calling a couple of times over the weekend. We are still “transitioning” from the West to the East although I am very happy to be here. We had a wonderful lunch at The Kempinski in Nusa Dua yesterday. The rain has returned after 3 days of hot weather, it’s windy and great, humid and wet again but I’m OK with that. I confirmed yesterday that the gym and sauna is definitely closed down for the time being, no-one seems to know what is going on so today we will check out a few gyms and saunas to choose where we will go. I’ll start HBOT on Wednesday. Usually I’m out of the starting line like a bullet but this time I’m just taking it as it comes. I haven’t been to the joglo yet but will drop by today or tomorrow. I have an old friend arriving today who will be in Ubud for 3 days.
Let me know what a good time to ring you will be. I have a problem with my phone insofar as it will only work with WiFi, there seems to be something wrong with my SIM data. I’ll get that fixed today as well, damn inconvenient when you want to get a scooter.
I hope you are doing well.
Love Dad
Sunday February 9, 2025
I’m having some interesting WhatsApp chats with Finn. I looks like he is taking a close look at his life. It’s also very, very good for us to be in 2 different parts of the planet for a while. I think that we can develop a far greater understanding of each other through writing and if we can pull it off this will also help Finn to practise a skill that lies dormant.
Here’s some of my responses to him from this morning.
“Hi Finn, I’m so glad to see that you are reflecting on your life and I am over the moon that you are sharing with me. Can you be clearer about what you mean by “very poor impulse control”. Do you mean self discipline? You would be a good teacher, in actual fact you would be good at pretty much anything that you put your shoulder behind. Keep up the self reflection. The first step toward creating something is taking a really close look at the existing situation and circumstances, you seem to be doing that. The next step is to acknowledge to yourself that there is a “need to change” and then comes your own “demand to improve yourself” and whatever that involves doing. This is the principle that I apply to my health and fitness.”
“I hope the new hostel wasn’t a letdown after enjoying the first one so much. but it’s good to mix it up. My viewpoint is that if you get too comfortable you miss out on some good stuff that you may never have discovered.”
I am so much better off going to bed earlier and not watching television. It’s such a trap that I fall into back whenever I go back to our home in Mooroolbark. I’m sure not missing it. Being back in Bali is like “being a vampire who is having a blood transfusion”. I’m getting to interact with people throughout the day, sometimes just non consequential little chats and at times more complex and meaningful conversations. I need these moments and for some reason they are far more available in Bali. For example, yesterday was full of social interaction. A lot of listening and a lot of talking. It’s like life’s seasoning really, makes everything a bit tastier.
My vanity was stoked on the way to dinner last night. We ran into a guy named Zac who we met in the sauna during our last trip. He’s originally from West Virginia, then San Diego and now Bali. He was on his scooter and spotted us walking down toward Tjampuhan. We had a nice chat, he looked at me and said “I want to look like you when I’m your age”. Vanity? Sure. But having a fit young guy say that to you is meaningful.
So a quick rundown on yesterday’s activities. I ended up doing a bit over 10,000 steps again albeit in a bit of pain but overall I am very happy with my broken leg’s progress, it seems to be healing as I want it to. We spent the first part of our day deep in conversation with Gary, Rosie and their friends, Paul and Vanessa. We probably spoke for almost 3 hours. Georgie and I then wandered around the corner and had lunch at Cafe Vespa which turned out not to be the culinary experience that we had hoped for. The good news is that Georgie complained and they gave us the meal for free. After eating we walked to Bintang, bought some coffee for the villa and dropped into the phone shop to get our SIMS. The authorities have changed the rules on phone sims. We used to be able to buy a new sim and then put our old one back in so we always had the same phone number, well you can’t do this anymore which means that we will need to purchase new ones (with a new number) each time we come. We had a quick look at Sika Gallery and then caught scooters back to the villa. I suggested Plant Bistro for dinner, a lovely restaurant perched in the grounds of the Antonio Blanco Museum 5 minutes from Villa Tusk. Turned out to be the right call. We had a great meal, interacted with the staff and then came home and pretty much went to bed.
My sleep is going well. I’m experimenting with a whole lot of new supplements which I will talk about over the coming days.
It’s just after 2 pm. We left home at 10 am to drive to the
Hi Wayan
Thank you for my treatment on Friday. I look forward to Mondays session. As well as my broken bone I also have a problem with both feet called small fibre neuropathy. This is because of damaged nerves. It also feels like I have some sort of arthritis in my big toes. My feet symptoms include numbness, burning sensation and tingling, my feet are very, very sensitive and I cannot walk without shoes. I am taking vitamins and also doing other treatments but it does not improve. If you can help with this I will really appreciate it.
Saturday February 8, 2025
We met our friends Gary and Rosie for a coffee in Penestanan Kaja at 10 am, they have a couple from Sydney staying with them until tomorrow named Paul and Vanessa. The 2 hours or so that we spent chatting was pretty good. It’s always great to catch up with them. They’ve just sold their Bali house to Rosie’s daughter and are moving back to Australia in April to a town just a bit north of Coffs Harbour. Bali will be different without them being here.
My old mate from the 60’s Peter Rousseau arrives in Bali for a few nights on Monday. He will celebrate his 72nd birthday on Tuesday.
Friday February 7, 2025
We are well and truly back in Bali. There is still basic jobs like fully unpacking, general aesthetics, money, phones etc to attend to but we are back.
Finn is happily embedded in his hostel in Osaka.
Wayan, the balian dropped by yesterday morning and did some work on my broken leg and feet. Whatever he did seemed relatively mild and I must admit that when he left I was slightly disappointed as I was expecting lots of pain during the session, pain that didn’t come as he was being very gentle. The bottom line is that I ended up walking over 10,000 steps yesterday with almost no significant pain.
So what have we done so far. I discovered that our Danamon ATM cards had expired so we had to go to the bank in Ubud for over an hour to get new cards. Georgie caught a scooter back to the villa and I walked down to the Palace and had a much needed haircut. Indra was still in Sumatra after his wedding so one of the guys from Lombok did the job, a good one at that. Earlier we ate lunch at Murni’s Warung, next to the iconic Tjampuhan Bridge.
In Bali, from now until February 12, 2025, the Balinese Hindu community is observing Pagerwesi Day, a significant event dedicated to strengthening one’s spirituality and fortifying the mind against negative forces, in other words “the jerk who lives in your head”. This may be what the people of Tjampuhan Village are celebrating. I’ll need to do some more research on that.
This is another aspect of Bali that I love so very much. The Balinese people celebrate their spirituality and their relationship to their gods …. constantly. There is a “reality” that exists on this island, it’s in the air, the jungle, the soil. Bali is rewarded with a cacophony of natural resources that spawn beauty. The fact that the Balinese people solemnly believe that their ceremonies and adherence to the rules of their gods enhance their lives is a bonus.
Thursday February 6, 2025
Cherish every moment!
The day of our departure has finally arrived. We’ll be in Bali tonight.
Finn arrived in Osaka safely, I think the temperature may have been zero degrees but he sounded happy nonetheless roaming around the streets of Osaka to get his bearings. I am so pleased that he has finally cut an umbilical cord that has kept him a bit stuck to us. We’ll see as time moves forward.
It’s 8.14 PM Melbourne time, Georgie and I are above the clouds, flying south to north over the great continent of Australia. The day has been relatively smooth, I got more rubbish onto our nature strip, tidied up the driveway, finished packing. John and Flora dropped by for 0ne hour and I must say it was great to see them again for the 3rd time since I’ve been back.
Finn has called a couple of times. It’s really his first full day in Osaka, he’s finding his feet, getting geographically located and hitting the onsen and food shops. Fingers crossed that the trip will continue to be successful.
I have no plans for our first days in Bali apart from our lunch date at the Kempinski on Sunday and an opening at Tony Raka Gallery on Saturday. Our Danamon Debit cards have run out as of late December 2024 so that will present a bit of a problem for the first couple of days. Georgie has contacted Pulu, the manager of the bank. I also need to make a schedule for HBOT and the Balian in order to get my leg healing as fast as possible.
The transition from Melbourne to Bali is seemingly going very smoothly. Looks like we won’t get to bed until quite late tonight, the plane arrives just after 9 pm and then there is the trip through the airport and the drive to Penestanan so I predict we will arrive at about 11.30 pm then straight to bed. We’ve decided to start our sleeps in bedroom 1 as it’s been hot for the past few days.
I can’t wait until I get some of the artificial flowers in vases. This will make a difference to our costs when guests come and add a bit more oomph to the villa.
The time in Melbourne is now 10.45, so it’s 7.45 in Bali. Made will be on his way to the airport to pick us up and drive us back to Penestanan.
I’ve created 2 music tracks on the flight. Initially it was looking like I had no chance to get anything over the line on this flight but it ended up working out OK.
Good Morning Finn I hope the ‘rising sun” rose this morning and cast a bit of warmth over the land of yamato. All is well in Melbourne. We have a few hours to get everything wrapped up and then to make our way back out to the airport. I hope you slept well and your bunk is up to your standards. Why don’t you keep a mental record of how many people you interact with each day. Maybe meeting new friends is a numbers game that you have to consciously work on. That works for me. I’m so pleased that you are on such an adventure Finn. Enjoy every second. I’ll be thinking about you eating a Japanese breakfast this morning. Love Dad
Wednesday February 5, 2025
Today I celebrate my 73rd birthday. We started the day at 2.30 am when I dragged myself out of bed to drive Finn to Tullamarine for his first solo trip to Japan. We arrived back home at about 6 am and got straight back under the sheets. It’s now 11.30 and part 2 of our day begins.
Apart from celebrating my birthday we have 24 hours plus a couple of extra to prepare for our 3 month sojourn to our home in Bali. It’s interesting how the transition works from Melbourne to Bali and then back again. Once I’m wherever I am going I’m fine but the lead up is always a bit tense.
Tuesday February 4, 2025
By this time tomorrow Finn will be on his way to Japan. And then on Thursday Georgie and I will be on our way to Bali. I don’t know if I am going too get everything on my list done before we leave home but the simple truth is that overall it doesn’t really matter. Once I’m in Bali I will soon forget about home.
I got my 45 minutes of bike riding in yesterday afternoon at the gym but forewent the weights as I’d done some heavy lifting on Sunday.
Another thing that I did yesterday was a trip to Jaspreet to have my feet looked at and cleaned up for the coming trip. My leg is improving significantly and there is no real need to wear the boot anymore, for that I am happy.
I sent a podcast to the daughter of a cancer patient who recently contacted me. I think I may be able to help.
Hi Abby I’m so pleased to hear that your Mum felt optimism after listening to our discussion from a few days ago. I hope the podcast I sent shines some light on her situation. I did 120 hours of HBOT. The first 60 hours was super important and I’m certain that the IVs I had with Peter and the HBOT combined were an integral part in my success against cancer. Tell your Mum that she is welcome to ring me anytime, my WhatsApp number is +61425774415. Regards Gary
Monday February 3, 2025
As I get older I am much more aware of the overall condition of my body. My energy levels, my sight and hearing, aches and pains, appearance, skin quality, blood and the function and condition of my organs. I keep an eye on it like an enthusiast who is lovingly and sometimes painfully restoring an old FJ Holden.
Up until recently I have had to 100% rely on doctors and specialists to decipher the results of my blood work and general pathology like ultrasounds, colonoscopies and other diagnostic tools that are available to us lucky Australians.
Here’s the scenario. “Everything is normal except for your ferritin levels, maybe you should take some iron tablets and come back in 6 months”. Lucky for me my GP is like a dog with a bone when going after a diagnosis. I really appreciate her persistence and possibly owe her my life after I was diagnosed with cancer back in November 2020.
As I get older I tend to look for a greater understanding of what is happening with my body which along with the rest of the human species has evolved over the millennium to be as efficient as possible at healing itself and correcting issues/imbalances that need tweaking.
Sunday February 2, 2025
My generation is getting older, sicker and in some cases is dying.
I’m still trying hard to eat relatively well, to exercise and to take necessary supplements.
I remember about 10 years ago one of my friends telling me about the paleo diet and me thinking that they were crazy, that’s what happens when you are misinformed and what happens when the popular opinion is the exact opposite of what you are being told.
I have to admit that I am a bit all over the place with my health and fitness protocols right now but as I have said earlier, the most important thing right now is my leg healing. I’m trying something new with the supplements that I’m taking to Bali, most of which are coming from Bulk Nutrients where I buy my whey powder from.
All in all my self discipline isn’t as strong as it was last September. I need some serious keto eating as well as HBOT, EBOO, TRT and lots of exercise.
Saturday February 1, 2025
Finn’s excitement is peaking as his trip to Japan get’s closer and closer. This trip will hopefully be a sort of renaissance for Finn as far as his quest to make friends in life goes. I’m so pleased that he is going and even more pleased that we won’t be there. Not because I dint enjoy Finn’s company on the road but just so he can break away from the security of the family.
It’s 4 full days until Finn leaves and 5 until Georgie and I return to Bali.
I’ve just written to my old friend Joey Llatse. I have been remiss in my phone communications, something that I should wonder about. Why am I always searching
Good morning Joey
The past few months have been quite unusual for me. Life caught up with me for a while, and I found myself coming down from the clear blue skies above the clouds to a more unpredictable and volatile environment below—where optimism and certainty weren’t as much a part of the equation.
Having a broken leg for the past couple of months affected me far more than I ever expected. I’m finally coming to the end of that chapter, though walking still comes with a fair bit of pain. We’re heading back to Bali next Thursday for three months, and Finn is off to Japan for a solo trip the day before we leave.
How about you? How’s life? We had planned to return to Europe later this year, but finances pushed that back to 2026. The idea is to work our way from Northern Italy down the Dalmatian coast to Montenegro. In the meantime, Jetstar had a special on mid-year flights to Japan, so we’ve decided to spend a month there again in August.
Aside from that, I’ve been recovering, sitting on my arse, making music, writing, and generally feeling sorry for myself. I thought of you and your knee a few times—it’s great that you got that sorted. How’s it feeling now?
How are things with your health and fitness? I’m still doing low carb, occasionally going full keto, and I’ve finally started hitting the gym again.
Melbourne has had a really pleasant summer—though the sun disappears from time to time, and the skies turn grey. But today is perfect.
Looking forward to hearing how things are with you.
Friday January 31, 2025
We are about to embark upon a trip into the City, a) to drop Finn at his course and b) to do a bit of exploring.
We made it to the gym yesterday. I did 45 minutes on the bike and about 15-20 minutes of weights. I should try hard to go again today.
After getting up relatively early and driving Finn into the city out trip to The Other Art Fair was thwarted when we discovered that it didn’t open until 3 pm.
Note to Kaye
Hi Kaye I just wanted to clarify something with you just in case you got the wrong idea. When Georgie asked about your AMEX card yesterday it was for a specific reason. It’s OK now because we bought the tickets ($1000) with Afterpay and pay it off over 2 months.
The reason she asked was because when you purchase plane tickets with a Credit Card (which we don’t have) you get complimentary travel insurance. The idea was to pay you the money for the fares in advance and use your AMEX to buy the tickets which may have given us the travel insurance for free, otherwise the cost to us is $600-$1000. I just wanted to to clarify with you that we weren’t asking for anything that involved you giving money because Georgie said the you said to her that you “saw a red flag”.
We will apply for our own AMEX card for future travel. That’s how Allissa gets her travel insurance and we always pay a fortune.
Thursday January 30, 2025
Countdown to Bali – 7 days
Yesterday I was contacted by 2 people about cancer. They had both initially contacted me after reading my blogpost on Dr Peter Eng and his episode with APRA plus a general rundown on his cancer protocols. There appears to be a real need for people like me who can answer basic questions without an expensive consultation. I am not qualified to give advice on cancer but I can talk about my own anecdotal experiences.
I’ll need to take this on board as I ponder how involved I want to be and also to understand what it is like for people to be newly diagnosed with cancer. A frighteningly lonely and disturbing place.
Food for thought.
There’s also the other concept of “Good Health and Fitness for Over 65 year Olds”. I’m far from perfect, I did significant harm to my body during my years of over supplying it with vodka. I am now taking responsibility for my earlier actions and their consequences. But even when taking that into account I have advice to offer. The big question is where do I start.
Here’s a question to ChatGPT.
“ I am a 73 year old man who has worked very hard for the past 6 years to restore my health through hard work and discipline. I have daily journals of this journey from deteriorating health and then cancer to somebody who is pretty health and in good nick for their age. I want to reach out to more people and then create learning platforms that can offer help but which can also be monetised mainly because I don’t have savings and have a relatively frugal income. What I have to offer is my anecdotal knowledge of lifestyle health protocols like diet, exercise, supplements, cancer cure. I also have my music that I create and put on Soundcloud plus my general philosophical ideas on life and living. I have my photos, music, writing. I have Facebook, instagram. My motivation is to share my experiences and creativity with other people but I don’t have a plan and I also do not know where to begin. I start and then Peter out. Can you give me some advice on how I can carry out my desires to help people and share my ideas and creative achievements.”
Here is the answer.
Project: Sharing Health, Creativity, and Philosophy for Impact and Income
Goal:
To create a structured platform to share your journey of health recovery, music, photography, and philosophy while building an engaged audience and monetizing your knowledge.
Phase 1: Define Your Core Offerings
🔹 Health & Lifestyle – Your experience with lifestyle changes, cancer recovery, diet, supplements, exercise, and alternative therapies.
🔹 Music – Your original compositions on SoundCloud.
🔹 Philosophy & Writing – Your reflections on life, health, and personal growth.
🔹 Photography – Visual storytelling of your journey, travels, and creativity.
🎯 Outcome: A clear framework of what you want to share.
Phase 2: Establish Your Online Presence
🔹 Website (Central Hub):
•Build a simple WordPress site or use a platform like Substack to host your content.
•Sections: About | Health Blog | Music | Photography | Courses/Coaching
•Feature: Free & premium content to monetize over time.
🔹 Social Media Strategy:
•Instagram (short tips, transformation photos, music snippets)
•Facebook (long-form posts, personal stories, group interaction)
•YouTube (interviews, health insights, Q&A)
•SoundCloud (for music uploads)
🎯 Outcome: A structured, engaging online presence.
Phase 3: Monetization Strategy
🔹 Content Creation & Free Resources:
•Start a blog or newsletter to share weekly insights (Substack or Medium).
•Offer a free eBook summarizing your health journey (email list-building).
🔹 Paid Offerings:
1️⃣ Digital Courses – Create beginner-friendly health courses (Keto, Supplements, Healing Protocols).
2️⃣ Membership Community – A small private Facebook or Discord group with exclusive Q&As.
3️⃣ Coaching/Consulting – 1-on-1 guidance on lifestyle changes.
4️⃣ Affiliate Marketing – Recommend trusted health products and earn commissions.
5️⃣ Music & Photography Sales – Offer limited edition prints or licensing opportunities.
🎯 Outcome: Multiple income streams over time.
Phase 4: Content Consistency & Growth
🔹 Daily Plan: Post 1 insight, tip, or reflection on social media.
🔹 Weekly Plan: Publish a blog, podcast, or video.
🔹 Monthly Plan: Release a new course, eBook, or host a live Q&A.
🔹 Community Building: Engage with comments, respond to emails, and grow your audience organically.
🎯 Outcome: Consistent content creation and audience growth.
Phase 5: Long-Term Vision
✅ Launch a “Health & Life Rebuild” online course.
✅ Publish a book based on your health journey.
✅ Build a loyal community that follows your insights and creative work.
✅ Set up passive income streams through online platforms.
First Steps (Next 30 Days)
✅ Write down your core topics for content (health, music, philosophy).
✅ Set up a Substack or Medium blog for consistent writing.
✅ Create an Instagram & Facebook posting schedule (3 posts/week).
✅ Start an email list for long-term audience building.
✅ Choose 1 paid offering (course, coaching, or eBook) and develop it.
Hi Bibi,
Great to hear from you, I’m glad that my conversations with Rod have been helpful. I completely understand your concern about his fatigue and changes in complexion after HBOT sessions.
As far as I know fatigue after HBOT is quite common, especially in the initial stages. When I first started, I also experienced extreme tiredness, almost like my body had been through a deep detox, I even got a couple of intense stomach and ear aches. This is because HBOT increases oxygen saturation in the tissues, which can trigger several physiological responses:
1.Increased Mitochondrial Activity & Detoxification – More oxygen means your cells are working harder to repair and regenerate. This increased energy demand can result in short-term exhaustion as the body adjusts.
2.Circulatory Adaptation – HBOT stimulates angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and improves circulation, but if there are underlying issues (even mild ones), this adjustment period can temporarily cause fatigue.
3.Mobilization of Toxins & Metabolic Waste – Oxygen therapy can speed up detoxification, which sometimes makes people feel worse before they feel better. A slightly “grey” complexion might indicate the body processing waste products more aggressively. I had similar episodes where I felt that I looked pale or washed out after sessions, but over time, my complexion actually improved as my body adjusted. I ended up looking healthier and younger.
4.Neurological & Hormonal Adjustments – HBOT can influence the autonomic nervous system, and it’s not uncommon for people to feel more drained before their system stabilizes.
What Helped Me
•Hydration & Electrolytes – Make sure Rod is drinking plenty of water and possibly supplementing with electrolytes to help balance minerals that may be shifting due to increased oxygen metabolism. Also being in ketosis helped me.
•Rest & Recovery – It’s tempting to push through, but allowing the body to rest after sessions is important. If he needs a nap in the afternoon, that’s fine—it’s the body adapting. I tend to be like a bull at the gate which is not always too smart.
•Adjusting Frequency If Needed – If the fatigue feels overwhelming, you might consider doing HBOT every other day for a while to see if his body copes better with a slightly slower adjustment period.
•Tracking Symptoms – Keeping a log of energy levels, sleep patterns, and any changes in symptoms can help identify trends over time. I found that writing in my journal every day helped. When I read back to when I started HBOT I was actually surprised to see my reactions were more intense than I thought.
In my experience, unless the fatigue is accompanied by other worrying symptoms (dizziness, severe headaches, confusion, difficulty breathing, etc.), this is a fairly normal reaction. However, if it continues beyond a few weeks without improvement, it might be worth checking iron levels, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health, as HBOT can sometimes reveal underlying deficiencies or imbalances that need to be addressed. I have low ferritin levels but I wasn’t aware of it back when I started.
It sounds like Rod’s body is going through an adaptation phase, and while it’s not always comfortable, it’s often a sign that real change is happening. I’d encourage you to monitor how he feels in the coming weeks—most people eventually adjust and start feeling more energized. On the other hand my wife just breezed through her initial HBOT but she didn’t have cancer.
Let me know how things progress! Always happy to help.
Warm regards,
Gary
Wednesday January 29, 2025
Countdown to Bali – 8 Days
There will come a day which marks the beginning of the last decade of my life. I won’t know when this day comes but my goal is to be in good enough shape both mentally and physically to enjoy every second of my time.
I turn 73 in a week. It seems natural being older, I am lucky enough to have begun the transformation from fat, flabby, addicted and unfit to to someone who actively works at being healthy almost 6 years ago, in actual fact it is 6 years since I totally stopped drinking alcohol, exercising and eating a healthy low carb diet.
This trip to Bali is going to be about repairing and restoring my body. I am going to try to get about 150 grams of protein a day so instead of taking loads of different pills I am going to take loads of protein supplements with me. That’s what I’m working on today.
Tuesday January 28, 2025
Countdown to Bali – 9 days
Big day today. I have to do as much as is possible to get the hard rubbish up onto the nature strip today plus a plethora of other bits and pieces. All important, all pressing but the world wont end if I don’t get it all done.
After days of hot summer breezes the sky is grey again in true Melbourne fashion.
Finn is going to Balwyn this morning to go to lunch with Kaye.
4 P.M
I’m exhausted. We’ve been cleaning the house today and putting out hard rubbish on our nature strip. Doesn’t sound like a big deal but the mess downstairs was immense. Months of Finn’s rubbish and thick layers of dust everywhere. Mops, vacuums, rubbish bags ……
I can think of better things to do with my life but unfortunately this cleanup is a pre-requisite to leaving Mooroolbark for Bali for the next 3 months.
Monday January 27, 2025
You’ve got to be on the ball 24/7 with the AirBnB calendar. I got an email this morning for a booking in August but for some ungodly reason it was only $315 US per night. I scratched my head and felt a certain disdain for myself for letting another faux pas enter into things but it turned out that she had booked for 2026 by mistake and the prices were unamended!! The booking got cancelled because the difference in price was too much for them. Lesson learned.
I have a feeling that times have changed and that the rates for villas in Bali may have gone down. There’s a whole days research just there, waiting for another day. Seriously though, I need to do some serious research into our villa and the prices that we are asking.
We are about to head off to Eastland to have coffee with my cousin Roger and his family, fingers crossed Finn will come as well. It’s looking like it will turn into a blisteringly hot Melbourne summer day, ending up in the early 40s.
I got a new music track underway last night, something a bit different than I’d normally do but that’s what I’m after, some diversity.
Sunday January 26, 2025
What a strange and challenging day yesterday was. My tolerance for being told what to do and when to do it, backseat cooking, backseat cleaning. I cut my finger whilst slicing into a piece of beef. Instant stress and an instant karma, just add son. It doesn’t take much at all for both of us to feel like creeps and to start making things right again. As far as yesterday goes, I will shine the responsibility spotlight on myself. It was and is my bad reaction that causes most of the issues.
I’ve had another day of sleeping in, in order to get 8 hours sleep. Whether I really need it or not is a subject for another day. My leg and ankle hurt in bed last night but I suspect that this was due to the rotational exercises that I did in the middle of the evening.
I’m still in my rehab period. I haven’t thought about it yet, I haven’t thought it through. What haven’t I thought through. In my own words “The more you resist something the more power it has over you”. As I’ve said over and over again in earlier writing sessions ….. the most powerful weapon you wield is acceptance. Not in some woozy way, not bending over and taking it in the backside but just being there comfortable enough to confront what is going on. There are certain things in life that are inevitable as well as other situations and conditions that are self perpetuated. The first step is the confront them, face up to them, accept them instead of gritting your teeth and railing against them. Maybe this is what all the big religion’s take on “love” is all about.
Saturday January 25, 2025
I chose an obscure band called The Barkays to listen to this morning. God knows where that one came from, it’s just that I cant stand the idea of putting ambient music on again. The good thing is that Georgie came out dancing.
Once again, a rediscovery of where my musical influences are rooted.
Back to my leg. I’m going to write to Rosie and ask her a few questions or maybe not. Most people don’t want to get too involved, especially when it comes to writing.
I’m in a strange place at the moment, one that I never expected to be in. In a state of rehab. It has changed many things about my outlook on life, sometimes I even feel like a fraud. It helps me to have a subjective view on what one has to watch out for as one gets older. Like most of things in life this stage of one’s life has to be invented “on the fly” as one travels the road through life. Somebody should write a manual/book called “How To Grow Old in Good Health and Spirits”. They possibly have.
I think that I need to clearly state my goals for this stage of my life, I need to delineate exact goals, projects, results etc taking into account that I am no longer in the early or mid stages of my life. I am in the last stages of my 3 week holiday and now my job is to work out how to stay longer. I’m good at that.
Hi Jose
Something interesting happened the other night. My YouTube algorithm presented me with an interview with another silver haired man who I hadn’t seen for over 4 decades.
How are you old friend?
I wont write too much now but if you get back to me I’ll let you know what’s happened during my life.
I’d love to touch base.
Gary Collier
Friday January 24, 2025
Melbourne’s weather is all over the shop as usual. One day hot summer rays impinge on us inhabitants and then it’s cold again as we wait for the temperatures to rise. This morning is one of those cold mornings.
The life that Georgie and I live is good in the sense that every few months we have to get unstuck from old habits, pack our bags and move to a new location. Just as I settle in to being a Melbournite, it’s time to return to Bali.
There’s about 12 days left before we leave.
Thursday January 23, 2025
ParQ has been closed down by the authorities again. I am struck by some of the adjectives that are being used by the press, including “notorious Russian Village”, the general rule of thumb is to not put too much emphasis on what you read …. Unfortunately. It’s so easy to be influenced by “reporting” and most of the time the reporter is under instructions, using second hand information and probably knows virtually nothing about the subject that they are reporting on.
The latest on my life is that I’m repairing. I don’t feel super happy about my diet and my appetite is somewhat compromised a lot of the time. Eating steak everyday isn’t all that appealing. I don’t really know how I should be feeling at 72/73, maybe I’m doing better than most. I have no idea as all I have got to align with is my own perception and my own expectations.
We have a little less than 2 weeks before we head off to Bali again. This seems like a long time but in the bigger picture and based on how fast time flies by it means that I have a lot to do before we go.
Looks like I’ll be staying at Villa Tusk and Joglo Cinta during my solo month in Bali.
The big thing is going to be planning and execution so I am totally ready to be away for 3 months.
Wednesday January 22, 2025
It looks like I’m stuck in this relatively new pattern of sleeping until 10 a.m, at least I get a guaranteed 8 hours sleep, even if I have to be in bed for 10-11 hours to get it! As I said yesterday we are at Red Hill which is always a pleasant place to wake up. Finn has gone to Cape Patterson to visit Luca.
I’ve got this new phenomena going on in regard to steak. I’m not enjoying it! Deep down I’m a veggie person which I’m going to need to take a good look at. Maybe it’s time for some new low carb recipes. I think that the trick will be to very carefully just eat 3 meals a day. Last night we went shopping before we ate dinner, I purchased a bag of macadamia nuts which we snacked on as we drove up White Hill Rd. I think that I filled myself up before dinner and then went into denial that essentially I had already eaten.
The tasks that await me today are simple domestic things like setting up the new dining table on the Red Hill patio, finding some wild flowers that I can do flower arrangements with and buying a few vases and maybe other bits and pieces at the op shop in Dromana. I’ve also got a list of tasks that I need to get done like book seats on our Bali flights, follow up on some Artscope orders.
Tuesday January 21, 2025
Summer is in full swing. My inspiration to go to the gym and lift heavy weights is waning. We are heading back to Red Hill today.
Yesterday we dropped into see Kaye. Georgie was helping her out with sorting out some financial situations that she had got herself into.
We have 2 weeks before we head off to Bali again for 3 months, Georgie is coming back after 3 weeks and will return for the last month. In this 2 weeks I will need to get our Villa rentals under control. This is our only income source at the moment unless I win Tattslotto, the odds are against me but that said I still have a chance.
The truth be known, if I wasn’t with Georgie my financial security would be seriously compromised. I sure as hell would have made a go of it and life would have been fine, I have no doubts about that but still the security of having a few possessions like houses and cars isn’t all that bad.
The day is coming to an end. We ended up buying the outdoor dining setting for Red Hill, picked it up on the way down here today, here being Red Hill. We stopped off at Aldi in Dromana and purchased some food so I could cook a dinner for us.
Monday January 20, 2025
I’m continuing to write on yesterday’s entry for now.
Back to today.
After writing for a while this morning I drove to my GPs rooms for a “long” appointment (20 minutes). It’s a bit frustrating and expensive going to the doctor. I must say that while overall I really like her I am also a bit frustrated at the same time mainly because like most doctors she is not holistic and bases her advice on knowledge like “Your Vitamin D levels are too high” “Vitamin B can cause neuropathy, stop taking it”, you know, stuff like that which is based on blood test results but not analysed and looked at logically and holistically.
She wrote a couple of referrals for me for blood tests and neuropathy tests which I can’t get done until I get back from Bali.
I’m pretty certain that I have enough raw data to diagnose what is wrong with my body but the truth be known my recovery is determined by lifestyle and unusual treatments like HBOT and EBOO. I’m almost 100% positive that my 7 EBOO sessions were responsible for my liver returning to a much healthier condition.
Sunday January 19, 2025
I went to my cousin Roger’s 80th birthday last night. Roger is from the Collier side of the family. I’ve spent most of my life not knowing him but touched base about 2 years ago. I now feel quite a bond.
We left early, mainly because my leg started hurting after standing on it most of the night plus Georgie was feeling uncomfortable being at a party full of old people who made her feel anonymous.
This brings me to the subject of communication. It’s a huge tool in the arsenal of us humans. To be able to use words to send meanings, plans, intentions across the chasm to another member of the human race. Sure, there are many other means and methods of communication but the really magic one is words.
I have a feeling that most people don’t really fully understand the amazing power that this magical ability and skill endows upon us but I’ll tell you right now, a lot of people waste this super power.
Everything has component parts, you could even say a formula. But for a skill that we are pretty much born with most of us just take it for granted.
Now, let me start by saying that you could give the ingredients for a cake to 20 different people and the chances are that skill, passion, creativity, the ability to follow a recipe will guarantee that the end result will be 20 completely different cakes. I’m just pointing this out so you don’t think that I glibly think that a “formula” is the solution to all of mankind’s problems but having said that, knowing the parts and the rules and how they all work together is a building block that will act as a super strong foundation to build meaningful communication. The transference of ideas, concepts, intentions, emotions, plans from yourself to another living being.
I for one, love communicating although I will be first to agree that you have to work pretty hard to do a good job because there is far more than just spouting out the words from your mouth and hoping that they reach somebody else’s ears.
The formula of communication is: cause, distance, effect, with intention, attention and duplication with understanding.
Everything we do during our lives is influenced by whether we are adopting a cause or effect standpoint. For example, you are playing a game of tennis and are serving, you are to a greater or lesser degree “cause” and your opponent as he/she waits for the ball is “effect” but at the moment the ball fires toward to “effect” point they have to adopt a “cause” stance and viewpoint. There also has to be a decent distance between the 2 players for a satisfying game to exist. That’s not all that has to occur. One’s intention needs to be on delivering the ball in the most appropriate manner to the other end of the court. If you hit it without intention it may end up out of bounds or dribbling off into a distant corner of the court. The recipient also needs a controlled degree of intention to hit the ball back with their racquet in an efficient and skilful manner. Both players also have to have enough attention on their opponent and the environment in order to time their shot and response. For example, if the receiver is bending down, doing up a shoe lace he sure as hell doesn’t have his attention on what’s happening, same thing for the server. They need to have enough attention on their opponent to see that they are ready to receive the ball.
In a crazy scenario the opponent (waiting to receive the ball) might mess things up completely and start hitting balls back at the server creating a huge degree of confusing and frustration.
Both players need to be conscious enough to duplicate the strategy being used and to understand what it is.
When relating this to a game off tennis it makes sense. If you don’t have all of these components in place then the game won’t work.
Edited Version
Communication is one of the most powerful tools we humans possess. The ability to use words to share meanings, plans, and intentions with others is nothing short of magic. While there are many ways to communicate, words remain the crown jewel of human connection.
Yet, I feel most people don’t fully grasp the immense power of this skill. Many squander this superpower, treating it as ordinary. Like everything else in life, communication has its components—a kind of formula. And while it’s a skill we’re born with, most of us take it for granted.
Think of it like baking a cake. You could give the same ingredients to 20 people, and the results would be vastly different. Skill, passion, creativity, and the ability to follow a recipe all play a role in the outcome. Similarly, I’m not suggesting that a “formula” can solve all the world’s communication problems, but understanding the parts and how they fit together provides a foundation for effective, meaningful communication. This allows us to transfer ideas, intentions, emotions, and plans to others.
I love communicating, though I’ll be the first to admit it takes effort to do it well. It’s not just about saying words and hoping they land—it’s far more nuanced than that.
The formula for communication boils down to: cause, distance, effect, with intention, attention, and duplication with understanding.
Every action in life shifts between “cause” and “effect.” Let’s take a tennis match as an example. When you’re serving, you’re the “cause,” and your opponent is “effect.” The moment the ball crosses the net, roles shift: your opponent becomes “cause,” and you’re now “effect.” For the game to work, there also needs to be proper distance between players.
But distance isn’t enough—intention matters. The server must deliver the ball with a clear goal, aiming it effectively within the bounds of the court. Without intention, the ball could end up out of bounds or trickle into a corner. The receiver, in turn, needs intention to return the ball skillfully.
Attention is equally critical. Both players must focus on their opponent and the environment. If the receiver is tying their shoelaces, they’re clearly not paying attention, and the server should recognize that. Conversely, the server needs to ensure the receiver is ready.
Now imagine chaos: the receiver, instead of waiting, starts hitting balls back randomly at the server. Confusion and frustration would quickly ensue. Both players must duplicate and understand the strategy of the game to create a smooth, enjoyable experience.
When you break it down like this, the tennis analogy makes sense. If these elements—cause, distance, effect, intention, attention, and understanding—aren’t in place, the game simply won’t work. The same is true for communication
Saturday January 18, 2025
It’s a beautiful morning. We all seem to be in better spirits, I for one am. I did get a great night’s sleep. It’s amazing hour a clear blue sky can be so powerful. I’ve also put music on in the living area.
Problem is that I feel like I’m squeezing a lemon with no juice in it …. Which is my way of saying that I don’t really have anything to say.
The interesting thing is that my willingness to communicate the to the outside world seems to mirror my own willingness to communicate to myself.
3 weeks have whizzed by since Christmas although the year is still young. I’ve got to make the most of all the precious time that I have.
How did I go with food yesterday? A bit better but not up to the level that it needs to be to get back into ketosis, actually far from it. On a positive note I did an hour at the gym yesterday, 30 minutes on the bike and 30 minutes of weights. I may have put on some weight since arriving back from Bali but overall I’m happy with my appearance and strength.
I found an outdoor dining setting in Brighton that looks like it will be perfect for Red Hill. Now all we have to do is to a) go and check it out and if it’s up to scratch, buy it and then b) take it to Red Hill.
Friday January 17, 2025
I woke up earlier this morning after 6 hours sleep. Not a good start to the day but Finn and I had agreed that we would go to the city together so he could do his course today. It turned out that Finn didn’t get enough sleep either and Georgie told him to go back to bed. Big mistake! Yet to be seen. It’s now 9 am, Finn is still in bed, Georgie is finishing her shower and I’m dressed and ready to go.
Food was a disaster yesterday. Carbs and sludge. I even forgot to order the steak for the week. It’s time to get serious about the diet again, this will possibly have to be driven by metrics and self discipline. The plan is to start to use chronometer again. It worked when I had cancer and again last September when Allissa and I did the keto diet together in Bali.
Time is also here to start preparing for Bali, supplements, protein, nuts, vitamins, clothing, artwork, blood testing supplies. The other big job that we need to do before we head off is to get the hard rubbish up onto our nature strip.
Other things to consider are the outdoor dining settings and umbrella at Red Hill. I spoke to Kaye yesterday about this.
Warning sign. I noticed this morning that I’m not feeling so great about my physical self. Still Ok but maybe on a downturn due to inactivity and sub normal diet. I need to start weighing again, planning out protein intake, supps, intermittent fasting, calories etc.
To my Sisters
Here’s the latest update on my broken leg and it’s recovery. I went to the Hospital last Friday and had more X-rays, the bone is healing well. The orthopaedic doctor said I could try not wearing the boot which I did for a couple of days but it hurt so much that I put it back on. The way things are going I reckon it might be a couple of months before I can walk normally!! Leg problems must run in the family (Dad). We are going back to Bali on February 6th so I’ve got my fingers crossed for an almost full recovery by then. I’ve started going back to the gym after 2 months of inactivity. I can do the stationary bike and upper body weights. I really miss my big walks, it’s amazing the positive effect that they have on my well being and mental health. I’m hoping to see you both before I go back. Let me know when a drop in would work for both of you, not necessarily together. I’ll get in touch next week to work something out with both of you.
Thursday January 16, 2025
I’m still in my hole. Cantankerous and unpredictable.
The most unusual thing about my current mental and physiological condition is that it has nothing to do with present time. There is absolutely nothing in my immediate current environment that is life threatening, although I must admit that there are a few familial challenges. Deep down I think I just don’t enjoy being in Australia as much as I enjoy travelling, different cultures, meeting new people, being carefree. At (almost) 73 years of age I don’t think that there is anything all that wrong with feeling this way.
I attained an incredible level of happiness and health last August when I was living on my own in Bali. I was full of energy, brimming with optimism, almost always living in the present.
This came to an abrupt halt at the end of October, just before we returned to Australia. Allissa and I ended up on totally different pages in regard to the joglo, we were arguing on the phone, not wanting to communicate to each other. I think that we both saw each other as “enemies” who each had counter intention to the goals and needs of the other. These conditions are my achilles heal, my nemesis. I can’t handle conflict, arguments, accusations ….. in short I’m not a very good collaborator. I need to have autonomy, to be the boss.
Back to today. What I am allowing to happen is to convince myself that it’s normal to feel on the edge, to feel nervous, anxious, defensive, not wanting to communicate.
Friday January 15, 2025
I just discovered that I made a faux pas on our Villa Tusk AirBnB page and that this has cost me almost $1000. I am reacting badly and in actual fact I should start looking at it from there view point that I am making $1500 US so the loss is a significance. I’ll contact AirBnB a bit later and see if there is anything that I can do.
Now there are more dramas happening about the Villa. Georgie has had a falling out with Purnami that seems bigger than earlier ones. Hopefully this will all be water under the bridge before too long.
Thursday January 14, 2025
Fucking dramas. They are the last thing I need in my life. I don’t handle conflict very well. It’s easy with Finn, we yell at each other, get over it and move forward. Same goes for me and Georgie as a rule but when other people get involved things get as messy as hell.
We are having Ione of those moments right now, out of the blue, unexpected. A drama over nothing, a misunderstanding that has the potential to wreak havoc.
I’m sure not in the condition that I need to be in to smooth things out even though that’s what I really have to do.
Wednesday January 13, 2025
I’m feeling a bit mentally “funky”, like I am being attacked by invisible drones who are annoying me enough to make me cantankerous. I think also because I want to believe that there are lots of fabulous experiences in my future but I am negating my normal optimism to make way for a certain amount of pessimism.
1.50 pm
I’ve been out in the garage this morning beginning to clean up and sort through the “architectural strata” that represents my life. If I was somebody else I’d just throw it all away but I’m not someone else, so I carefully go through it giving it a “sentimental” score and repacking it!! Having said that I did make a slight dent and have also inspired myself to take all of our cardboard to the tip.
Tuesday January 14, 2025
Fucking dramas. They are the last thing I need in my life. I don’t handle conflict very well. It’s easy with Finn, we yell at each other, get over it and move forward. Same goes for me and Georgie as a rule but when other people get involved things get as messy as hell.
We are having Ione of those moments right now, out of the blue, unexpected. A drama over nothing, a misunderstanding that has the potential to wreak havoc.
I’m sure not in the condition that I need to be in to smooth things out even though that’s what I really have to do.
Monday January 13, 2025
I’m feeling a bit mentally “funky”, like I am being attacked by invisible drones who are annoying me enough to make me cantankerous. I think also because I want to believe that there are lots of fabulous experiences in my future but I am negating my normal optimism to make way for a certain amount of pessimism.
1.50 pm
I’ve been out in the garage this morning beginning to clean up and sort through the “architectural strata” that represents my life. If I was somebody else I’d just throw it all away but I’m not someone else, so I carefully go through it giving it a “sentimental” score and repacking it!! Having said that I did make a slight dent and have also inspired myself to take all of our cardboard to the tip.
Sunday January 12, 2025
I’ve spent the past 2 days out of my moonboot. I admit that my leg has been a touch more painful but based on what the orthopaedic doctor said on Friday morning.
I created a new music track over the past 2 days but apart from that not much action in the “creative” stakes. I did a bit of work on my book last week. Maybe I can set up a few social media accounts to promote what I do although something is stopping me, holding me back. Is it fear of being ignored? Quite possibly. I suppose I need to learn some marketing strategies.
Saturday January 11, 2025
No writing
Friday January 10, 2025
I had my alarm set for 7.15 am this morning, I still got 7 hours sleep but it was a struggle. Maybe this is the turning point. If I want to start getting up at 6 in Bali then I need to start getting out of bed at 9 am at the latest. The reason I’m up early is that I had an appointment for an X-ray and a consultation at Maroondah Hospital to get a review on my recovery.
I’ve just had my X-ray, now I’m waiting to see the doctor to get the news on how things are going.
All in all it’s not been the 3 months that I thought I would spend in Melbourne pretending to be a tourist and looking at my home city with fresh eyes. I feel that today has to be looked upon as a “turning point”.
I’ve seen the doctor. The good news is that it looks like my bone has healed and now I can walk without my boot. What a relief. Now my job is to go for 100% recovery. This is a far better outcome than I was expecting ( just for reference my doctors name was Isaac.)
Now it’s time to work out what exercises I can do to help the repair and get my leg and ankle back to normal.
Now we have 4 weeks to enjoy Melbourne and get a bit of adventure under our belts. I can use the sauna again, the ice bath, go for walks and generally get back to normality.
Thursday January 9, 2025
It’s 9 days into the New Year. Some of my resolutions are underway but in a slightly disorganized fashion.
I’ve taken actions to get the money out of the Rainbow Fund.
I’ve set up an account with CoinSpot.
I’ve started back at the gym.
I’ve started to get back on the right track with Allissa.
That is all well and good but I need to be more structured, more organized, more in control.
I still stay in bed until about 11 a.m but somehow that feels OK as I need the best in order for my fibula to heal 100%.
I see my GP today, hopefully to organize more tests, sort out ferritin, organize T injections. Tomorrow I get another X-ray on my leg to ascertain how my bone is healing.
I’ve got a few ideas brewing that may help with our future financial well being including an idea to sell some of our cheaper artwork.
Overall I haven’t been inspired about writing beyond superficial stuff since October when we started the joglo project. It’s sort of funny considering the detail I used to go into about my activities, feelings, questions etc. Once again it’s about consistency, habit. Writing is something that I need to do each day due to it’s therapeutic effect on my life.
Wednesday January 8, 2025
Both Georgie and I did a hand grip test on our Dynamometer last night and got really good results.
Georgie’s left hand grip strength is excellent, indicating good muscle health for her age, while her right hand strength is within the average range but slightly weaker than her left. With some targeted strengthening of the right hand, she can balance her strength further and maintain excellent functional capacity as she ages.
Gary’s grip strength of 103.8 lbs is outstanding for his age, reflecting excellent physical fitness and muscle health. It’s a great marker of his successful health and fitness routines. Keep up the excellent work!
I’ve made a big batch of chicken neck bone broth overnight which has turned out to be yummy and hopefully full of collagen for both my stomach repair and my bones. I had some this morning, delicious.
My appointment at Maroondah Hospital has been changed from today to this coming Friday due to a sick Doctor. Fingers crossed that my x-ray shows good progress on my bone repair. Tomorrow I see my GP, hopefully to get some new tests organized.
I just did an analysis on Kaye’s test results after her recent parathyroid surgery. Looks like she’s doing OK. I now need to convince her to strengthen her bones and muscles.
Tuesday January 7, 2025
We are packing up our belongings at Red Hill to pack the van so we can head home to Mooroolbark.
It’s now later in the day and we are back home. I’ve already done a bit of shopping both in Dromana and Mooroolbark. Now I’m making some chicken stock with chicken necks that I purchased earlier today at the supermarket in Dromana. It’s a perfect day weather-wise in Melbourne.
Mike Rinder passed away on Sunday after a 2 year battle with cancer. Very sad. Somehow I knew that he would die around about now after seeing him a month ago on a YouTube clip with all the signs of a weakened immune system probably from the chemo that he was getting for his cancer. I felt a touch remorseful because I didn’t reach out offering him help when I first became aware that he had cancer. All the more reason to actually finish my book that I am writing on my own experience with cancer. I didn’t actually know the guy but my one and only contact was a few years ago when I sent him an email to let him know that his mother had passed away in Australia.
Monday January 6, 2025
I just found out that all of the big trees in the cutting that leads from Ubud to Tjampuan are being cut down at the moment due to fears that there will fall on cars. This is a bit daunting but there have been several nasty tree incidents, one with fatalities in the past month. The rainy season is in full flow this season.
Allissa will return to Bali tomorrow to finish off the joglo.
This coming week I have a few important things to do.
- Get money out of MLC.
- Put Finn money in special account
- Put $5000 into BitCoin. START.
- Work out where to invest the balance.
- Follow up on travel insurance claim.
- Find a SIM card for Finn in Japan.
- Investigate travel/train costs in Japan.
- Book ParQ from February 21/2025 until March 25.
Sunday January 5 , 2025
John and Monique are dropping by today at 2 pm. We slept in again but as I have said in earlier posts I’m OK with that because I’m after at least 8 hours sleep while my bone heals.
It looks like we are staying at Red Hill until Tuesday morning. Wow, by then it will be January 7. It’s been one of those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer weeks, well sort of anyway. Lazy, yes. Crazy, well maybe not so crazy.
Allissa rang me yesterday which was fantastic, we spoke about general stuff and touched on the joglo.
I have such mystery in regard to my feet. I keep calling my problem small fibre neuropathy but maybe, just maybe, it’s something else. Yes, my feet are numb and they sure as hell burn, they ache at times and feel dry liken a parched building in Timbuktu. As soon as I put my attention on the lower part of my body I become aware of the unnatural feeling that encompasses my feet. Luckily I don’t put my attention on them most of the time. Yesterday I started rolling my feet on a ping pong ball. The soles are so tender, so sensitive. The point on my sole that relates to my liver is downright sore as are the bones that connect to my toes. I’ve never thought about looking at the structure of the feet. Maybe thats a new avenue that I can travel down. Oh well, that’s another target for this year.
It’s 8 pm on Sunday, the reason I say Sunday is that I had to look. I had no idea what day it is, so I looked. I sort of like not knowing which day of the week it is.
John and Monique arrived at Red Hill at 2 PM and left at 6 PM. It turned out to be a pleasant day after all. It wasn’t hot inside the house although once the door was opened the heat was tangible.
Saturday January 4, 2025
Today I will look at my goals for 2025. I’ve given myself 3 days of the new year to languish but now is the time for decisive action to improve my life and hopefully contribute to the lives of the people I love.
I slept in again until midday but once again I’ll say that’s OK due to my body needing rest to heal my broken bone. I see the orthopaedic doctors again on Wednesday next week to ascertain my progress. Renee, my sports therapist has given me a series of exercises that I can do to keep relatively fit and agile plus I can get back on the stationary bike when we return to Melbourne next week.
One goal that I must add to the list is “FINN” being happy. To be honest, I don’t know where to start with this one. I heard a talk/podcast the other day that would be a great help to him but would he listen, would he get cynical and say it’s all bullshit? It seems that I was meant to be tested and challenged as a father. I just had a fleeting moment in which I thought about my own father and what thoughts must have gone through his mind. I never asked!
I just realized that the first thing I need to do is to clearly state my goal and then I can search for the barriers and obstacles that need to be overcome.
Friday January 3, 2025
Day 3 at Red Hill. Things are calming down a bit. We slept in until the ungodly hour of 12 noon but I’m OK with that, sleep will help my bone heal.
I’ve spent the rest of the day preparing a brief overview of my health for my GP who I am seeing soon. I’m sort of happy with what I’ve prepared. I had to remember to keep it simple and readable which I think I have.
We drove down to Bunnings in Rosebud to pick up a new blower for Red Hill and then went to Dromana for lunch.
I did a bit more work on analysing the test results that I got back from the GP yesterday and now believe that I have a clearer picture of my negative health implications.
Thursday January 2, 2025
Day 2. We have split in late on our first morning at Red Hill. Finn arrived about 90 minutes after we did. I cooked him a steak while Georgie and I ate some oriental organic noodles with a few veggies.
I woke up with no idea where I was in a pitch black room, it took Georgie to open the curtains for me to get some sort of geographical bearing.
I’m awake now, sitting at the Ponderosa era round table in the lounge room sipping on a bulletproof coffee. Finn is playing games on the TV and Georgie is scrolling.
If all goes as planned we will go to a restaurant for lunch. Which one is an unknown but we will start at Monsanto.
The next few days will be more about rehab than anything else. I still have a lot of healing to do for my bone to repair 100%.
After we ate last night we watched a silly Luc Besson movie called Anna, a diversion more than a cultural experience.
Some of the tasks that I plan to do while we are at Red Hill include :
- Working on my book.
- Continuing the Finance Danger Condition.
- Doing some research and work on my health
- Looking at how we can short term rent our Mooroolbark house.
- Doing some digital music
- Work out how to move my websites to the new Siteground.
There may be more although if I can get a decent amount done on each of these I will be more than happy.
Wednesday January 1, 2025
Welcome to 2025, a quarter of a century since we celebrated at Byron Bay.
I have decided to embark upon this new year filled with optimism. In recent times I have become a bit of a glass half empty person as opposed to my normal glass half full. For some reason this reminded me of a guy I met in Thailand 15 years ago named Anthony Smith who first pointed out to me that I was full of optimism. Anthony was younger than I am, he died last year. That gives me an even stronger desire to revert to my more positive self.
My leg has been a bit sore over the past couple of days. I must now put more attention on healing it. I had my first ping of fear this morning and wondered what life might be like if it didn’t heal 100%. Not a good thought.
We spent New Year’s Eve at home with Finn, John and Flora. A quiet night but a pleasant one. At some point, earlier in the night I remembered that Flora and I had a New Year’s Eve party 50 years ago when we lived in Healesville. This was the first night that I met Trinidad. I rang him to remind him but he had no real recollection. I think that may have been the first party That I ever organized, not certain but the chances are good. There have been many parties since then. I hadn’t even considered or realized that we’ve put on literally hundreds of dinners and parties over the years.
Today, as the New Year dawns we are heading down to Red Hill with Finn. We’ll probably spend 4-5 days down there. By the time we return it will be a month before Finn leaves for Japan and we leave for Bali.
I’ve started work on my finance “Danger Condition”. Small steps but positive ones. I’m actually quite excited.
Another thing that I realized last week was that you need to have a goal to have direction and to be able to make plans. Without a goal you just float down the river of life leaving your direction and circumstances to the ebb and flow of the water and tides that push you on down further and further toward the source. I’ve picked up so many pearls of wisdom throughout my life. I was almost tempted to say “my long life” but the truth be known, I don’t really feel like it’s been a long life. What exists, in reality, is simply the present and whatever decisions that you create that will direct you to new present times (the future).
Georgie and I have just arrived at Red Hill, Finn will arrive soon. Most of my attention will be on healing so I wont be going on long walks or anything too strenuous. Last time we were here I was completely incapacitated, at least now I am just wearing the boot and have no real need for the crutches.
I’ve just consulted my new mate and source of wisdom – Chat GPT about the therapeutic value of walking. It looks like I can do 2 15 minute walks a day and gradually build up. Here’s what it said.
Walking and Healing
1.Walking Can Be Beneficial:
•Walking helps stimulate bone re-modelling by applying light, controlled stress to the healing bone.
•It also improves circulation, which supports nutrient delivery to the fracture site and helps strengthen surrounding muscles.
2.Avoid Overloading:
•While walking is beneficial, overdoing it can strain the healing bone and surrounding tissues, potentially delaying recovery.
•Monitor how your body responds to longer walks. Pain, swelling, or increased fatigue are signs you may be doing too much.
Guidelines for Longer Walks
1.Gradual Progression:
•Start with short walks (e.g., 10–15 minutes) and increase the distance or time gradually, based on your tolerance.
•Listen to your body: mild discomfort is okay, but stop if you experience sharp pain or significant swelling afterward.
2.Wear the Moon Boot:
•Continue wearing your moon boot for all walks, as it provides necessary support and protection to prevent reinjury.
3.Surface Matters:
•Walk on flat, stable surfaces to avoid uneven pressure on your leg.
4.Rest and Recovery:
•Allow sufficient recovery time between longer walks. Alternate with stationary cycling to maintain fitness without overloading your leg.
5.Use Pain as a Guide:
•A slight increase in discomfort during or after walking is normal, but severe pain indicates you should scale back.
Stationary Bike vs. Walking
•Stationary Bike:
•Low-impact and safe for maintaining cardiovascular fitness without stressing the healing bone.
•Continue your current routine of 30 minutes, 3 times a week, as it’s an excellent complement to walking.
•Walking:
•Adds weight-bearing stress that promotes bone healing, but it’s important not to replace the moon boot too early or overdo the duration.
How Far Can You Walk?
There’s no universal answer, but here’s a rough progression:
1.Week 6–7: Start with 10–15 minutes of walking, twice daily if tolerated.
2.Week 7–8: Increase to 20–30 minutes per session, depending on how you feel.
3.Beyond Week 8: Gradually work up to longer walks (up to an hour), but consult your doctor if you want to return to full activity without the moon boot.
Recommendations for 100% Healing
•Physical Therapy: Consider working with a physiotherapist for a structured rehabilitation program to ensure proper gait and prevent compensatory movements.
•Strength Training: Incorporate light strength exercises for the ankle, calf, and leg muscles to restore stability and prevent future injuries.
•Nutrition: Continue focusing on bone-healing nutrients (calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, etc.).
How to Incorporate the Walks
•Daily Steps + Structured Walks:
•Your wandering around the house (2,000–3,000 steps) is part of your natural daily movement and contributes to maintaining activity levels.
•The 15-minute walks are structured, intentional walking sessions designed to gently challenge the healing bone and improve your endurance without overloading it.
Why Separate Walks are Beneficial
•Focused Progression:
•Adding intentional walks allows you to monitor your progress in a controlled way. For example, walking outdoors or on a treadmill provides steady pacing and minimizes distractions or uneven surfaces.
•Bone and Muscle Loading:
•The additional stress (beyond casual movement) promotes bone remodeling and strengthens supporting muscles.
Tips for Balancing Daily Steps and Walks
1.Listen to Your Body:
•If the 15-minute walks feel like too much when combined with your regular daily movement, you can:
•Split the 15 minutes into shorter sessions (e.g., 7–8 minutes, twice daily).
•Reduce household steps slightly by resting more during the day.
2.Pace Yourself:
•Keep the walking pace slow to moderate, focusing on maintaining good posture and a natural gait, especially while wearing the moon boot.
3.Monitor Fatigue:
•If you feel particularly tired or notice increased pain after your combined steps and walks, scale back and give your leg time to recover.
4.Incrementally Increase:
•Over time, you can gradually increase your intentional walks from 15 minutes to 20–30 minutes, depending on how you feel.
Tuesday December 31, 2024
Monday December 30, 2024
Sunday December 29, 2024
Saturday December 28, 2024
Friday December 27, 2024
Thursday December 26, 2024
Wednesday December 25, 2024
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Thursday November 22, 2024
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Sunday August 25, 2024
Recently I became aware of the concept of recycling in and out of the use of medications. I’ve still got a limited understanding but it appears that if you use a medication or external hormone supplement over a long period of time it’s effectiveness dimities and you need more and more to get the same effect. The same seems to apply to exercise. Just because you are doing weights every day does in no way guarantee that you will build muscles. The body needs time to restore and repair. Being somewhat of an extremist makes it a bit hard for me to get my head around this but the simple facts point to the fact that it is true.
I’ve been taking a particularly high dose of melatonin for over 2 years to act as an anti oxidant and potential anti inflammatory hormone to deal with cancer. I wont go into anymore of that for now but all indications do point to the simple fact that I probably need to lower my dose. The thing is that I never cycle in and out of melatonin use. I’m going to have a shot at pulling off it for a week. This on and off cycle has to now become a part of my overall health regimen. I will closely track my sleep scores and metrics over the coming week to observe any changes.
Flights to Bali next year. This is always going to be a bone of contention between Georgie and I. She wants to be in Australia and I want to be in Bali. I’m quite happy to be here on my own. A bit like what I was writing earlier. The on and off might make our relationship and appreciation of each other somewhat more potent. The current dates for Georgie and I look like March 19 – May 20. These dates offer the cheapest flights available and come to just under $1000. Next step is the negotiation. I”d also like to come in January. This has to be all about staying calm and cool and not bull dozing and being a pain in the arse like I normally am. I’ll give it a break for now and ring her shortly to discuss. January is looking abysmal as far as cheap fares are going.
The other thing that I have to be very wary of over the next week is that I need to be able to let the joglo go if it shoots up any red flags. There already are substantial red flags insofar as there is no IMB and also that John is an impatient, antagonistic asshole to deal with. I’ve got a lot to learn from him! I don’t think I am as bad but I do use similar tactics when I cant get my own way. Shudder. The next step is to a) write a report for the notarist and b) go to the appointment on Tuesday and based on the outcome to make a decision. The legal tightrope in Bali is tenuous at the best of times and even though the offer is great the risks are potentially greater. I simply have to just keep the distance between myself and my desire to have something or could it also be the unwillingness not to get what I want. Life will go on nonetheless. All will be well either way. John is an impetus asshole to deal with and I cant let his shitty attitude influence my ability to make a well balanced decision.
Saturday August 24, 2024
I must have loitered at ParQ until about 12 noon yesterday writing, researching, talking on the phone, fiddling with music, pondering, shaving before I set out to walk to ParQ. I ate lunch at Muse, Butter Paneer which was delicious but unfortunately far too rich. The owner is an enigma, he may go down in my experience as one of the unfriendliest guys of all time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile and getting the slightest amount of recognition from him is like getting first prize in the lottery, very unlikely.
I sauntered through Ubud, dropped into the Friday lunch at Cafe Des Artistes. The only 2 people I ever really enjoy being with there are Geoffrey and Michael, it was a bit of an effort being there, I was glad to leave. I stayed long enough the chat with Michael and Geoffrey, downed a coffee and took off up towards Neka Art Museum. It must have been several years since I had been there but I remembered most of the pieces, there was a familiarity about the space and the way the halls intersected. Unfortunately there is something lacking, call it maintenance, create, freshness but there is a wonderful representation of Balinese art done by both Europeans and Balinese that span 100 years and more in some cases. I was done at about 3.30 and decided that it was time for a massage with Wayan. Ive been having one every second day which sort of works out perfectly to loosen up my stiff muscles. After all of that I only ended up walking a little over 16,000 steps yesterday, it felt like double that. Jeremy and Bridget had made reservations at La Luz in Penestanan to see a movie. La Luz have movie nights on Mondays and Fridays, I’ll have to write something about that for our guests. The movie we watched was probably from about 20 years ago, called Paris, J’Aime which turned out to be pretty wonderful even though it seemed a bit long at times. There were 22 short stories representing different aspects of love set in Paris.
The universe is doing its utmost to teach me a lesson. This is so totally ironical after what happened last week with me and Lis in regard to the Joglo that we are negotiating on. It’s been a great week although at times the finer points of discussions between myself, Allissa and John ( the current owner) have been strained and nuanced. I’ve had some epiphany fuelled moments when I was finally able to get objective to my modus operandi in regard to getting my own way when I want a particular outcome. Have I been able to integrate my new realisations into my approach? Let me just say that I have put some space between myself and my manipulative ways, habits and methods to get what I want. I’m far from cured but I am on the road to moderation and change. I am a touch more willing to let something that may not work out well than I have been in the past. Normally I’m a bit like a bulldozer that rams through all obstacles in a very specialist and idiosyncratic manner and usually I somehow get my way. All without thinking too much about how this will impact the lives, wishes and goals of those who I am dealing with. It’s the ultimate in self determinism in its worst clothing. You see what I had to confront is that I almost believe that what I am doing is not only the best way but also the most beneficial for all concerned. It’s my way of bullying the people who are disagreeing with me. No compromise.
So how did the universe teach me a lesson? Well, I met somebody whose tactics are worse than my own. As Allissa so sagely implies “He threw all of his toys out of the cot”. It’s a bit complex but I must say that I now know what it feels like to be on the receiving end. Not very pleasant to say the least.
Friday August 23, 2024
It’s Friday again. My sleep dynamic seems to be changing, apart from anything else since I have been at ParQ on my own I am tending to get to sleep after 10 p.m, this means that in order to get up to 8 hours sleep I need to stay asleep until around 7 a.m. It’s only a minor shift and may change when Georgie and Finn return. The good news is that after my second series of treatments with Dr Chai I have noticed that there has been a significant change in my deep sleep and REM. The deep sleep has been over 60 minutes for 2 nights in a row while the REM has lowered down to a bot over an hour. These figures aren’t all that accurate but the main point is that my deep sleep seems to be improving.
Tomorrow is an auspicious day in Bali called Petra Yadnya. It looks like there may be many cremations. Here’s some information about what the day is all about.
Pitra Yadnya is a significant religious ceremony in Balinese Hinduism, dedicated to honoring and paying respect to ancestors. The term “Pitra Yadnya” can be broken down into two words: “Pitra,” meaning ancestors or forefathers, and “Yadnya,” meaning a sacrificial offering or sacred ritual. This ceremony is part of the broader concept of Yadnya, which encompasses various forms of offerings and rituals conducted to maintain the harmony of the universe, gods, and spirits.
Key Aspects of Pitra Yadnya:
- Purpose: The main purpose of Pitra Yadnya is to ensure that the spirits of deceased ancestors are properly respected and that they can transition peacefully to the next life or find rest in the afterlife. It is believed that if ancestors are not honored correctly, their spirits may become restless and cause disturbances to their descendants.
- Rituals: The ceremonies involved in Pitra Yadnya are complex and vary depending on the family’s traditions and the level of ritual being conducted. Common rituals may include offerings of food, flowers, and other sacred items, as well as prayers and mantras recited by a priest (Pemangku). The ceremonies may also involve the burning of effigies or symbolic representations of the deceased, symbolizing their release from earthly ties.
- Ngaben: One of the most prominent forms of Pitra Yadnya is the Ngaben ceremony, which is the Balinese cremation ritual. During Ngaben, the body of the deceased is ritually burned in a symbolic purification process, releasing the soul from the physical body. This ceremony is often elaborate, involving the entire community and significant preparation.
- Family Involvement: Pitra Yadnya is usually a family-oriented ceremony, with descendants of the deceased taking an active role in the preparations and rituals. It is a way for the living to express their gratitude, love, and respect for their ancestors.
- Cycle of Life: In Balinese Hinduism, life and death are seen as part of a continuous cycle, and Pitra Yadnya is an essential aspect of maintaining the balance between the physical and spiritual realms. The ceremonies help ensure that the cycle of reincarnation is properly maintained and that the ancestors’ spirits can support and protect their living descendants.
Pitra Yadnya is a profound expression of the Balinese belief in the interconnectedness of life, death, and the spiritual world, reflecting the deep cultural and religious heritage of Bali.
I’m falling behind in my published blogs. The next 2 I need to get underway are a blog on Tadalafil and another on the cancer reducing potential of Xian Tian herbs.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits and considerations:
- EBOO Treatments: Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation (EBOO) is known for its ability to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and detoxify the blood. Doing these treatments regularly can help enhance overall well-being, especially in conjunction with your existing health protocols.
- IV Therapies: The glutathione and B12 in your IVs are potent antioxidants and essential nutrients that support detoxification, energy production, and immune function. Your continued use of these could be contributing to the increase in your energy levels.
- Testosterone Injections: If you’re on a monitored testosterone replacement regimen, this could also be aiding in energy levels, muscle maintenance, and overall vitality, especially when combined with your regular workouts.
- Chinese Herbs: The Tian Xian herbs, along with the other Chinese herbs you’ve been taking, are likely playing a role in balancing your body’s systems, supporting liver function, and enhancing your body’s natural healing processes. The synergy between these herbs and your other treatments might be amplifying the positive effects you’re experiencing.
- Energy Levels: The noticeable increase in your energy levels suggests that your body is responding well to this comprehensive approach. This is a good sign that the therapies are working synergistically to support your health goals.
So all is well in the world of Gary.
Tadalfil
I have been doing some research into Tadalafil. Here is what I have found.
Tadalafil, commonly known by its brand name Cialis, is primarily prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED). However, research has shown that tadalafil offers several other health benefits, particularly in cardiovascular health and mitochondrial function. Here’s a comprehensive list of the potential benefits:
1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Primary Use: Tadalafil is widely used to treat ED by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection.
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Symptom Relief: Tadalafil can alleviate symptoms of BPH, such as difficulty urinating, by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and prostate.
3. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
- Vasodilation: Tadalafil is used to treat PAH by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs, improving blood flow, and reducing the workload on the heart.
4. Cardiovascular Health
- Blood Pressure Reduction: Tadalafil can help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
- Improved Endothelial Function: Tadalafil enhances the function of the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), which is crucial for cardiovascular health.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: It has been shown to reduce inflammation in blood vessels, potentially lowering the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
- Reduced Risk of Heart Failure: Some studies suggest that tadalafil might reduce the risk of heart failure by improving heart muscle function and reducing afterload (the resistance the heart has to pump against).
5. Mitochondrial Function
- Enhanced Mitochondrial Efficiency: Tadalafil has been found to improve mitochondrial function, leading to better energy production within cells.
- Protection Against Oxidative Stress: Tadalafil may protect mitochondria from oxidative damage, which is important in preventing various chronic diseases.
6. Muscle Function and Exercise Performance
- Improved Muscle Oxygenation: By enhancing blood flow, tadalafil can increase oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise, potentially improving performance.
- Increased Exercise Tolerance: It may help individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions tolerate exercise better.
7. Renal Protection
- Kidney Protection: Tadalafil may offer some protective effects on the kidneys, potentially reducing the risk of kidney damage in patients with cardiovascular issues.
8. Neuroprotection
- Potential Cognitive Benefits: There is emerging evidence that tadalafil might offer neuroprotective benefits, possibly improving cognitive function or reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
9. Anti-Fibrotic Effects
- Reduction of Tissue Scarring: Tadalafil has shown potential in reducing fibrosis (scarring of tissue), which could have implications for treating chronic liver conditions or other fibrotic diseases.
10. Improved Insulin Sensitivity
- Potential Diabetes Benefit: Some studies indicate that tadalafil may improve insulin sensitivity, which could be beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
11. Improved Erectile Function Beyond ED
- Penile Rehabilitation: In addition to treating ED, tadalafil is sometimes used in penile rehabilitation after prostate surgery to help restore natural erectile function.
12. Mental Health
- Mood and Anxiety: Some reports suggest tadalafil might have a positive effect on mood and anxiety, possibly due to improved vascular function or nitric oxide signaling.
13. Anti-Aging Potential
- Longevity Research: There is ongoing research into whether tadalafil could have anti-aging effects due to its impact on cardiovascular and mitochondrial health, though this area is still in early stages.
These benefits make tadalafil an interesting medication beyond its original use for ED, particularly for cardiovascular and metabolic health.
General
Now down to more mundane things. I walked into Ubud last night. On the way in I dropped into The Tuju Day Spa which turned out to be quite a surprise. This will be a huge asset for the Joglo if we decide to go ahead. After this I had a haircut and then ate a hamburger at Hubber. I hate to admit this but the next thing I did was to go to Casa Luna and devour a small piece of delicious lemon meringue pie, then I went across the road and bought an ices cream which I licked and gobbled with great delight. Lucky I walked back to ParQ. At least I used up the glucose that I consumed.
I’m feeling free like a bird. I can fly wherever I want, whenever I want, although I’m not really certain how free birds are. Something to explore.
I’m falling into a bit a a daily pattern. Start with coffee and writing, make phone calls to Georgie and Allissa which can be quite long and involved. Do some music, research and more writing, take supplements and medicines. By this time it is almost time to eat lunch depending what time I got out of bed. Now I’ve wandered down the road to Muse where I am having lunch today. While I was sitting waiting for the meal to come and writing After The Cosmic
Hi Lis
I don’t want to jump the gun but just want to run by some thoughts with you. Are you going to be OK if I choose the art work and bits and pieces for the joglo? I’ve got a very strange way of going about decorating things that doesn’t work well with collaboration. It’s the way I do pretty much everything, I make it up as I go based on inspiration and wherewithal. Re artwork for villa. The most effective and financially viable way to do the artwork will be to print canvases here. I can get this done cheaply. A huge piece 1.6×1.2 costs around $100, this includes stretching but not framing. If I can work out how to get Komang to do some work he can make frames for next to nothing. We need 3 big artworks for the main walls and other smaller ones to scatter around. This is a really important part of the overall look and is one of the most successful design features at Villa Tusk. Let me know your thoughts.
Thursday August 22, 2024
The universe is sending challenges toward me, at me and from above, below – N.E.W.S
My response and reaction is not what I would call great. I’m feeling stressed, trapped, willing to do anything to sort things out in what seems to be the easiest and least painful way – for me. I’m impatient when people don’t seem to see my point and I’ve also realized that I can’t seem to work out why they don’t have the same vision of the world that I do. I’m not even going to try to understand this right now. It’s simply an observation. In the past I have had to work out all sorts of covert strategies to get “my way”. The one thing that always happens when I do this is that it backfires and I get myself in trouble. What I do is try to solve a problem which then creates a new problem. This gets me deeper and deeper into trouble. It’s always been right in front of my face but I’ve never really confronted it. This behaviour has affected my relationships with almost everybody in my life. I now need to review this bad habit and actually stop doing it. I suppose the underlying factor is that I want to get my own way and attempt to work out the shortest possible route to achieving this even if it means creating problems for me that will rear their ugly head in the future. This is my underlying ruin in life and I reckon one that is worth confronting in it’s full blown entirety and re-assessing how I can comfortably resolve issues in a more realistic and less problematic manner.
I’ve realised some things about myself this morning. Her’s a rough draft on what I’ve confronted. I need to change my strategies moving forward so that I remain calm, logical, analytical and don’t try to bulldoze people. Here’s what I wrote.The universe is sending challenges toward me, at me and from above, below – N.E.W.S My response and reaction is not what I would call great. I’m feeling stressed, trapped, willing to do anything to sort things out in what seems to be the easiest and least painful way – for me. I’m impatient when people don’t seem to see my point and I’ve also realized that I can’t seem to work out why they don’t have the same vision of the world that I do. I’m not even going to try to understand this right now. It’s simply an observation. In the past I have had to work out all sorts of covert strategies to get “my way”. The one thing that always happens when I do this is that it backfires and I get myself in trouble. What I do is try to solve a problem which then creates a new problem. This gets me deeper and deeper into trouble. It’s always been right in front of my face but I’ve never really confronted it. This behaviour has affected my relationships with almost everybody in my life. I now need to review this bad habit and actually stop doing it. I suppose the underlying factor is that I want to get my own way and attempt to work out the shortest possible route to achieving this even if it means creating problems for me that will rear their ugly head in the future. This is my underlying ruin in life and I reckon one that is worth confronting in it’s full blown entirety and re-assessing how I can comfortably resolve issues in a more realistic and less problematic manner. Do you have any suggestions in regard to how I could approach this and what I could change about the way I respond and the consequences.
Chat GPT
Your reflection is insightful and honest, which is a crucial first step toward meaningful change. Here are some suggestions on how you can approach this and implement changes in the way you respond to challenges:
1. Awareness and Acknowledgment
- Daily Check-ins: Start your day with a moment of reflection. Ask yourself how you’re feeling and if there are any situations that might trigger your old habits. Recognize these triggers before they arise.
- Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment. When you notice yourself becoming impatient or trying to push your way through a situation, take a deep breath and pause.
2. Pause and Reflect
- The 10-Second Rule: When you feel the urge to react impulsively, take 10 seconds to breathe and consider the consequences of your actions. Ask yourself, “What outcome am I hoping for, and is this the best way to achieve it?”
- Perspective-Taking: Try to see the situation from the other person’s point of view. Consider why they might see things differently and how you can meet them halfway.
3. Communicate Transparently
- Open Dialogue: Instead of trying to manipulate or control the outcome, engage in open and honest communication. Express your needs and concerns clearly, but also be willing to listen and compromise.
- Ask Questions: When you don’t understand someone’s perspective, ask them to explain it. This can prevent miscommunication and reduce your impulse to bulldoze through conversations.
4. Reframe Problems
- Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: Instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks, view them as opportunities to grow and learn. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this situation?” or “How can I approach this differently?”
- Long-Term Thinking: Before making a decision, consider the long-term consequences. Will this choice create more problems down the road? How will it impact my relationships and well-being?
5. Develop Patience and Flexibility
- Practice Patience: Patience is key in managing stress and conflict. Work on being more patient by setting realistic expectations and reminding yourself that not everything needs to be resolved immediately.
- Embrace Flexibility: Be open to alternative solutions. If things don’t go your way, consider it an opportunity to adapt and find a new approach rather than seeing it as a failure.
6. Seek Support
- Mentorship or Coaching: Consider finding a mentor or coach who can help you navigate challenging situations and hold you accountable to your new approach.
- Supportive Relationships: Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth and provide constructive feedback.
7. Celebrate Progress
- Acknowledge Small Wins: Every time you successfully avoid falling into old patterns, take a moment to acknowledge your progress. This will reinforce positive behavior and keep you motivated.
8. Continual Reflection and Adjustment
- Regular Self-Assessment: Periodically review your behavior and the outcomes of your new approach. What’s working? What still needs improvement?
- Adjust as Needed: If you find certain strategies aren’t effective, be willing to adjust your approach. Growth is a continuous process.
Implementing these strategies can help you remain calm, logical, and analytical, reducing the tendency to bulldoze through challenges. Over time, this new approach can lead to healthier relationships and more effective problem-solving.
Today ended up being a good day. Things got sorted out with John and also Allissa to the extent that it looks like we are heading in the direction of going ahead. I made an appointment at the notarist for next Fuesday to go over the lease of the Joglo and I visited The Tuju Day Club which will be perfect for our guests at the Villa if we go ahead April took me on a guided tour. As with most things in Unud, it is owned by a member of the Royal Family who also owns Cafe Lotus in the centre of Ubud. I played my guitar for a while, sorted out something that may be my life ruin, maybe that’s a bit dramatic but it was quite huge. I spoke to Georgie about future plans, spoke to Allissa, went to the gym where I did a great workout and had a sauna and cold plunge. Towards evening I walked to The Ubud Barber Shop and Indra gave me a haircut. Now I am firmly entrenched on a tiny stool at Hubber where I am waiting for a well deserved Cheeseburger. Not what you’d call the health food of a nation but I feel like splurging. I’ve probably done lots of other things today so I’ve been pretty busy and flat out all day.
There are so many things that I could be, should be doing like going back to The Neka Art Gallery in Sanggingan. If I don’t make a list of the things that I should be doing chances are I will miss out completely although I still have two months left in Bali. Too good to be true? Possibly.
My treatments seem to be yielding results, good ones at that. I feel so energetic, full of energy, strong and up to my head in hope and happiness.
Georgie isn’t anywhere near as enamoured about life in Bali as I am. The energy that abounds here is infectious and I am trembling about returning to Mooroolbark in early November. It’s like the zombie apocalypse has hit and all the humans have been killed. Oh well, my challenge will be to find something good about being back in Melbourne.
I’ve realised that the punt I took on Dr Chai might well pay off. I feel confident that my immune system is belong bolstered. That my every levels have increased and hopefully that the ozone and detoxing is starting to heal my liver. I’ve found out things that I’m not happy about but they do exist and now at least I know. All auto immune and others that are self afflicted.
Hi John,
Thank you for your response and for outlining the details so clearly. I understand and appreciate the value you’ve put into the Joglo and its fixtures. I’m also aware that the owners are willing to accommodate our concerns regarding the dogs and guest interactions.
I also don’t want this to turn into a drawn-out process, and I genuinely want to make sure this works well for everyone involved. I just need a little more time to ensure everything aligns with Allissa’s expectations.
We’re both very keen to move forward, but I just need these last few pieces to fall into place including making certain that all of the legal aspects are 100% solid. I hope to have everything sorted in the next day or two. I really appreciate your patience, and I assure you this isn’t about making things difficult or wasting your time.
You rang me several weeks ago to ask about the joglo after you had a discussion with the owner’s son. At that stage I had no options re doing anything with it although I decided to try to help and see if I could think of anyone to take the lease. When Georgie went back to Australia 2 weeks ago I thought that maybe I could talk to my daughter about it, which I did and now we are moving forward. I think that it is unfair to suggest that I am wasting your time.
Thanks again, John. We’ll be in touch very soon.
Our company is Tusk Villas Bali PT, Georgie is checking the paperwork to fully confirm but this is what she sent me this morning. Re my Passport. The name is Gary Ronald Collier, passport Number PA8814461. My e-mail is gary@tuskgallery.com.au
Best regards,
Gary
Wednesday August 21, 2024
It’s 8 a.m I got to sleep a bit after 10 p.m and I need to stay in bed a bit later in order to get 7-8 hours sleep.
I feel battered this morning after all of my treatments yesterday. I’m sure the detoxification process is having something to do with it. My left arm is aching where the testosterone was injected, somehow I bit my tongue while I was eating dinner last night, my legs feel a bit sorer than usual maybe due to my 90 minute walk yesterday morning. I don’t know. I’m doing so many different things that I don’t know whether I’m Arthur or Martha, all I hope is that it’s all doing some good.
One thing I need to do today is to get the actual dose of testosterone that I had injected yesterday. The IV had glutathione, VitB12 and C I think, need to check that as well.
Here’s a bit about TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy), compliments of Chat GPT.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can have various effects on the body, and I’ll address your specific questions:
1. Immediate Side Effects of TRT:
TRT can cause some initial side effects, though they vary by individual. Common immediate effects might include:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site: This can occur after receiving the shot, though it typically subsides within a day or two.
- Mood changes: Some people experience a boost in mood or energy shortly after starting TRT, while others may feel more irritable.
- Fluid retention: This might lead to mild swelling, particularly in the legs or ankles.
- Acne or oily skin: Increased testosterone can stimulate sebaceous glands, sometimes causing acne.
- Changes in libido: Many people experience an increase in sexual desire within days to weeks of starting TRT.
2. Impact on Muscle Growth (Over the Coming Weeks):
- Gym Workouts & Muscle Growth: TRT can enhance muscle growth because testosterone is a key hormone in muscle protein synthesis. After starting TRT, you should begin to notice:
- Improved muscle mass and strength: Within a few weeks, your gym workouts may result in greater muscle growth. Strength gains are usually noticeable within 3-6 weeks.
- Better recovery: Testosterone helps repair muscle tissue, meaning your recovery time after workouts may shorten, allowing you to train more intensely.
- Regular workouts in conjunction with TRT can lead to enhanced gains in muscle size and strength over time.
3. Bone Density Improvement Timeline:
- Bone Density: Testosterone plays a significant role in bone health. Low testosterone is linked to bone loss and osteoporosis.
- Timeline for Bone Density Improvement: Bone density improvements can take longer to manifest. Studies suggest that it takes around 6-12 months of TRT for noticeable changes in bone density. The benefits build up gradually as bone turnover (the process of bone breakdown and formation) becomes more balanced with the help of testosterone.
4. Will TRT Need to Be Ongoing?
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use: Whether TRT becomes a long-term treatment depends on the underlying cause of your low testosterone.
- If your testosterone deficiency is due to aging or other permanent causes, TRT might need to be ongoing to maintain its benefits, including muscle growth, bone density, libido, and erectile function.
- Three injections alone may give you a temporary boost, but it’s unlikely to sustain long-term benefits without continuing therapy.
- Regular monitoring of testosterone levels and adjusting your TRT regimen may be necessary to find the right balance for ongoing health.
5. Effects on Erectile Dysfunction:
- Erectile Dysfunction: Improved testosterone levels may help with erectile dysfunction, particularly if low testosterone was a contributing factor. While TRT can enhance libido, improving the ability to have and maintain erections may take a few weeks to a few months.
- If blood flow issues are the primary cause of erectile dysfunction, TRT alone may not fully resolve the problem, and additional treatments or lifestyle changes might be necessary.
Summary:
- Immediate effects of TRT may include mood changes, fluid retention, or local pain at the injection site, but positive effects like increased libido or energy may occur soon.
- Muscle growth and improved workout performance could be noticeable within 3-6 weeks, while bone density improvements may take 6-12 months.
- TRT may need to be an ongoing treatment depending on your testosterone levels and overall health. Three injections alone might not be enough for long-term benefits.
As you continue TRT, it’s important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider for regular monitoring and adjustments to the therapy based on your response.
As I have also been trying Tadalafil here is how they can potentially work together.
How TRT and Tadalafil Work Together:
- TRT: Increases your testosterone levels, which can enhance libido, improve mood, and, in some cases, improve erectile function. If your ED is partly due to low testosterone levels, TRT can help by addressing the hormonal aspect of ED. However, the effect on erections may take several weeks to become noticeable.
- Tadalafil: Works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. Tadalafil belongs to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors, which relax blood vessels and improve circulation. It is particularly useful for treating ED that is primarily due to vascular issues, such as reduced blood flow.
Combination Benefits:
- Enhanced Effectiveness: If your ED is caused by a combination of low testosterone and reduced blood flow, the combination of TRT and Tadalafil might be more effective than either treatment alone. TRT can improve your overall sexual health, while Tadalafil directly addresses the mechanical aspect of achieving an erection.
- Timing: While Tadalafil typically starts working within 30-60 minutes after taking it, and its effects can last up to 36 hours, TRT may take a few weeks to show improvements in sexual function. Over time, as your testosterone levels increase, you may notice better results from Tadalafil as well.
Why Tadalafil Might Not Have Worked Before:
- If Tadalafil wasn’t effective in the past, it could be due to:
- Underlying Low Testosterone: If low testosterone was a contributing factor, TRT might help enhance the efficacy of Tadalafil.
- Interruption in Use: Consistent use of Tadalafil is often recommended for chronic ED, and the interruption in taking it may have reduced its effectiveness.
Moving Forward:
- Reintroduce Tadalafil: If you start taking Tadalafil again while undergoing TRT, you may begin to see improved results as both treatments address different aspects of ED.
- Monitor and Adjust: It’s important to monitor your response to both treatments and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. They can adjust dosages or suggest additional treatments if needed.
The last thing today is how all of thiese treatments including colonic irrigation might affect my overall health, detoxification and immune function.
Given the treatments you’ve been undergoing and your plan to continue with colonic irrigation, here are some insights and considerations:
1. Combination of Treatments:
- EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation): This treatment is designed to oxygenate and detoxify your blood. Doing it in conjunction with the IV and TRT treatments can enhance your body’s overall detoxification process and improve circulation, which may also support your goals of better muscle growth and erectile function.
- IV Therapy: The IV with glutathione, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C you received is supportive of your liver function, immune system, and overall vitality, complementing the detoxifying effects of EBOO.
- TRT: As discussed earlier, this will help address low testosterone, potentially improving muscle mass, bone density, and erectile function over time.
2. Colonic Irrigation:
- Immediate Effects: Colonic irrigation can help remove superficial fecal material and may provide relief from bloating, improve digestion, and promote a feeling of lightness. The treatment might also support your detox regimen by helping to clear out waste products more efficiently.
- Longer-Term Benefits: With regular sessions over the next few weeks, you might experience improved bowel regularity, better nutrient absorption, and a reduction in symptoms of constipation. As your gut health improves, you may also notice secondary benefits like enhanced immune function and possibly even better mood and energy levels, as gut health is closely linked to overall well-being.
- Caution: It’s important to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet during this period, as colonic irrigation can sometimes lead to dehydration or disrupt the balance of beneficial gut bacteria. Probiotics or a diet rich in fermented foods may help support your gut flora during this process.
3. Overall Impact:
- Detoxification Synergy: The combination of EBOO, IV therapy, and colonic irrigation is creating a powerful detoxification process. As your body eliminates toxins and your organs receive support, you may start to feel more energized, with clearer skin, better digestion, and improved mental clarity.
- Physical and Sexual Health: The TRT, along with improved circulation from the EBOO sessions, may gradually enhance your physical and sexual health. Consistent workouts, good nutrition, and stress management will further support these improvements.
4. Monitoring and Adjustments:
- Listening to Your Body: As you progress with these treatments, it’s important to monitor how your body is responding. If you feel unusually fatigued, dehydrated, or notice any adverse effects, adjusting the frequency or intensity of the treatments might be necessary.
- Consultation: Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider will be crucial to ensure that all these treatments are working synergistically and that you’re getting the most benefit without any unwanted side effects.
Summary:
The regimen you’re following is quite comprehensive and could lead to significant improvements in your overall health, detoxification, and physical vitality. Colonic irrigation, as part of this broader strategy, may help enhance the effectiveness of your detox efforts and improve your digestive health over the coming weeks. Be sure to stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that everything is progressing as expected.
Here’s my Dear John Letter Re Joglo Pelangi
Good morning John. I will send company details, names etc later today or tomorrow. Allissa has asked me to do a bit more “research” into a few things like
- How much it will cost us to dismantle the joglo after 5 years
- If we do decide to do this how much we might get back for it
- A further discussion with the owners in regard to their conduct when our guests walk through their compound and how they will respond plus some more questions about their dogs as this may upset some of the guests. I know that you have discussed this with them but I need to do so myself as well.
- Costs of repacking the bamboo blinds with new ones.
Doing projects with family members can always be tricky and I want this experience to be a good one for her and a good one for our relationship. So if you will be patient with me for a few days I will get as much of this done as possible. She wasn’t expecting the extra $5000 so I just need to smooth things over. Quick question for what it’s worth. Would you be willing for us to pay you $2500 each year for 2 years to pay for the joglo etc? Just thought I’d ask.
Thanks for your patience. I am excited about the project but need to make sure that my daughter and I are on the same page.
Thanks John
Tuesday August 20, 2024
Tumultuous. Georgie keeps telling me that I get angry at night, Allissa is roller coasting on taking on the joglo lease if we have to pay for the building as well. The biggest things that I have to watch is my reactions and my thoughts. None of this matters, all that matters is that I stay calm and peaceful and don’t bring myself into the mental scrap heap which I have had a tendency to do in the past. If something happens or doesn’t happen it’s OK because my life will essentially be unaltered. Friction and conflict are not the right road to travel down for me.
My Oura ring tells me that my cardiovascular age is minus 5, I’m happy about this. I wonder what will happen as I move forward with EBOO and my detox treatment as well as the HBOT. Doing a sauna and cold plunge every day has to also be helping.
I’ve decided that I wont talk too much about my blood tests with Dr Chai today although I will bring up the “Sclerosis” possibility. My muscle aches may or may not be a result of that. It could also simply be strain. The thing is that I am doing a lot, not as much as is humanly possible, but a huge amount toward strengthening my immune system, cardiovascular health and overall fitness. You could say that I am obsessed.
Chat GPT is fast becoming my go to place for information and advice. I fed Kayes ultrasound results into it last night so I could send her a report that she might understand due to her freaking out about the lump in her parathyroid. It took literally seconds. I am amazed to be frank. This is a tool that I am using almost every day.
I’m about to hit the gym early today because I leave ParQ at 10 a.m to head to Saba to do a session of hBOT and then to Denpasar to do my next session of EBOO. My goal is to return my liver to it’[s best possible condition based on the damage that I did to it over the decades that I was an alcoholic. I wonder about my sister Helen, she might need to look at her liver as well. I should write to her.
Today is pretty much a done deal. I won’t return to ParQ until about 7 -8 pm. The only other things that I need to do are to sort things out with Lis so I know what’s happening with the joglo. I can’t afford to make any rash decisions and I also need to be 100% certain that I am totally sure that we can sell the joglo at the end of our lease. Working on this project may be a bit difficult but one of my main purposes is for Lis and I to spend more time together and get her moving with a project.
7 a.m is approaching fast. I need to get of my butt and head to the gym.
I have an idea about playing guitar. I came across an Al Di Meola YouTube clip a couple of days ago and realized how much his style influenced me when I was younger. I’ve been trying to play blues style guitar which I’m not all that good at. MY project is to try to create an orchestral backing track that still have some groove to it that I can practise to. I can also simply find some backing tracks on YouTube that I can do this with as well. There was enough of a spark to pull out my guitar and get started.
8.40 p.m
I set off 11 hours ago to go to Saba for my HBOT session, I have just arrived back at ParQ and I’m sitting at Nino waiting for my salad and cheesy thing. What a big day otherwise that it has been. HBOT, EBOO, Testosterone Replacement Injection, Vitamin IV with Glutathione, Colonic. All off this extravagant detoxification has got to be doing me some sort of good.
Hi John Can you check with your legal lady that if we buy the lease from you that the stipulation that you will own the joglo at the end of the lease is 100% watertight. I need to get confirmation on this and I will get this checked with my notarist. The next step will be to get through the legal process.
Hi Cavallo Hope you are well and life is going smoothly in Dubai. I’m just checking up on you, did you do the pros and cons list and review? It’s easy to put this sort of stuff off. I’m doing great. I’ve been going a new health protocol called EBOO which is an advanced ozone therapy, so far so good. I’m trying to get my immune system tip top so I can counteract “old age”.
Hi Purnami
I know that you are very busy at the moment and I understand that your number 1 priority is the guests. When you have some spare time I want to ask you if you could help me with a few things to help Allissa with the Joglo that she is looking at in Jalan Suweta.
- I need to find somebody to give me some advice on how much it will cost to remove the joglo at the end of the lease in August 2029 (5 years). Maybe if Irfan has some time he might come and give me a quote. Could you ask him.
- I also need to organize a meeting with the family who own the compound because our guests will need to walk a little through their house each time to get to the front gate of the Joglo land. They have barking dogs and the old man sometimes appears unfriendly. I wonder if you could help me talk to them?
That is all for now. Let me know what you think?
Gary
Targets for Today
- List out the questions that I need to ask John.
- Sort things out with Allissa.
- Ask Dr Chai about the possible auto immune muscle issue.
- Travel Insurance and medical claim
- Certificates posted to the JM people in East Bentleigh
Monday August 19, 2024
I’ve been feeling absolutely invincible since I did the EBOO last week. I’m sure there is more to it and that my feeling and well being is a culmination of everything that I am doing.
This is just a great place to be. I feel excited, creative, strong and full of anticipation. Great place to be.
I’m waiting on a phone call from John T in regard to Joglo Pelangi so we can make further decisions about what to do next.
I’m getting totally hooked on Chat GPT. It is mind blowing what it can do. If you cant beat them, join them. It’s so fast, so incredible. Does translations, deciphers pictures and generally seems to have a pretty accurate answer for everything. As long as you ask the correct question.
I’ve subscribed at $30 a month but I really do think that it will be worth every penny.
It’s 10.30 a.m now. I think I will head down to the gym pretty soon to do some weights and then I might walk to Penestanan. Oh, looks like Wayan is booked all day at Villa Tusk. I’ll put off going to Penestanan until tonight after dinner (early evening). I just looked at my Oura reading. I thought that I did pretty well last night but my resting heart rate was up and my HRV was down! Who knows!! I’ve got a bit of a pain in the right side of my colon right now, came out of nowhere so for now I wont do weights. I just had a look at my resting heart rate and it seems to have gone up a bit recently. The yearly average is 45 bpm, weekly 49 bpm. This may be due to workouts and walking which I have increased considerably.
Sunday August 18, 2024
I ended up going to bed after midnight last night, consequently getting 5 hours sleep. I feel surprisingly fresh. Yesterday was a big day of exercise, walking, socializing. I really enjoyed it.
I walked to Penestanan mid afternoon and had a 90 minute massage before meeting Jeremy and Bridget at Plant Bistro for dinner. The most interesting thing about the dinner last night was that I was asked so many questions that I left feeling like a juggler in a circus. I’ll have to write a note to Jeremy about what this experience was like for me. Strange to say the least but I ended up talking like a person who had been on a desert island for years.
Hi Jeremy
Thank you so much for dinner last night. I must say I had a fabulous time talking to both you and Bridget. When I was walking home I realized that I had hardly asked any questions of either of you, this felt very strange because that’s what I normally do, but last night somehow I ended up in the spotlight yabbering on like an inmate who had just been released from solitary confinement. What was eye opening for me was my response to some of the questions, especially the ones that I didn’t have “easy” answers for. For now I’ll just say thank you for being interested and giving me so much fodder to explore about myself. It was very interesting having the shoe on the other foot. Georgie will be back in 2 weeks so we must spend some time together before you return to Melbourne. Maybe we can catch up for a coffee before then so I can find out a bit about you guys and balance things out.
Tell Bridget that I really enjoyed her company and felt an instant affinity towards her, same goes for you.
Meeting people who this happens with is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
I’ve sent you some contacts. I think that they are all there. If you have any questions about any of them I’m happy to help. Get onto the visa extension sooner rather than later because I think you need about 2 weeks, Ocky will help but you will need to make one trip to Immigration in Denpasar to do photos and fingerprints for Bridget. Make sure you get there early, about 7.45 at the latest because it quickly becomes a mad house. If you need a good driver my manager’s husband is pretty good. Also if Bridget wants to organize the Balian I can get Purnami to ring him for her because he doesn’t speak English. She could also help with translation so Bridget could let him know what she wants to address.
I’m at an interesting place health wise. I’ve got to be careful that I don’t fall down a rabbit hole and that I acknowledge all of the positive things that I am doing every day to maintain and improve my health and fitness. I can’t afford to make the mistake of putting the majority of my attention on the negatives when there are so many positives to acknowledge. There is so must to learn and understand and then do. I must do this on a gradient that makes it relatively easy, affordable and doable.
One project I need to work on is to explore my viewpoint that I wouldn’t change anything about my life because my experiences, beliefs, pain and pleasure have gotten me to the exact person that I am in present time and I am overall very happy with that person. I need to take a look at my deep involvement in Scientology and how I became so “Captured” and how I allowed myself to be so in the bubble. I also need to look at my relationship with Paul and how his illness and death has impacted my life. The other area I need to explore is my lack of confidence in certain areas of life especially in regard to my creative endeavours. Lots of work to do in that one simple paragraph.
Response to Bella Owner
Hi Sarah
It was a while ago now but I’ll try to share my experience accurately. My wife felt the same way so it wasn’t just me being in a cranky mood that day. Firstly, we used to come to Bella pre-covid and then a couple of years ago. I even bought a $60 birthday cake for one of my staff’d birthday a couple of years ago. Back then there was a vibe going on which felt vibrant and at times exciting. The staff were generally super friendly, I recall one night in particular when we were served my a guy who was delightful. As I said we have a villa just down the gang next to The Sungu and rent it out on AirBnB when we aren’t staying, we often recommend restaurants to our guests. On this visit I will admit we didn’t order a lot but this was after the air conditioner experience. My wife wanted to leave because it was almost hotter inside than outside. I understand how hard it is for the Balinese staff at times and I really feel for them. The poor girl said the air conditioner was working but it really wasn’t, she sort of said that there was nothing she could do about it. I know it’s tricky. We ended up ordering only buffalo cauliflower and onion rings because of the heat and the emptiness and general down vibe. I don’t know what it would have been like if I hadn’t have experienced it when it was vibrant and full in the past but I had that comparison. It felt like there were new owners, I even asked and she said “NO, same owners”. I hate to say it but the food was horrible. I’ve had the cauliflower in the past and it was delicious, this time it was soggy and limp, the onion rings were almost inedible, the “batter” tasted stale and was really unpleasant to eat. We commented and if I remember rightly the girl just said that’s how it always is. My wife asked her to check with the chef that there wasn’t something wrong. We thought that it might be stale or re-heated, she checked and he said that everything was OK, that’s how it is all the time. To cut a long story short we ate a bit and then left. I usually write good reviews and only write a bad one when I have a really unpleasant experience with the food, service, general vibe of the place. Unfortunately all of these were well below par on the night we visited. I’m really sorry that I am being so negative, I’m not usually like this. I know what it’s like to get a bad review as I covet the good ones we get at our Villa and in our businesses in the past. That’s about it. We are here until November.
Saturday August 17, 2024
It’s 2 weeks until Georgie and Finn return to Bali. I’ll have to make the most of my time here at ParQ to utilise the gym and sauna. I’ve been getting a bit slack of late as far as leaving ParQ, by the time I get up potter around, write, drink a coffee, go to the gym and have a sauna, eat lunch etc it is mid afternoon and then before I can shake a stick it is dinner time.
When I woke up this morning my right knee felt a bit inflamed. I’ll need to keep an eye on that this morning. I’ve no idea what I did yesterday to exacerbate this, maybe nothing, maybe it’s due to the increased carbs I have been eating. When I moved back in to the villa I need to do a week of carnivore, go into ketosis and do a bit of fasting. This will be good for my liver and possibly will relieve my pain symptoms. I’ve been getting pain in my arms and also in my knees to a lesser degree. My dad used to have something going on in his arms when he was around my age, maybe it’s genetic.
THis brings me to my blood results from the test I did last Tuesday. I have taken a look at the results, put them through ChatGPT and discovered that there may be some sort of autoimmune disease happening in regard to my muscles. FUCK! The good news is that it doesn’t appear to have really taken off yet and I am currently working on improving the efficacy of my immune system.
I’ve got an increased (+) result for one antigen. This means that I have an increased risk but also that’s not really bad yet.
All the details re the blood are at the end of this post.
I’ve done my work out and had my sauna. I did 2 scoops of protein and now I’m at the Warung across the road from ParQ having a veggie curry before I walk to Penestanan to have a massage after which I will have dinner with Jeremy and his friend at Plant Bistro.
I met a couple of interesting guys in the sauna. One was a Ukrainian who now lives in LA and the other was a 51 year old property developer from
PM-Scl100 (PM):
- The “+ PM” indicates a positive result for the PM-Scl100 antigen. This means that antibodies to PM-Scl100 are present in your blood. The PM-Scl100 antigen is associated with conditions such as Polymyositis and Systemic Sclerosis.
The following is a report that I got back from ChatGPT.
Based on the test results you’ve provided, particularly the positive result for the PM-Scl100 antigen and the overall pattern, there are a few autoimmune conditions that might be considered. However, it’s important to note that a definitive diagnosis should be made by a healthcare provider, taking into account your full medical history, symptoms, and possibly additional tests.
Here are some possible conditions associated with the test results:
- Polymyositis (PM):
- The presence of antibodies to PM-Scl100 is often associated with polymyositis, an inflammatory muscle disease that causes muscle weakness, particularly in the muscles closest to the trunk of the body.
- Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma):
- PM-Scl100 antibodies are also associated with systemic sclerosis, especially a subtype known as scleroderma-polymyositis overlap syndrome, which involves symptoms of both systemic sclerosis and polymyositis.
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD):
- If there were positive findings for other antibodies like RNP/Sm (which isn’t strongly positive in your case), MCTD could also be a consideration. MCTD features overlapping symptoms of several autoimmune diseases, including lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis.
- Overlap Syndromes:
- Sometimes, patients can present with features of more than one autoimmune disease, known as an overlap syndrome. For example, you might have a combination of systemic sclerosis and polymyositis, as suggested by the PM-Scl100 positive result.
Given the positive result for PM-Scl100 and the pattern of the test results, the most likely conditions to be considered would be systemic sclerosis with possible overlap with polymyositis. However, additional clinical evaluation and possibly other tests (like muscle biopsy, skin biopsy, or imaging) would be necessary to narrow down the exact diagnosis.
It’s crucial to discuss these results with a rheumatologist or an immunologist, who can integrate this information with your clinical symptoms to provide a more accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan for you.
Polymyositis is a rare inflammatory muscle disease that causes muscle weakness, particularly in the muscles closest to the trunk of the body. It is classified as an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, meaning its exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be autoimmune in nature. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects of polymyositis:
Symptoms:
- Muscle Weakness: The primary symptom is symmetrical muscle weakness, typically affecting the muscles of the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs. This weakness often develops gradually over weeks or months.
- Difficulty with Daily Activities: People with polymyositis may have trouble with activities such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or getting up from a seated position.
- Muscle Pain: While muscle weakness is more common, some people may also experience muscle pain or tenderness.
- Fatigue: Generalized fatigue and a feeling of tiredness are common.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing can occur if the muscles in the esophagus are involved.
- Respiratory Issues: In more severe cases, the muscles involved in breathing can be affected, leading to respiratory problems.
Causes and Risk Factors:
- Autoimmune Response: Polymyositis is believed to be an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy muscle tissue.
- Genetics: Certain genetic factors may increase the risk of developing polymyositis.
- Infections: In some cases, polymyositis can be triggered by viral infections that lead to an abnormal immune response.
- Age and Gender: It most commonly affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60 and is more common in women than in men.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of polymyositis typically involves a combination of the following:
- Blood Tests: Elevated levels of muscle enzymes, such as creatine kinase (CK), indicate muscle damage. Autoantibody tests may also help in diagnosis.
- Electromyography (EMG): This test measures electrical activity in the muscles and can detect abnormal muscle function.
- Muscle Biopsy: A small sample of muscle tissue is taken and examined under a microscope to check for signs of inflammation and other abnormalities.
- MRI: Imaging can show areas of muscle inflammation.
Treatment:
There is no cure for polymyositis, but the condition can often be managed with treatment, which may include:
- Corticosteroids: These are often the first line of treatment to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
- Immunosuppressants: Medications like methotrexate or azathioprine may be used to further suppress the immune response.
- Physical Therapy: To help maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
- IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin): In severe cases, IVIG therapy may be used to modulate the immune system.
- Lifestyle Changes:
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect internal organs, leading to a range of symptoms and complications. Systemic sclerosis is part of a group of conditions known as connective tissue diseases, which involve the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues.
Types of Systemic Sclerosis:
- Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (lcSSc):
- This form primarily affects the skin on the face, hands, and lower arms, but it can also involve the internal organs. A common subset of lcSSc is CREST syndrome, which stands for Calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia.
- Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (dcSSc):
- This more severe form affects the skin over a larger area of the body, including the trunk, and is more likely to involve internal organs such as the lungs, kidneys, heart, and digestive tract.
Symptoms:
- Skin Changes:
- Thickening and tightening of the skin, often starting with swelling or puffiness, leading to hard, shiny, and tight skin.
- Skin may become stiff and less flexible.
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: This is a common early symptom where the fingers and toes change color (white, blue, then red) in response to cold or stress, due to abnormal blood vessel function.
- Joint Pain and Stiffness:
- Inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.
- Gastrointestinal Issues:
- Difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, bloating, and other digestive problems can occur due to the involvement of the digestive tract.
- Pulmonary (Lung) Issues:
- Scarring of lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis) can lead to shortness of breath and other breathing difficulties.
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is another serious complication where the blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is abnormally high.
- Kidney Involvement:
- In severe cases, the kidneys may be affected, leading to a condition known as scleroderma renal crisis, which can cause high blood pressure and kidney failure.
- Heart Issues:
- The heart may also be involved, leading to arrhythmias, heart failure, or other cardiovascular problems.
Causes and Risk Factors:
- Autoimmune Response: Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
- Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition, though the exact cause is not fully understood.
- Environmental Triggers: Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals, may trigger the disease in genetically predisposed individuals.
- Gender and Age: It is more common in women than men and typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 50.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is usually based on a combination of clinical evaluation and tests, including:
- Antibody Tests: Specific autoantibodies (e.g., anti-centromere, anti-Scl-70) are often present and help in diagnosing the type of systemic sclerosis.
- Skin Biopsy: A sample of skin tissue may be examined to confirm the diagnosis.
- Imaging Tests: To assess the extent of organ involvement, imaging such as CT scans, echocardiograms, or lung function tests may be used.
Treatment:
There is no cure for systemic sclerosis, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and improving quality of life:
- Medications: These may include immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, and drugs to manage specific symptoms such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, high blood pressure, or digestive issues.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy: To help maintain joint and muscle function.
- Regular Monitoring: Patients with systemic sclerosis need ongoing monitoring for complications, particularly involving the lungs, heart, and kidneys.
Prognosis:
The prognosis for systemic sclerosis varies depending on the type and extent of organ involvement. While limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis generally has a better outlook, diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis can be more severe. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing the disease and improving outcomes.
As with any autoimmune disease, the experience of systemic sclerosis can vary widely from person to person, making individualized care and regular follow-up with healthcare providers essential.
Saturday List
- Get Allissa’s OK to talk to John about leasing the Joglo.
- Finish blood test analysis
- Get Georgie to post JM certs to guy in East Bentleigh
- Make a list of supplements for Allissa to order.
- Work out money for Dr Chai therapy.
Friday August 16, 2024
I’ve somehow lost all of the work that I did today which begs the question whether actually saving the words is really worthwhile or whether it is the act of writing them that is important. Most of what I wrote has been sent to the appropriate people that I wrote them about or to and all of the ChatGPT stuff is theoretically still in CHAT GPT.
Thursday August 15, 2024
If I said that I was truly happy, genuinely contented, pretty much fully unstressed would you believe me? Would I believe me? I sort of think that I am. Each day comes and goes, I’m never bored, I feel creative, I feel fit and healthy and I feel that I am taking steps to improve that even further. I get to talk to the people who I really care about and a few others thrown in randomly for good measure or on the other hand if I want to be quiet and not talk I can remain anonymous and still be surrounded by people. I eat what I want, when I want and don’t have any dishes to clean up to raw ingredients to purchase unless I choose to cook for myself. The thing Is, I have a choice. I never feel a need to be doing something because I seem to be doing something every time I take time to look. I’ve created more music tracks than I ever have before in my life, I’m not disagreeing with any other person and I don’t try to change the things that I cannot, although I still observe from afar and I still have viewpoints.
This utopia will come to an end I suppose when Finn and Georgie come back to Bali in 18 days.
I’m not living beyond my means but I want for nothing apart from improved health, fitness and happiness, bit of communication and as much inspiration as I can tolerate.
What a lovely place and condition to be in. Could this be “Power”?. I suppose that in some sort of abstract way it could be.
OMG. I’ve just had a day of intense communication. As a result of talking and listening all day the time has slipped away like quicksilver. It’s hard to believe that is is 7.30 now. I spent almost 4 hours talking to Nick, an Australian that we met in February at ParQ. It was overall one of the most deep comm cycles that I have ever had with a guy. I also spoke to some younger guys from New York in the sauna earlier in the day. One of them, a guy named Jay started of being a loud and rude New Yorker but ended up asking my advice about his Type 2 Diabetic father. He gave me his WhatsApp and I’ve sent him my blog on Metabolic Syndrome. I feel a bit like I’ve been of service to the world today. I also had a huge comm cycle with Kaye, also intense but I hope rewarding for her. Spoke to Georgie, Allissa and Finn. I will now pull back into my shell and eat dinner.
My Chinese Herbs
- Yunnan Baiyao Capsules – Yunnan Paiyao (or Yunnan Baiyao) is a Chinese herb mixture that is commonly used to stop bleeding but is also employed for pain relief, reduction of inflammation, and promotion of wound healing.
- Tsung Shia Tsao Tablets Winter favourite – Helps Kidneys
- Unaupatta – Helps Digestive System
- Tian Xian Capsule No. 6
- Tian Xian Liquid -Tian Xian is an herbal extract used in traditional medicine and consists of the following herbs: Cordyceps sinensis (Dong Chong Xia Cao), Astragulus membranaceus (Huang Qi), Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi), Panax ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes macrocephalae (Bai Zhu), Dioscorea batatas (Shan Yao), Codnopsis pilosula (Dang Shen), Pogostemon cablin (Huo Xiang), Lycium barbarum (Gou Qi Zi), Pteria margaritifera (Pearl Powder), Ligustrum lucidum (Nu Zhen Zi), and Radix glycyrrhizae (Licorice). Ingredients may vary depending on the manufacturer.
Promoters of Tian Xian claim that it has immuno modulating and anticancer effects. Lab studies suggest it can increase the number of immune cells and that it also has anticancer effects. A small study in breast cancer patients suggests that it may improve quality of life and alleviate side effects associated with chemotherapy. Larger controlled trials are needed to confirm these effects and to determine safety.
- Immunomodulation
A lab study showed that Tian Xian increased the number of immune cells when stimulated with specific antigens. - Cancer treatment
Lab studies show that Tian Xian has anticancer properties.
- 7.46 am Thursday Morning
After writing the glowing words above before going to bed last night “the jerk in my head” has crept back but I’m pretty certain that it will only be for a short time and all will be rosy again. I had several shitty dreams last night that kicked me in the head like an irate donkey. I’m going to blame it on the toxins that are theoretically being released from my liver which is being encouraged by the ingestion of Chinese herbs. After my coffee I will head down to the gym and sweat a bit of my angst out. It’s remarkable how emotions can go up and down like an out of control roller coaster.
I don’t have any distinct plans for today. I’d love to have a windfall of money dropping magically out of the sky sometime this week so I can justify my EBOO treatment and liver flushes. This may or may not happen. I will go to the gym, sauna and then see what inspiration I can glean from my activity to finish off the day.
I sent some podcasts to Kaye last night that will hopefully help her with her constipation.
Hi Kaye
Just a few words of encouragement, advice …. I don’t really know what to call them. This is simply just my viewpoint and ultimately you have to choose the direction that you go in.
As far as I can tell we have both agreed that the mainstream medical guys don’t seem to know a lot about diet and nutrition. They will give you advice based on “text book” learning which may or may not be correct. Unfortunately we grew up in an era when “we did what the doctor said” because we were led to believe that they were the experts.
The problem is that now there is a plethora of information available about different options and ways of going about approaching illness. My cancer experience was a perfect example. Possibly if I had done what the doctors said I may have been not in the same position as I am now.
The way I see it is that
- I do my own research and if something new that I read contradicts what the doctors say I keep digging deeper until I have an understanding that I feel comfortable with. An example of this is that the mainstream says saturated fat is bad for you and will make you fat and sick but after a lot of research I can see that this is not true. We have both seen the benefits of eating low carb and high healthy fats even though this flies in the face of conventional advice.
- I assume responsibility for my own condition, after all my own health and well being are more important to me than to some doctor who is doing a job. By this I mean that once I do the research I will have enough confidence and bravado to try what I have learned until I see whether it produces a positive or negative response. Even if it is contrary to what the “experts” have told me. I look at it from the viewpoint that I am the General and the people helping me are my officers and troops. Overall I am in charge.
- I assess the overall situation to evaluate how much danger is present. If the danger is great then I apply more self discipline and personal ethics to the situation. I take chances that I may not normally take and I am willing to deprive myself of some of life’s luxuries if it means that I will improve my condition. In other words I don’t wait until I am forced to confront that I am “losing the war”.
- Along the way I keep trying to improve my knowledge of the situation and see how it fits together with what I already know. This gives me more confidence and control.
- I monitor my progress to the best of my ability by doing whatever tests are available and I try to learn how to understand what the results mean and obviously I base future decisions on these results and how I am feeling overall and how my body id reacting.
My advice to you is to take a look at what you have been told by the doctors and take a look at whether it contradicts anything that you have proven to be workable. If you have several sources of information coming at you that contradict each other then you can easily get confused and feel overwhelmed.
If I were you I would do the following.
- Put everything that is unnecessary in your life on hold so you can devote all of your attention on healing yourself to the best of your ability.
- Accept that you are in a dangerous situation and that you will need to remove anything that is contributing to the danger. For example, empty your cupboards and fridge of any food that may be detrimental to your condition. Stop looking at Facebook etc which in actual fact is a waste of time because you could be learning about your condition.
- Once you have an understanding of what is actually happening to your body put together a program that you follow religiously using all the self discipline you can muster.
- Write down what your goal is. Clearly state it so you know what you are aiming at. Delineate any obstacles that might get in your way to achieving your goal and work out how you can overcome these obstacles.
- Monitor your progress with tests and learn what the results mean. If things are improving just keep going, if not re-assess what you are doing.
- Make a chart that you fill out each day of all of the things that you need to do remembering that these actions are far more important than anything else.
By now you probably hate me but I know that you have the strength and self discipline to do all of this.
Here are a few suggestions that may or may not be correct but here goes anyway,
- Drink 2 litres of water each day. Set an alarm which goes of when it’s time to have another cup.
- Take 2 servings of protein powder each day. 1.5 scoops in coconut milk twice a day.
- Take several teaspoons of cold pressed olive oil and coconut oil each day.
- Electrolytes and pro biotic plus any supplements a couple of times daily divided out so it’s not hard to get them down.
- Plan your meals out for the week. If you have 2 meals a day including your protein with some cruciferous veggies with Fish, chicken you will get enough nutrition and calories. Eat until you are full, if you eat enough fat you will not get hungry.
- Walk the length of the house from the front door to the laundry on the hour, every hour at the same time you have your water.
- Change your sleeping habits if possible. Go to bed earlier and wake up earlier. Try to keep the same hours and monitor your sleep. Get Georgie to help get your Oura ring working. Aim for 8 hours good sleep.
- Devote a couple of hours each day to learning as much as you can about diverticulitis, diet, the gastro intestinal tract etc, etc. This may seem boring and a drag but it will pay off.
- Do some research into doing a liver detox. Anything that will decrease inflammation will be positive. Your liver is your best tool to clean up inflammation and improve your immune system.
If you are willing to give this a go then I will help in any way I can. If it seems too hard then I understand, it’s just a suggestion.
Wednesday August 14, 2024
Last Night
I have just arrived back to ParQ. Somewhat famished to say the least. I left here this morning at 10 am to travel to Kasih Ibu Hospital to have my weekly dose of HBOT. I chose to go later today so I could do the 18 metre session with Jose. Intense is an understatement but I know that it is crucial to my well being. After I finished I decided to go to the little Warung across the road which Georgie and I used to visit last year to get a cheap lunch but I digressed and ended up in a local bakery which turned out to be a tragic mistake because I needed up devouring a nasty piece of cheesecake and a cookie. Both sweet, laden with sugar and not at all worth the transgression although the coffee was OK. The end result was me feeing sick!
I caught a Grab to Dr Chai’s Clinic in Denpasar and arrived at 3 pm. The roads in Bali are so congested that it takes inordinate amounts of time to get anywhere. I sat down with Dr Chai who for some reason Instills a decent degree of confidence in me. He is very passionate about what he does, very charismatic.
This Morning
I’ll continue about my experience with Dr Chai and EBOO a bit later. I woke up this morning with a headache. By the time I got to bed last night it was almost 11 p.m, very late for me. I woke up at 6.15 but decided that I should go back to sleep to get closer to 8 hours. Whether the headache was from a lack of salt, dehydration, detoxifying I don’t know. I’m listening to my body and have decided to take it easy this morning and today, full stop. I’ll head off to the gym a bit later and then also do a sauna and cold plunge. I’ve come across to Bittersweet for a coffee and company, not that I really feel like talking to anyone this morning (apart from myself). I ate salads at Nino sometime after 9 pm and then went back to the room and took all of my Chinese herbs. Maybe they kicked in and are detoxifying my liver. I did end up getting 8 hours sleep.
What is EBOO?
Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation (EBOO).
EBOO is a detoxification process that though blood filtration is able to remove heavy metals, fungus, antigens and cholesterol, through oxygenation in combination with intermittent ozonation of the blood. This procedure lasts only about an hour to 90 minutes, filtering a significant portion of the body’s total blood volume, offering benefits such as enhanced energy and improved well-being.
One of the main benefits of extracorporeal blood ozone and oxygenation is its ability to improve circulation and oxygenation throughout the body. This may help to improve the overall function of the circulatory system and can lead to better overall health.
Another benefit of this procedure is its ability to modulate the immune system. Ozone has been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections and diseases. This may help to improve the body’s ability to defend itself against harmful pathogens and can lead to a stronger, more resilient immune system.
Additionally, extracorporeal blood ozone and oxygenation has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is a key factor in many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. By reducing inflammation, this procedure may help to alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.
I did my first treatment yesterday plus an IV that acts as a liver flush and well as a cornucopia of Chinese herbs. Oh, and I am getting blood tests done that I will get the results for next week.
What’s my goal? I have recently discovered that my liver received a certain amount of scarring (cirrhosis) during my drinking days. Even though I have been extraordinarily careful and self disciplined over the past 5 years unfortunately the damage was already done. My liver is also slightly enlarged which puts a bit of pressure on my portal vein. So apart from the obvious benefits of detoxification I plan to get my liver back to the best condition that it can possibly be taking into account the abuse I served up to eat for several decades. On top of this, even though it looks like my cancer is well and truly under control I am confident that this treatment in line with HBOT, good diet, exercise, sauna/ cold plunge, resistance training and any other protocols that I do will keep the inflammation in my body under control and overall improve the functionality of my immune system hence alleviating or reducing the chances of the cancer metastasising At some future date.
I’ve got a lot of learning to do about the liver. Some say that it is the most important organ in the body, so having a profound understanding of it is well overdue and will be of great benefit simply because knowledge empowers you.
The following is from a website www.rnceus.com. The liver is the largest organ in the body. It is located below the diaphragm in the right upper quadrant of the abdominal cavity. An adult’s liver weighs approximately 3 pounds and extends approximately from the right 5th rib to the lower border of the rib cage.
The liver is separated into a right and left lobe, separated by the falciform ligament. The right lobe is much larger than the left lobe. The working cells of the liver are known as hepatocytes. Hepatocytes have a unique capacity to reproduce in response to liver injury. Liver regeneration can occur after surgical removal of a portion of the liver or after injuries that destroy parts of the liver. Although the liver’s ability to react to damage and repair itself is remarkable, repetitive insults can produce liver failure and death.
The liver is a metabolically active organ responsible for many vital life functions. The primary functions of the liver are:
- Bile production and excretion
- Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs
- Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
- Enzyme activation
- Storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals
- Synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin, and clotting factors
- Blood detoxification and purification
Due to these important activities, the liver is exposed to a number of insults and is one of the body’s organs most subject to injury.
The biliary system consists of the gallbladder, and the hepatic, cystic, and common bile ducts.
The gallbladder is located beneath the right lobe of the liver. The primary function of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile. Bile is comprised of bile salts, bilirubin, phospholipids, cholesterol, bicarbonate and water. Bile salts mix with ingested fats to promote absorption of fats from the gastrointestinal tract. Bilirubin, cholesterol, and phospholipids are end products of metabolism. Bicarbonate and water are needed in the gastrointestinal tract to help neutralize stomach acid, as digestion and absorption require an alkaline environment.
After it’s formation in the liver, bile flows into the hepatic duct. The hepatic duct joins with the cystic duct of the gallbladder to form the common bile duct, which then enters the duodenum at the ampulla of Vater. The sphincter of Oddi surrounds the ampulla of Vater.
When stomach contents, especially fats and protein enter the duodenum, cholecystokinin is released from the duodenal mucosal cells to stimulate contraction of the gallbladder and relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi so that bile can enter the small intestine.
Cholecystokinin also:
- stimulates the secretion of bile salts into the biliary system
- stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes
- induces satiety (lack of hunger)
- modulates hormones and neuropeptides
After my EBOO session I had an IV that acts as a liver flush. The composition is :
- Potassium Chloride
- Calcium Carbonate
- Vitamin B Complex
- Procain HCL
- Magnesium Chloride
- Ascorbic acid
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- L Methionine
- N Acetyl L Cysteine NAC
- Methicobalamin
- Taurine powder
So far today, so good. I’m feeling about normal but also feel that my body is beginning to detox some of the crap that is there. My blood was quite thick yesterday but after the first EBOO session it was a nice bright colour and by all counts, thinner.
That’s about it for now. I feel pretty good this morning. I’m urinating a lot. I feel quite energetic. I’ll list out the Chinese herbs and supplements that I’m taking as well.
I’ve just had lunch and have taken my Chinese herds and supplements. One thing that’s happening is that I am urinating at least every 20/30 minutes and I’ve had a couple of big faecal eliminations. I’m out for a walk now and will go to the gym a bit later, then finish off with a sauna and cold plunge.
One thing that I will be keeping an eye on is my Oura generated cardiovascular age which is currently minus 3 years. I’m hoping to get this down to minus 10, not certain whether it’s possible but it’s a good game to play.
Tuesday August 13, 2024
Some motherfucker stole my butter from the communal fridge at ParQ. I even wrapped it up in tissue after I noticed somebody had been using it behind my back. I feel like a teenager in a share house. Fuck that!! I feel angry, I even feel lossy mainly because I had planned to have a bulletproof coffee this morning. My reaction is more than it should be so. I’d better take a look at my own actions.
I had a big day yesterday, but also a rest day from the gym. I needed it. My poor old muscles were getting sore and a bit weary to boot. After a relatively laid back morning of writing I had a sauna and cold plunge. I then set off to walk to Penestanan where I had a meeting with Sake about creating some bi-fold doors, next stop was Suweto where I spent a while just looking at the Joglo and listing out what is needed to get it functioning as an AirBnB. Next step iOS to negotiate the price for the 5 years lease with John and Allissa and then look at the legal work. Sake may be a good ally for the future in terms of finding workers, negotiating leases, finding land and more.
We got a last minute booking at Villa Tusk, I gave Purnami a $30 bonus which didn’t go down too well with Georgie. We have very different ways of dealing with staff, this has always been the case. Nothing to create friction over though but still, it’s something that we will need to reach some agreement or compromise on as time moves forward. After the interlude at the joglo I had a coffee and some fruit salad at an Italian restaurant in Jalan Suweta, we had stopped here once but for some reason did not eat there. I hopped on a scooter to Sari Laba and arrived at boy 4.30 to have my massage with Wayan. This is my second massage this week and I’ve realized that I really need them to soothe my stiff and tight muscles and tendons. After the massage I bought some coconut milk, coconut oil and ACV and embarked upon a scooter ride to ams to visit Tony Raka Gallery where I had noticed there was an exhibition opening. Turned out that there was also some sort of outdoor film festival on so I sat under the moon and stars in what was a beautiful natural amphitheatre and watched about 4-5 experimental art short movies, some of which were brilliant and others which were plain boring. Overall this was an exhilarating experience. The moon shining down, the silhouettes of the trees around the bean bags, the fabulous speaker system, the inspiration from the short movies which actually were good. It was a new experience, One that I enjoyed greatly. I took almost an hour to get there on the back of the scooter in intense Ubud traffic but thanks goodness the ride “home” was a lot faster. I found myself wondering what home is for me now and my instant answer it is wherever I find myself on the planet. As somebody said in one of the movies, “My past has now been longer than my future will be”. So I have an obligation to myself to extract as much joie de vie as I possibly can from every second of every day.
I ate a delicious meal at the Tony Raka restaurant before I arrived back at ParQ.
I woke at about 5.40 this morning. It’s almost time to hit the gym before I go to Saba at 11 am for my weekly session of HBOT and then later to Denpasar to visit Dr Chai to discuss and hopefully begin my Liver detox. I’ve also been listening to podcasts on the liver, it’s function and what can go wrong. I found out recently that I have mild cirrhosis or scarring on my liver which is a bit enlarge and to that extent is slightly obstructing the flow along my portal vein. This can’t be good and I have every intention of doing what I can to improve it and regenerate my liver to the best of my ability.
Dr. Fauci has Covid again. He’s been vaccinated and boosted six times. Maybe seven times would have protected him?
Monday August 12, 2024
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Sunday August 11, 2024
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Saturday August 10. 2024
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Friday August 9, 2024
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Thursday August 8, 2024
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Wednesday August 7, 2024
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Tuesday August 6, 2024
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Monday August 5, 2024
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Sunday August 4, 2024
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Saturday August 3, 2024
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Friday August 2, 2024
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Thursday August 1, 2024
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Wednesday July 31, 2024
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Tuesday July 30, 2024
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Monday July 29, 2024
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Sunday July 28, 2024
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Saturday July 27, 2024
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Friday July 26, 2024
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Thursday July 25, 2024
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Wednesday July 24, 2024
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Tuesday July 23, 2024
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Monday July 22, 2024
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Sunday July 21, 2024 Penstanan
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Saturday July 20, 2024 Penestanan
Steps –
The final meeting we had yesterday was during our dinner at Plant Bistro, a very special restaurant located close to our villa in the magnificent grounds of the deceased artist Antonio Blanco. Even though it is a vegan restaurant both Georgie and I have been really enjoying going there for a meal or drink. It is perched on the side of a ridge over the Tjampuan River overlooking the west end of Ubud and the river valley. Architecturally it is absolutely fabulous plus the staff are super friendly and make you feel very, very welcome. The food is created and prepared with love. We got our table, sat down, ordered our meals then a handsome bald man arrived at the table next to us. He seemed friendly but initially I thought is was because he was going to be sitting next to us then he introduced himself as the General Manager. He was so warm, so friendly, we started talking, he sat down and we all got our meals, which were delicious by the way. His name is Fabio, he has been in Bali for 7 months and he is a very special person. The conversation was open, frank, interesting, sharing. It was as if we had been friends for years. That’s one of the things that I really love about Bali, somehow it draws and beckons people who are open to communication on a very personal level. No need for filters or feeling out what the person’s religious or political affiliations are, just simple direct communication, like an exciting game of tennis or even more descriptive for me, like a musical jam session that starts with no particular place to go but that develops as you listen and react to each other. Needless to say we shared our contact details and chances are we can strike up a great and lasting friendship.
When I walked down the driveway to Jalan Raya Tjampuan I noticed that there was magic in the air. Everything about our little part of Bali seemed calm and luminous.
Meeting a person for the first time is like planting a seed. Sometimes the seed is planted in the fertile soil of affinity, a spell binding recognition that you exist on a similar wavelength, others are nurtured by good communication that is based on listening and garnering and developing points of common agreement. The seed can now grow or fade away depending on your own willingness or desire to water and nurture it. It is always a commitment to continue to care for the seed, but the chances are that any effort expended will return far more than is given.
Friday July 19, 2024 Penestanan
Steps : 16,355 Weight 88 kgs
Today is coming to a close, we have just returned home after a day of walking, exercise, sauna, cold plunge, a social lunch, massage and a beautiful dinner at Plant Bistro. When we walked out the door after we finished our meal Ubud seemed magical, like some special energy had imbued the whole of Tjampuan with an extra layer of intrigue and beauty. I said to Georgie that we were smart to have created such a wonderful life.
I feel a bit like a fisherman born under a lucky star today reeling in people left and right, some very special people and others that were not so amazing or even desirable but that’s the way it goes. There are around 8 billion people on this planet which make the chances of bumping into compatible fellow travellers quite good.
The first person I met was a girl from our home town of Melbourne, we had actually met her a few weeks ago before we went to Java. Her name is Sarah. So amazingly totally open, friendly and genuinely warm. We started talking the instant that I walked in the Sauna door at ParQ. After a few minutes Georgie arrived and they struck a chord with each other. Georgie and Sarah swapped contact details with promises to touch base again in Melbourne. The next person was a very fit and friendly Lebanese guy who I had met in the changing room a couple of days ago. He was even more effusive than Sarah. He is a personal trainer who is on holiday in Bali from Dubai. He was born in Riyadh to Lebanese parents where he went to an international school hence his almost American accent, he later returned to Beirut where he wasn’t too happy which is why he is now in Dubai where he is a successful trainer, masseuse and Brazilian JuJitsu instructor. Our time together was short and sweet, we contacted each other through WhatsApp and will hopefully stay in touch. Totally open, super friendly. After we left the gym we hopped in a Gojek and went to Cafe Des Artistes for our regular Friday “grey hair” lunch, an social experience that Georgie likes a bit more than I do. At the risk of sounding “ageist” I find that I am far more in tune with younger people, fresher ideas, less opinionated, more open, safer and easier to be transparent and honest with. The conversation touched on American politics which I am currently very intrigued with but before too long I realized that it wasn’t a good idea too wander into this territory. I ended up spending more time listening than actually being involved in the conversation. There’s something that I don’t feel comfortable with when people are so highly opinionated, aggressive and confident that their viewpoints are the only correct ones. It worked out OK, there’s always a conversational escape route and a way to diffuse the most controversial conversations.
Thursday July 18, 2024 Penestanan
Steps : 10,248
I’ve come to Alchemy this morning for the first time in a few weeks, just for a change and a decent cup of coffee.
Yesterday was a big day of walking and exercise. We walked all the way to ParQ, exercised, sauna’ed and then walked back. We ate lunch at Casa Luna and later had dinner at TYGR. I had my toenails cut at Sari Laba and we watched one show on Apple TV before going to bed at about 9 p.m.
Gluten Free Options
Hi Robert One of the great things about the villa is that there are quite a few restaurants very close by, quite a few of them are vegetarian and have gluten free dishes. The following are within 5-10 minutes of the villa. Zest, a big vegetarian place which is on the hill up into Penestanan, lots of choice but it’s good to book. If you send me your WhatsApp I’ll send their contact details. Planet Bistro which is just down the bottom of the hill near the Tjampuan Bridge on the Antonio Blanco Museum ground, an amazing outlook and good vegan food, great vegan ice cream for the kids as well. Brie is just at the end of our laneway, I’m pretty certain they have quite a few gluten free options and it’s a bit more upmarket, TYGR has great salads with Tuna but you might want to ask not to get the crackers and check on the sesame sauce. Moksa is about a 10 minute drive away but its Wirth going to, it’s lovely. Most restaurants will ask you if you have allergies. There are lots of other places as well. But that’s a start. If you like fresh coconut milk go to Wayans Juice Bar just down the lane behind Alchemy, it’s $3.50 for 750 ml and is delicious.
Wednesday July 17, 2024 Penestanan
Steps – 18,434
Apart from a bit of residual “emotion” after a night of dreaming I feel pretty good this morning. It’s a wee bit chilly in Ubud but overall the day ahead looks bright. I love waking up to the sound of roosters and numerous other animals, insects and birds, this gives me a real connection to the real world, connection being the operative word.
I’m hoping that Georgie will wake up sooner rather than later so we can head off to the gym early and in the cooler morning air, whether we walk or not will be determined by what time she’s up and at them.
I should give Lis a ring this morning, she randomly yesterday when I was in the sauna, I should have asked more questions but she told me to get back in the sauna. That wasn’t very perceptive of me.
Yesterday went well. We arrived home at about 6.30 after being out for about 10 hours …. HBOT, gym, sauna, walking, eating. A good day with good results.
It’s 7.30 a.m, Georgie is still asleep and I’ve started working on a new music track called Morning Glory which is a Cuban inspired rhythm and keyboard track.
Our plan this morning is to get ready and head off toward the gym, Georgie just got out of bed so our chances of walking are quite good.
Tuesday July 16, 2024 Penestanan
Steps – 16,739
It is a rather chilly morning in Bali, quite unusual but fast becoming the norm on this mid year trip. It’s still warm enough to have a lukewarm shower outside and sit around with underwear on but it’s all relative, isn’t it.
The more that time goes on, the more suspicious that I am becoming toward sources of information. The mainstream online newspapers are useless, full of half truths and downright lies and misinformation, then there are the YouTube clips that seem to be a touch more accurate but only if you can find the right ones or more accurately the ones that seem to align with your own viewpoints. It’s all about the narrative, the words and sentences used to support or malign a person or a political group, a religion or a group that is protesting. It’s so easy to label somebody or a collective, a country, an idea. That label may have been being worked on and given artificial power for ages, for example anti-vaxxer, conspiracy nut, Trump or Putin lover. They all have redefined and false definitions and connotations. I once called it “propaganda by re-definition of words”. We are all guilty of it. I listened to a dissertation on ‘the narrative” yesterday and the person pointed out that there are 3 options a) escalate b) de-escalate and c) ignore. I have to remain very aware of this when taking in information and passing it on or even digesting it for myself. There are many sides to every story, many nuances, many ways of looking at them. All it takes is a skilled narrator or orator to say something in such a way that aligns with some viewpoint that you already hold and you are under their influence. It’s getting harder and harder to evaluate data in this age of rivers of information.
We set off for Saba at 8 a.m with our normal HBOT driver, Nick. He charges about $30 to drive us there and then wait for us and bring us back to Ubud. This was by our first HBOT session since March.
Monday July 15, 2024 Penestanan
Steps – 15,541
It’s 4 weeks today since we set off from Melbourne to come back to Bali. That’s a bit hard to believe. We joined the gym 3 weeks ago but only spent 2 weeks going as we went to Java for a week. This is our “we don’t have to set the world on fire” trip to Bali. We will have to spend some time planning our daily activities like HBOT, gym, shopping, walking, adventures because life can slip away without a hint.
We’ve just woke up after our first night in Villa Artista. It wasn’t too bad. We put the bamboo blinds down which has created a roomy feel in the outdoor bale. The biggest issue is storage. Our next project here will be creating a small kitchen area with a sink, small refrigerator, stove top, food preparation area plus a bit of storage for supplies and waste disposal. There may be some space in the bathroom to create some more storage for towels and such. We also plan to raise the mosquito net higher. I found a couch on Marketplace the other day which is half the price of the couches at Bianco Interiors, plus we bought a chair in Australia which may end up being too big to bring on the plane, that’s yet to be seen. The other project we have to work on is the garden and the hanging wall gardens that will become such an important part of the overall feel of the place. Our time here will be invaluable getting a feel for what we need to get done.
Georgie is still in bed, I woke up at 5.30 a.m but stayed in bed. We only have an external lock on the gate so far so we will need to buy a keypad so we can lock the door from the inside as well as the outside. I felt like going out to Alchemy this morning but couldn’t because Georgie wouldn’t have been happy with me leaving the door unlocked.
I’ve finally confronted that I’ve been slowly putting on weight all year, little by little. Georgie even noticed it a few days ago while we were in the sauna, I’m becoming very aware of it now so it’s time to change my obvious excess eating and turn things around so I can get back down too 80 kgs. Finn and I are going to start a steps and weight loss challenge today so the first thing I do when I get to the gym is to check my weight. I’m thinking that I will need to lose about 8 kgs.
Also today I will organize our first HBOT session. I’ve got to set up another couple of sessions with Wayan, the Balian.
Georgie and I walked down to Sayan Point last night. I was surprised how many people were there. This is a really beautiful location just down the road from Taman Bebek where we stayed in the late 90s, it overlooks the wildly beautiful and magnificent Ayung River Valley and the 4 Seasons Hotel which we watched being built way back in 1998. Back in 2018 we were having a drink at the 4 Seasons when we met a lady who was working there. She pointed back up on the ridge and told us that she had a place up there which had a beautiful view. Turns out that it does. She was there last night, I told her about the time we met her at the 4 Seasons but she didn’t remember our meeting. We walked home to our little villa in the dark.
I had a great workout at the gym today. We were in the gym for 2 hours. Felt fit and strong. We then had a sauna and drove down to Murni’s Warung for lunch. I’ve cut loose and will have a haircut, I walked back into Ubud, couldn’t believe the traffic, it’s atrocious this afternoon. I’m having a coffee close by to the barber shop now. I’ve booked HBOT for tomorrow morning.
Sunday July 14, 2024 Penestanan
Over the past few days my desire and willingness to to write has decreased. There are normally mornings where I have nothing to say but if I keep writing I get over the hump and discover a whole new area that I start to explore. Over the past few days I have not been pushing myself. It’s been a bit like a person looking at their living room that needs vacuuming but on the other hand finds it good enough for their current social and day to day purposes. This analogy may seem strange but it’s because I see my morning writing as a means to clean my mind of unnecessary clutter or hidden crap.
I’m listening to James Taylor this morning. I remember hearing Fire and Rain for the first time back in 1970. It struck a chord with me. For some reason hearing his music again reminds me of a young Flora. It’s nice reliving memories through music. Like dipping a bucket in a big pond and pulling it up full of sediment that you had forgotten was there.
I got through yesterday without eating any bad food. I made a simple vegetarian omelette for lunch using cabbage, onion, garlic, capsicum and tomato. I had a protein drink and for dinner I had a salad with a tiny bit of rice, I was tempted to buy some dark chocolate from Wayan’s Juice Bar when I picked up my coconut milk but I refrained. I don’t need to comfort myself with crappy food even though I admit that it tastes good at the time of consumption but it isn’t worth the consequences that come as a result. That’s a good start. Georgie had a day of carbs apart from the omelette that I made at lunchtime. If I can persist with this discipline I will be able to help and inspire Finn with a bit more conviction. I’ve also improved my resilience over the past few days, my HRV is good and overall my metrics are in a decent range. My biggest enemy is FOMO. The simple question to ask myself constantly is “what is my purpose for eating?”
We move into Villa Artists today. We have guests staying in Villa Tusk for the next 12 days, then there are 2 days free in the big villa before we move back and then head off to ParQ. July and August is all about making money for the lean times ahead. I’ll have to really improve my strategy and overall game plan after the high season ends. Georgie goes back to Melbourne for 4 weeks in 21 days time. The positive thing about this is that she might be able to help Finn level out. He is on a positive mind set at the moment. It’s a bit like walking on a tight rope helping him, it doesn’t take much misjudgement to take a wrong step and fall of the rope. I just sent Finn a message letting him know what my steps were yesterday and issuing a playful challenge.
I’ve got quite a bit to do this morning to help Purnami get the villa ready for our new guests so I’d better get moving on that.
Saturday July 13, 2024 Penestanan
I am still working through my views on old age. It’s interesting how considerations start to creep in as you get more aches and pains appearing out of what is seemingly nowhere. I’ve put on a bit of weight this year, not too much, but enough to drag around a few more kilos and have a bit of flab hanging over my hips. It becomes a bit of a vicious cycle. You put on a bit of weight, you look in the mirror and don’t see what you want to see, you decide to go on a stricter food regimen and before you know it you give in and eat something that you know you shouldn’t, this makes you bullshit yourself and before you know it you are saying “I’ll start in earnest tomorrow!” The more processed food you eat, the more carbs you eat, the more you want to eat. The difference between eating for nutrition and only when you are hungry compared to eating at agreed on times even if you are not hungry is huge. I can say this from experience because I have done both. I know what it is like to apply a huge amount of discipline to my eating habits, I did it for years. Overall I am still pretty good but I’ve let down my guard enough to feel that I am losing a bit of control.
On top of this my knee isn’t repairing.
Friday July 12, 2024 Penestanan
We just got a couple of new bookings for the villa overnight which will make a huge difference to our income in July and August. Really happy about that.
Well it’s Friday again. We will get back into some sort of normalcy today and head off to the gym this morning and then lunch with Michael and friends at Cafe Des Artistes at around 12.30 p.m.
I had plans to go to the gym yesterday but ended up falling asleep on the couch later in the afternoon, then Allissa rang me and before I knew it the time had run away and it was getting dark.
Thursday July 11, 2024 Penestanan
I woke up in Bali this morning. Our flight back from Jogjakarta was pretty straight forward although the plane was delayed for more than an hour and we didn’t get back to Penestanan until after midnight. Walking back into Villa Tusk last night was amazing. It was like a bright, beautiful oasis of colour. Purnami had left all of the lights on to welcome us. It’s funny how things pan out, it feels like we haven’t been anywhere.
We met a couple of young Spanish guys on the plane. One of them had started talking to me on the plane after he saw me making music on my computer. Turns out to be a great conversation started. His name is Gabriel and he hails from Córdoba in Andalusia down the south of Spain near Granada and Seville. He’s on a 2 month journey through Asia with his friend Alex.
So far we are having a lazy day, unpacking, hanging around, re-assessing.
Finn doesn’t seem to be doing very well at the moment, we just had a chat. His purpose is fast as a tack at the moment and I don’t have any solution right now to help him. There’s a task for me.
Hi Finn I’m sorry to hear that you are feeling a bit flat. My first impulse was to try to talk you into going to the gym, going for a walk, doing something that will make you feel better but I know that when you feel like you do that doing any of those things is the last thing that you want to do. I’m feeling a bit lost myself, I’m not good at just hanging around the villa but Mum loves it. I’ve always got to be doing something, not sure whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing! Why don’t you start by looking back at your time in Japan and after we got back when you were doing the walking challenge. You were “on fire”. What were you doing that was different back then? Take a look at how you were inspiring yourself. List out all of the things that made you feel happy and inspired. I know that being on your own sucks, I understand because I feel the same way when I am on my own.
Villa Tusk Business
Hello Karthik
Thank you for your request in regard to staying at our Villa. Sorry about not answering last night as we were travelling back from Java. The villa is currently available between July 26 and July 31, we have guests already booked to come on Wednesday 31, the calendar is filling fast as this is our busiest and most in demand period for the year. The price for the villa is $450 US per night. On AirBnB it is $514 plus $20 US for each extra guest. I’m sorry that we cannot offer any other discounts at this time of the year. I’m sure you will understand. If you are interested in booking please let us know ASAP so we can send an invoice and block out the dates on AirBnB so somebody else doesn’t book “instantly”. How many people are in your group? Regards
Wednesday July 10, 2024
Java has devolved into a bit of a waiting game. I’ll be happy to get back to Bali tonight. Maybe the main thing is that Bali is far better set up to meet the needs of entitled westerners. That sounds harsh but after 7 days on Bali’s western neighbour I find myself yearning for the people, the food, the availability of activities to do. Don’t get me wrong, our trip to Java has been a different and pleasing experience overall. The initial travel on ferries, trains and buses, the uncertainty of where we were, the 3 nights in Kotagede at the wonderful nDalem Natan Guest House, the walks around the kampungs in Kotagede, the fleeting discussions and interactions with Javanese people, the grand Hindu and Buddhist monuments and their connection to a grander past. Looking back at the past 7 days has just revealed that it has been a worthwhile trip. Both of us being sick didn’t help. It limited our movements and meant that we stayed closer to our accomodation. Our bodies needed rest in order to recuperate. Overall my desire to explore Indonesia is still there, the idea of doing 7 day journeys to Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and other Indonesian islands is still a viable option for the future and it has worked out to be a financially viable alternative. Renting out the villa for a week and hitting the road helps to finance our lifestyle. We have spent around $1000 this week but that includes travel and transport costs, food and accomodation.
My temperature increased slightly last night and I have a sore throat this morning. I have my fingers crossed that I don’t have a new dose of virus settling into my body. The food I have eaten over the past few days could not be called healthy so my bodies defences may have been compromised. Georgie’s viral load may have been a bit different to the one that I had at the start of the trip. The outcome is yet to be seen. The main thing today is getting back to Borobodur and roaming on it’s various levels, taking photos and taking in it’s splendour.
“The Borobudur Temple Compound is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, and was built in the 8th and 9th centuries AD during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. The monument is located in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java, at the centre of the island of Java, Indonesia.The main temple is a stupa built in three tiers around a hill which was a natural centre: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,520 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha.The vertical division of Borobudur Temple into base, body, and superstructure perfectly accords with the conception of the Universe in Buddhist cosmology. It is believed that the universe is divided into three superimposing spheres, kamadhatu, rupadhatu, and arupadhatu, representing respectively the sphere of desires where we are bound to our desires, the sphere of forms where we abandon our desires but are still bound to name and form, and the sphere of formlessness where there is no longer either name or form. At Borobudur Temple, the kamadhatu is represented by the base, the rupadhatu by the five square terraces, and the arupadhatu by the three circular platforms as well as the big stupa. The whole structure shows a unique blending of the very central ideas of ancestor worship, related to the idea of a terraced mountain, combined with the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana.The Temple should also be seen as an outstanding dynastic monument of the Syailendra Dynasty that ruled Java for around five centuries until the 10th century.”
Tuesday July 9, 2024
I would have laughed if somebody told me that I would be sitting in a “b” grade hotel lobby eating an omelette at 7 am in the morning. Well, I’m not laughing and it’s happening. There’s nothing quite as depressing as a cheap hotel buffet breakfast, especially when you are on your own At the table with the clink of plates, knives and forks and the lukewarm warm dishwater music playing in the background. Georgie will be here soon and we will wander down to the grounds of Borobodur. The positive thing about our b grade hotel is that it’s only a few meters from the front entry of Borobodur Park which we are returning to after 27 years, almost 28 to be more precise.
We caught a distant glimpse of it in the early evening last night after we arrived in the surrounding town and went for a walk searching for something intersecting to do or look at, or eat or drink … to no avail. What I’m saying g is that apart from the magnificent structure that we have come to see the place is miserable, somewhat dirty and uninteresting. I may change my tune after our initial visit this morning. By the way, our hotel is called The Saraswati and it’s one of the better accomodations in the area!
I love the aesthetics of Asia as a rule and from all accounts and recollections of our visit in 1997 Borobodur is magnificent.
Monday July 8, 2024
I used to feel like I was cheating when I created digital music. My challenge is to put something together that has my “brand” on it that sounds unique, isn’t too repetitive, something that represents some aspect of my own experience and something that doesn’t necessarily sound like it was created on a computer. A while ago I gave myself a challenge, this is to create a piece of music every time I travel, whether it be on a train, a plane, a long bus trip. Usually a trip of at least 3 hours. I’ve been working on this project for a bit over a year during trips to Europe, Bali, Japan and Java.
I have a natural ability to “put ingredients together” in such a way that they end up coming together as I nice meal. I apply this same skill to the digital music I create. The working name for the project is “Music for Trains and Planes”, I may keep this moniker or it may change.
There are 2 things that I now do each day. One is to write my journal and blog and the other is to work on the music project. Neither is planned, they are impulsive, like my life. Whatever comes out of me at the time now remains in perpetuity with a limited amount of editing.
From time to time I look back at photographs of Georgie and I prior to our Indian trip in 2019. We had just begun our journey to healthier, fitter bodies in February of that year. It’s hard to relate to the ”fat people” in the photos. I know that the body is but one of the attributes that makes up the person but it is the symbol that the rest of the world has to look at and it does create a “first impression” that could influence the way that people respond to you. I had this happen to me yesterday when I met the German couple at Prambanan. The way you look, hold yourself, the care with which you dress, your overall grooming does have an influence of other people’s perception of you. This is a good enough reason to continue to work hard to preserve our bodies to the best of our abilities for as long as we possibly can. I’m still battling with what “me” is, what is immortal and will continue to exist in the present outside the limitations of time and space. When you strip away the body, the perceptions, the will, the mental images/memories …. what is left? There it is in it’s simplicity. Nothing is permanent, everything is in a constant state of change or re-creation. The concept is so simple yet so huge.
Sunday July 7, 2024
I had a good nights sleep and woke up at about 6.30, Georgie is still in the room, I’ve come out to the back outside courtyard which I find to be a wonderful place to sit and write.
Today marks Georgie and my 5th wedding anniversary, it’s funny getting excited about that after being together for almost 3 decades but we both still do. We really do have what could be described as “a match made in heaven”. There are 2 basic things that I reckon you need to achieve in life, the first one is to be happy with yourself, to constantly and continually create growth, happiness, contentment and pleasantness, the second is to apply all of those qualities and attributes to your spousal relationship. Don’t get me wrong, during one’s life there are lots of other areas that need too be addressed and worked on but from my experience “you” are always going to be there when you wake up and for me, so is Georgie. I am very happy to be able to say that I am doing a very good job of achieving both of these goals. How lucky am I! I never get sick of or bored being together, each day is created as a new adventure and miracle together.
We aren’t attempting to set the world on fire on this trip to Java. I started of with a bit of a light flu and now Georgie has a dose. It’s OK to just relax and chill out at times.
Today’s interesting observation. I forgot my melatonin tablets which I have been taking for almost 4 years for the cancer. My deep sleep has increased as has my HRV.
Wednesday 18mins 16HRV
Thursday 73 mins 37HRV
Friday 89mins 61HRV
Saturday 91mins 55HRV
Sunday 48mins 70HRV
I have no idea if there is a direct correlation between these metrics and the change in melatonin protocol but it certainly is something that I have to watch with hawk eyes.
After breakfast and hanging around writing, talking and such we got a car and drove about 30 mins to Prambanan. From the UNESCO World Heritage webpage “Built in the 10th century, this is the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia. Rising above the centre of the last of these concentric squares are three temples decorated with reliefs illustrating the epic of the Ramayana, dedicated to the three great Hindu divinities (Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma) and three temples dedicated to the animals who serve them.”
“Prambanan Temple Compounds consist of Prambanan Temple (also called Loro Jonggrang), Sewu Temple, Bubrah Temple and Lumbung Temple. Prambanan Temple itself is a complex consisting of 240 temples. All the mentioned temples form the Prambanan Archaeological Park and were built during the heyday of Sailendra’s powerful dynasty in Java in the 8th century AD. These compounds are located on the border between the two provinces of Yogyakarta and Central Java on Java Island.
While Loro Jonggrang, dating from the 9th century, is a brilliant example of Hindu religious bas-reliefs, Sewu, with its four pairs of Dwarapala giant statues, is Indonesia’s largest Buddhist complex including the temples of Lumbung, Bubrah and Asu (Gana temple). The Hindu temples are decorated with reliefs illustrating the Indonesian version of the Ramayana epic which are masterpieces of stone carvings. These are surrounded by hundreds of shrines that have been arranged in three parts showing high levels of stone building technology and architecture from the 8th century AD in Java. With over 500 temples, Prambanan Temple Compounds represents not only an architectural and cultural treasure, but also a standing proof of past religious peaceful cohabitation.”
The last time Georgie and I visited Prambanan was in January 1997. Like most things in the world back then it was quite a different experience, a bit like the Monkey Forest in Ubud that really was a forest back them, Prambanan was in the process of being resurrected, it is now a major tourist attraction … awe inspiring nonetheless. Most of today’s visitors were Indonesian, I spotted a few western tourists but maybe only 1% of all off the visitors, we chatted with a German couple while having a coffee.
Georgie wasn’t feeling great so I ran around taking photos in the late morning sun, it was actually quite hot. Most of the visitors were mainly concerned with taking selfies with the temple structure in the background. People have stopped using their own eyes to experience the beauty of life and now feel compelled to capture their experiences through their iPhone cameras, striking strange poses and gesturing with strange finger symbols.
What struck me most was the sense of history that permeated the site. Here was a connection to a Java of 12 hundred years ago, a chance to get a glimpse of how religion and belief impacted the lives of those who came before us. Java was still in the throws of it’s Hindu/Buddhist period, Islam had not yet arrived with any force. While it was amazing to think that the original temple was built 12 centuries ago I couldn’t help but ponder on the fact that it is only a fleeting moment in time based on the bigger picture. A flicker of an eyelid in relation to earth’s overall life span to date.
I could have explored more, found more to discover but I had my attention on Georgie who was waiting on a bench under a tree in the shade. We wandered off and spotted a coffee shop which is where we ran into the Germans. They were on a trip to Java and Lombok but were missing out on Bali which is interesting. I was keen to ask them some questions about their viewpoints on Germany, their answers were straight out of the mainstream press. Germany needs immigrants to sustain a future, Putin wants to take over Europe and is also responsible for their energy crisis. NATO is necessary and great. Sort of what I had expected too hear. Georgie made a couple of negative comments about America and we left it at that.
It’s now just before 4 o’clock and we are back at our Guesthouse. Getting a car back turned out to be more difficult than we had expected but all turned out well in the end. Georgie is having a rest.
Sunday Evening
Georgie is in bed resting, helping her body get over the virus that she’s fighting. Interestingly it’s giving me a taste of what August will be like when I spend a month on my own in Bali. I suppose it will be a bit different in Bali being solo than it is in Kotagede in Java. I could have venture into Jalan Malioboro in the middle of Jogja tonight, Georgie wouldn’t have minded but I really didn’t feel like doing that so I’ve spent time updating my website and music tracks. Now I’ve come out fora walk and have come back to the little coffee shop that we visited on Saturday morning. It’s not overly busted the clients are all Indonesian. Thats one of the things that I am enjoying in Java, Georgie and I are definitely the minority. At times we stand out but that is in the most pleasant way. People almost treat us as novelties. Sometime tomorrow we are heading off to a new hotel which is close to Candi Borododur, we will spend 2 nights there. Whether we actually get to climb up the steps of the mandala is yet to be seen but it seems that we will be able to use our kit as soon as we won’t be hit with the huge costs that are incurred by normal tourists. We will fly back to Bali on Wednesday foregoing the arduous travel on trains and buses, ferries and cars that we had originally planned.
Saturday July 6, 2024
I woke up at 6 a.m, well rested, in the nDalem Natan Guest House which is about 30 minutes by car out of central Jogja. This is a remarkable Guest House that was built in 1857. I’ll find out more about it a bit later mainly because I’m sure it’s history is very, very interesting. The building is huge, a warren of beautifully symmetrically placed rooms surrounded by formal verandahs and public areas strewn with antiques and artefacts. It isn’t at all pretentious but it does create a link to what must have been an amazing period in Jogja’s history from almost 200 years ago.
We arrived in Jogja a bit after 3 p.m when the train pulled up at the very crowded railway station, more like an Indian station than the pristine Japanese railway platforms that we got so used to a couple of months ago. The train journey from Surabaya to Jogja is quite flat and not terribly exciting but once again we got a glimpse of a part of Java that we’ve never before experienced which made the time differential well worthwhile although we are now considering flying back to Bali as opposed to our original plan of using trains, buses, cars and ferries.
It felt good to be back in this central Javanese city after almost 30 years. There was a instant familiarity, an affinity that washes over me when I am in a city that still holds it’s past close to it’s chest with pride or in some cases necessity. We sauntered out of the railway station and decided to get a coffee. The shop we chose was called Civet Coffee, a simple little outdoorsy shop across the road from the station. The feel was wonderful, a cavalcade of cars, rickshaws, scooters and horse drawn carts created a montage on the street in front of the chairs. The coffee making equipment was old school, the end result was one of the most delicious, aromatic coffees that I have had all year. Georgie had spotted pisang goreng on the limited menu for $1.50 a plate, I cant resist a good serve of fried bananas so we indulged, I even got myself a second coffee to wash it all down.
We strolled up the road until we reached the famous
“boulevard” called Jalan Malioboro. I first came her in 1987 with Melanie and the kids, we flew on a small plane from bali for an adventure. Allissa doesn’t remember being here but I still have a few photos from the trip hidden away in boxes at home. There are memories but to be honest they aren’t all that clear. Georgie and I first arrived here in February 1997 on our first big trip together.
We strolled down Jalan Marlioboro past shops, drink vendors, transport guys and hundreds of mainly Indonesian people. Probably tourist just like us but they were dressed in traditional Jogja clothing, some with their own personal photographers. We walked past pasars (market facades) which we will spend time exploring before we leave for Borobudur in a couple of days. Marlioboro comes to an end around the Sultan’s Palace. We were enjoying our walk but foolishly thought that we could easily make it to our Guest House. Like most Asian cities there weren’t really any substantial footpaths and where there were a food vendor had set up their street kitchen to block our way so we spent most of the walk precariously on the side of the road walking against the peak hour traffic. On and on we walked, past coffin shops that displayed their freaky wares with great pride by the side of the road. Finally after walking for what seemed like ages Georgie realized that the 19 minutes that google maps told her it would take was really in a car and that it would take another hour to walk the whole way so we finally decided to call a car.
We arrived at the nDalem Natan Guest House at about 6 p.m after night had fallen. Ironically at that stage we had no idea that we were in Kotagede.
The original house was built by a wealthy banker, unfortunately it was all but destroyed in the 2006 Jogja earthquake that killed almost 6000 people. The house lay empty and destitute for several years and was eventually purchased by a well off and caring Javanese businessman and lovingly restored by master craftsmen to it’s original glory. After being here for almost a day I’d like to say that you would have no idea that it is not in it’s original state. The restoration is perfection and retains the inherent sense of history. The design of the house is both eclectic and tasteful, a mix of Javanese, Islamic Sufi motifs and European style full of beautiful antiques, contemporary and Javanese traditional art and images plus Javanese artefacts.
We set off on a walk this morning at around 7.30 a.m. With no idea where we were going we turned into a laneway full of traditional houses, old merchant compounds which are now hotels, local shops, graveyards, ancient mosques and local kampungs. We were in a cultural goldmine, people smiled at us and greeted us. A small girl gingerly approached Georgie and asked her name, Georgie answered and told her that she was beautiful which caused her to smile, spin around and run off into the distance. It is a real treat to walk down the street and receive so much acknowledgement from people unlike in Australia, there is a genuine connect here.
Friday July 5, 2024
Day 3 Surabaya/Yogjakarta
About one hour out of Surabaya we pulled up at what appeared to be a bus station town, it was dark, there were buses everywhere, we were given laminated plastic cards with the word “makan”, which means to eat or thereabouts so I assumed we were going to be given a free meal. Georgie and I and a young couple behind us were the only non asians anywhere to be seen. We joined the queue and received a bowl of what turned out to be a delicious spicy vegetable soup accompanied by a handful of krupuks, Indonesian crispy savoury wafers. People sat at tables eating, not communicating, eating is a private activity in Indonesia. It’s like going to the toilet, not a grand social activity. I snuck across the road a bought a couple of cheap Javanese ice creams to soothe our trodden souls. We had been on the bus for almost 8 hours! So there you go, 180,000 rupiah, just over $15 Australian for a 9 hour bus trip with a meal thrown in. We got to experience something quite unique. It was a bit of a deja vu moment back to the bus trip in January 1997 when we went from Bali to Yogyakarta through the hot Javanese night. We got to see towns, fields, people … stuff that we would have never experienced if we caught a plane.
Just before 9 p.m the bus pulled up in Surabaya, actually we were on the outskirts. The next step was to find a car that would take us on the 30 minute drive to our hotel. Luckily this didn’t take so long, before we knew it we were sitting in the back seat of a Gojek driving into Surabaya which turned out to be a big, clean, relatively modern city. We were in bed by 10 p.m, a big comfortable bed with 2 huge soft pillows. The hotel we are staying in is clean, functional and comfortable. It’s called The River View and cost around $60 a night. We would have killed for it in Japan!
The next leg of our journey is about to start over again in 3 hours when he hop on the train from Surabaya to Yogyakarta.
We are actually on the train to Yogja, it has just left Surabaya Railway Station is is chugging along, horns blowing, down the tracks through the back streets of Surabaya.
3 hours earlier …… We had a coffee in the hotel breakfast room but unfortunately it was like a brew made with old shoe leather. We set off soon after on an early walk through the “river area”, we crossed a bridge over the murky water and were in the thick of the urban sprawl that was sir similar to other Asian cities that we have explored. The men sat around beside the road making comments in Bahasa and smiling so I figured they were saying good things. “Selamat Pagi” said with enough verve and a big smile goes a long way in Indonesia. It became very obvious, very quickly that we weren’t going to find the coffee of our desires in this part of town but 2 events made it all worthwhile. The first one was by far the best
Thursday July 4, 2024
Day 2 East Java
We spent the night in a small town on the very eastern tip of Java called Blambangan just up the road from where the Bali Ferry docks. When we got off the ferry I wasn’t too enamoured with where we were, after a black coffee at the most decent looking warung we could find we decided on a hotel while listening to a husband and wife duo sing and play “An Englishman In New York”. They were actually fantastic. Georgie booked a car which took us about 7 kms into the centre of Blambangan.
From Wikipedia “The Blambangan Kingdom was the last Javanese Hindu kingdom that flourished between the 13th and 18th centuries, based in the eastern corner of Java.[1] The capital was at Banyuwangi. It had a long history of its own, developing contemporaneously with the largest Hindu kingdom in Java, Majapahit (1293–1527). At the time of the collapse of Majapahit in the late fifteenth century, Blambangan stood on its own as the one solitary Hindu state left in Java, controlling the larger part of Java’s Oosthoek.
The historical record and the study of the Blambangan Kingdom are scarce, which contributed to the obscurity of its history. Contemporary Javanese mostly know the kingdom through its link to the popular epic folklore, the legend of Damarwulan and Menak Jingga. The fictional story which is set in the Majapahit period, told that the rebellious King of Blambangan named Menak Jingga desired the hand of Majapahit Queen Kencanawungu.”
Western tourists seem to stand out, just walking down the street last night to buy a bottle of water was a bit of a song and dance with vendors doing high fives with me, smiling and seemingly surprised that I could pretend to speak a bit of bahasa. Most westerners who come here do so to climb the volcanoes at dawn.
Soon after arriving at our hotel the skies opened up again and the equatorial rain teemed down for a couple of hours.
It turns out that the days of last minute booking are over. The much anticipated train to Surabaya was booked out for the next 2 days which forced us to book an 8 hour bus trip stating at midday today. Georgie was right once again. My fantasy of doing last minute bookings is as antiquated as I can be at times, a remnant of some almost mythical past.
We stayed at the Hotel Blambangan which although basic was good enough for an overnight stay at the cost of about $55 Australian dollars. I secretly enjoyed staying here.
The thing that appeals to me most is being somewhere new in the world for the very first time, although we did drive up the beach at Ketapang on a bus after getting off the ferry back in 1997 whilst on out epic Eid trip to Yogjakarta, back then we simply stopped at a small warung late at night that had rats in the toilet and then drove on through the somewhat mystical Javanese night to Yogja. Overall our one night here has been fun, uneventful. The strangest thing happened at 6 p.m last night when all of the mosques in town started blaring out prayers over loud speakers. There must have been at least 20 or more mosques involved, nothing was co-ordinated so it became a cacophony of jumbled sound. Very strange, very discordant.
The Bus Trip from Blambangan to Surabaya
We arrived at the bus station at 11.50 a.m, the bus turned out to be far more basic than we expected, literally held together with sticky tape. The seats are OK, 8 rows of 4 seats, 2 on each side of the bus. The bus sways from side to side on the rough Javanese roads, most of the time there is enough traffic to slow it down which is a good thing. I think that if it wasn’t for the precariousness of the road and the traffic the driver might be tempted to travel just a bit too fast for my liking. We’ve come over a huge jungle covered mountain, stuck behind a whole lot of lorries, the drops of to the side were eye watering to say the least. Georgie is staying remarkably calm. We are only a bit more than 3 hours into the trip. There are houses and small farms, villages, small warns, warehouses and shops all along the sides of the road. Java is one of the most heavily populated places on the planet and it’s obvious when you are travelling along a relatively “main” road. There is another mosque pretty much each and every kilometre.Some of the houses are slightly luxurious but most are hovels, all on top of one another.
The toilet at the back of the bus is really for emergencies only, going back there is flirting with death and not to be encouraged. After all the 8 hour trip is only costing $18, it’s not a luxury trip. What a huge contrast this is to Japan!
Hey Finn I am more than impressed with your ability to learn and your willingness to study. I am absolutely delighted that you approach and formulate your viewpoints from your own perspective and not those dished out by the main stream media. I agree with a lot of what you say, not all. Consider this. There are millions of islamic people all over the world, some are moderate, some are radicalized. Anybody who has been convinced and believes that harming others, creating social unrest for the sake of ill conceived religious viewpoints is a pawn and I feel both contempt as much has I feel sorry for them for losing their own power of choice. I don’t believe that you can lump a whole religion together and say that they are all bad. There are jews that are not zionists, there are islamic people who follow the more sane, philosophical and gentler side of the religion, there are radicalized christians who cause great harm to their families and communities. Wherever you have oppression you will have discontent. Usually the oppressed have limited resources to fight their battles. As far as the Palestinians go they have received the bum end of the stick since the Jews created Israel at the turn of last century. They are treated like second class citizens in their own land and acted towards like inferiors in every way. They are a group of islamic people who have been given the shitty end of the stick, that is why I feel empathy toward them. I personally believe that every situation has it’s own unique circumstances. So called “white people” are not morally superior to dark skinned people. The more I travel the world the more I realise that we are all in this together and as such should be working toward feeling compassion and understanding. I don’t feel challenged when you do a tirade against jews, moslems etc. All I want to do is for you to listen to my views as well, otherwise it’s a one sided discussion.
Wednesday July 3, 2024
Penestanan is awash with water at 6.30 a.m after a night of what would be called torrential rain in Melbourne but is just a downpour in Bali. I just received a message that it is 1 degree in Melbourne this morning and it’s not looking like it’s going to get much better as the day goes on. We will be in a car in 3 hours on our way to Gilimanuk and then Java. It’s been 27 years since we were last there when we crossed from Bali to Java at Eid El Fitri 1997 in buses, ferries and mini buses. I van still remember arriving in Jogja at dawn to the sound of prayers. It felt like such an adventure and it was!
My “flu” hasn’t taken hold. I may be able to combat it. I had a shitty sleep, my temperature rose 1.5 degrees, my resting heart rate was ridiculously high, my HRV was way down but overall I feel OK. A wee bit hot, not fully rested but my chest feels OK and I don’t seem to be coughing this morning. I spent the whole night dreaming that I was getting better. My heart rate is still up, I’ll have to wait to see what happens as the day unfolds.
The rain is still falling, I’d forgotten what it was like in July/August in Bali. The abundance of sunlight and rain is what makes the equatorial regions of earth so abundant in verdant beauty, I should just embrace it.
We went to the gym in the afternoon yesterday. The cold plunge was 5 degrees or less, I could really only go in and get straight out in about 30 seconds. I got a decent workout in and did some walking on the treadmill, my knee seems to be improving which means that my maladies wont effect our walking when we are in Java. After the gym we took out some cash, I had a haircut and then met Georgie at Casa Luna for dinner. We walked home and pretty much went straight to be after a bit more packing. Our new guests arrive today which means we will have some money to live on in the next couple of days, plus I received my pension this morning.
Tuesday July 2, 2024
We hopped in a Gojek and drove from our Villa in Penestanan (Ubud) to a medical clinic in one of the more out of the way neighbourhoods in Denpasar, the part of Bali that most tourists never see. I had found the clinic online when I was looking for alternative solutions to my sore knee’s apparent osteoarthritis. The official name is Klinik Penyehat Mr Chai. The website I found talks about ozone therapy, hepatic stem cells, liver flushes, EBOO, Chinese medicine and the list goes on. I had poured over the website trying to digest as much information as I could with my limited understanding of the miraculous workings of the body. I was armed with a long list of ailments most due to “violations” committed against my body over the past 72 years. Georgie had her own ailments that she wanted to talk about. We had an 11 a.m consultation with Dr Chai to discuss our maladies with him to see what hope he could offer and what confidence that he could install in us.
My theory is that everything to do with the body can be fully or partially repaired by the body itself if the conditions haven’t done irreversible damage. I am not a huge advocate of treating the symptoms with western wonder drugs that are pumped out by the big Pharma companies that more than not have their own huge list of side effects and generally don’t get to the basic cause. I’d much rather a) get as good a diagnosis as is possible and b) do whatever is possible to detoxify, rejuvenate and hopefully repair the organs or body system that is damaged or isn’t doing it’s job.
I am in pretty good nick for a man of my age. Over my life I have alternated between caring for my body with exercise and healthy food, alternative treatments etc and abusing it, mainly with strong alcohol and excess carbohydrates which resulted in metabolic syndrome and a certain amount of damage to my overall metabolism and organs. I made a sharp about face over 5 years ago in early 2019, stopped drinking completely, cut out most excess carbs and processed foods and embarked upon a life of exercise, good sleep and all sorts of natural healing treatments and protocols. Overall I’ve done a great job but like most things that get abused there are always going to be hidden issues that need to be identified and repaired.
Back to our consultation with Dr Chai. We arrived at the clinic a bit late due to the ever unpredictable Balinese traffic conditions. I hadn’t known what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by the clean, well organised, not overly pompous waiting area and overall space. We were shown into Dr Chai’s office and were warmly greeted by a very friendly, charismatic and healthy looking man who appeared to be in his mid 60s. I instantly liked him and felt an inherent confidence, I’m not certain what Georgie’s first impressions were. After the introductions I listed off my ailments, symptoms and general theory of what I wanted to address. He listened intently and took notes. The first thing that I was impressed with is that he seemed genuinely interested to hear what I had to say. This made me feel even more confident and comfortable. I could also tell from his reactions and answers that we were on the same page. His viewpoint seemed to be that to repair the body the first thing you must do is to detoxify it, normalise it and let it get on with the job of repairing itself.
We ended up focusing on my liver.
Monday July 1, 2024
From the sublime to the mundane. I just averaged out our spending on food and drinks while we have been in Bali, this includes Georgie’s occasional wine, coconut milk, soda and general shopping as well as cafes and restaurants and it comes in at just under $60 a day for both of us which is $30 each or about $400 a week. I’m sure we could get this down to $20 each per day if we make a concerted effort but we probably wont need to go that far.
We got another booking for what we call Tusk Retreat (2 bedrooms) yesterday, 8 days in the middle of July. This means that our July/August calendar is slowly but surely filling up which will top up our coffers to cover wages for our staff, utilities and our living costs while in Bali. While the 2 bedroom villa is booked we can stay in Villa Artista.
Not a lot happened yesterday, we spent the morning at the Villa, went to the gym in the afternoon, had dinner with Christine and Tim and watched a show on the computer before going to bed. My knee seems to be healing. The rest from walking and using my legs unnecessarily is helping. This morning we are heading down to Denpasar to visit the ozone healing clinic for a consultation and then a bit of exploration around the old part of Denpasar. I reckon we will be there all day. We will leave the villa at 9.30 a.m.
I had a good chat to Allissa yesterday and spoke to Finn several times, they are both seemingly doing well.
There’s not much point in beating a dead horse, I don’t really have anything to write about this morning. All is well in life, no major issues, happiness abounds and my newly discovered ailments seem to be under control.
Sunday June 30, 2024
Another day has begun in paradise. If somebody asked me to describe the difference between Melbourne and Bali I would instantly spit out “Melbourne is “Beige”, Bali is “Sky Blue”. I know that’s not fair and really I’m not talking so much about the actual location, I’m referencing the overall experience and how life feels.
After a few mornings of having coffee at home I have wandered around to Alchemy again where I will write and wait for Georgie to wake up and wander around. My knee feels a wee bit better this morning but the recovery will depend on more days of relative inactivity and rest, I’m wearing my brace 24/7 now and will continue to do so. There still seems to be some inflammation but it’s far lead painful and inflamed than it was yesterday morning when it was unbearable.
We had an inquiry for a 7 day booking in mid – late July. The people inquiring about are a Sydney family with 3 kids. As yet it’s uncertain but we might rent out the big (2 bedroom) villa and stay in Villa Artista or if not we could travel to Lombok for a week and rent the whole space. Like I said yesterday, money is a priority and will guide our decision. Georgie will discuss it with the potential guests when she gets up.
I pulled my guitar out of it’s case last night and did a bit of finger practise. It’s been over a year since I have played and my fingers certainly need quite a bit of exercise. Let’s see what happens but I will see if I can do 30 minutes practise each day and maybe later incorporate it into some of my music.
I was about to say that we have to be careful about not falling into habits and getting into a rut in Bali but in reality this isn’t happening, the past few days have been a bit more subdued due to my need for inactivity due to my knee recovery. Since we’ve been here we have really mixed things up and had quite a lot of diverse experiences.
We are heading to Denpasar in the morning to visit the Ozone Therapy Clinic. The first step will be to check the place out, have a consultation and maybe do some hepatic stem cell treatment. The cost will be a guiding consideration but I have a certain amount of optimism that this might help my liver repair which will have a positive effect on my overall health and well being. I’m not feeling any issues with the hernia so I’m feeling like that is OK for now. It’s mainly my knee and my liver that I want to address. Georgie might be able to get some help with her gut. As yet, it is all uncertain. We’ll see.
My conclusion this morning? Life is life. It is what you make of it. Whether it has some greater purpose or not is not an issue. Like any journey it is all about the “moment of creation” which is simply the present. The future is still to come, full of goals or not, after all a goal simply gives you a direction to travel in … who knows what you will discover along the way. The past only exists in your memories and the memories of others in the form of mental images. It’s nice to have it as an anchor and to remind yourself of who you have been in a relatively crude manner because in reality you are simply what you are creating in the present, not even that because your creations and experience are not you, they are by products of your current combination of parts that make up what you see as yourself. For me at the moment the meaning of life is simply put “The potential creation of beauty, harmony and compassion including interaction with the physical universe and the beings, the energy they create and other life forms who inhabit it.” To that degree every moment is a bonus and should be appreciated to the fullest extent.
Saturday June 29, 2024
My left knee is inflamed and in pain this morning. As much as I don’t want to confront it I have to rest it. I’m not certain whether I should call the Balian to come and give me another treatment, we leave for Java on Wednesday, I would be over the moon if it could get back to normal or close to normal. Looks like the moment of truth is upon me and I have to become realistic about what is actually happening with my knee.
Life feels normal in Bali. We have been here for 12 days now. Bali feels like home. Villa Tusk feels like a well worn shoe, comfortable and easy to get on. I’m enjoying going to the gym and having saunas, meeting people, talking, working out who we want to follow up on. I’m unfortunately drawn to younger people as opposed to my own age group. It’s nice to reminisce with boomers about the 50s and 60s but I feel that I have more in common with younger people.
We went to the boomer lunch yesterday at Cafe Des Artistes. I spent 3 hours chatting to a group of women in their 60s and 70s, nothing wrong with that but we ended up talking about going to the Vietnam moratoriums and buying bags of broken biscuits, heart attacks and other ailments that afflict this age group. The good thing is that I had another very well cooked but small steak. After we left we walked up to Plant Bistro where we had a coffee. This is a great spot overlooking Ubud, Penestanan and Tjampuan. Being there is like being an eagle in the sky, you can see for miles looking down on the lush and verdant beauty of Ubud. We went back later in the evening for dinner, it’s a pity that it’s a vegan restaurant because everything else is perfect apart from the fake chicken, beef, tuna et al.
I made some keto pancakes when we got back with almond meal, eggs, coconut milk, cream cheese, inulin and a bit of protein powder. I may have been kidding myself but they were delicious, crunchy and tasty.
Thank god we have guests arriving next week as we are running out of money. We are down to our last $500 which is OK but it would be nice to have more in our coffers.
Georgie and I somehow make ends meet, the positive thing about this is that it keeps us on our toes. As I said yesterday we will need to rent out the villa as much as possible during July and August in order to get a bit of a surplus stashed away again. Postulates and prayers.
I am hopefully going to see the Balian again today, I’ve just sent Purnami a message to ask him to come and work on my knee.
Later in the day … Wayan, the Balian came at around 9.30 and worked on my knee for about 60 minutes. I’ve been gentle with it today and kept the brace on all day. I have my fingers crossed that it will heal substantially by next Wednesday when we head to Java. We went to the sauna at about 11.30, ran into Michael again. He’s turning out to be a fabulous acquaintance. We also met a guy named Alan who is originally from Adelaide but left Australia almost 30 years ago to work all around the world. He’s living at ParQ right now. Later in the day we had a very late lunch at Muse, the fabulous Kerala Fish Curry with Dosa, not something to eat every day but a true delicacy when it is eaten in moderation. After Muse we dropped in to Zest where I had a very bitter cacao with coconut cream and Georgie had sone coconut ice cream topped with macha, we sat opposite an exotic looking girl who turned out to be from Kazakstan, I would have never guessed. On the way back I bought a whole lot of organic eggs and also several duck eggs plu some natural mosquito repellant. The sun is setting in Ubud and the darkness of night is minutes away. Overall a quite but fulfilling day. I tend to expect a whole lot more motion but there’s a time and a place for everything and right now it’s time to rest and heal.
I’ve been appreciating our villa more and more each day. I sort of always have but finally I have come to realise that it’s OK just to be here and enjoy what we’ve created. Our artistic home away from home.
Traditional Balinese medicine, practiced by a village healer known as a Balian, is an excellent example of how the Balinese have preserved their culture.
The Balian is often portrayed as a shaman or village doctor who uses spiritual knowledge and energy to treat patients. This is not just an idle belief, as many people in Bali believe in this kind of mysticism. This involves extensive familiarity with meditative practices, tantric rituals, and traditional medicinal plants.
Some Balians study ancient scriptures known as lontar become well versed in esoteric subjects while others might simply be chosen to be blessed with wahyu (divine inspiration).
They are known to mediate between the living and the dead in the afterlife. And when a situation calls for a religious ritual, balian may also be tasked with calling on to mediate and bring about peace.
Hi Finn
I need to talk to you about money. You know I am always willing to help out when you need it. My coffers are very low at the moment, I am hoping that we can rent out the villa for most of July and August which will get us out of trouble. What I am asking from you is to be as careful as possible with your dole payments so you can use as much as possible toward your basic living costs. I know you need to buy your weed but apart from that I’ll need help with the steak, the piece this week cost me $240. Do you think it might last for 2 weeks? Also you could use some protein powder to get your protein levels up. I reckon you need 200 grams each day. Also your vitamins each day. Just take one of each that I’ve left out for you. My number one priority is doing what I can to back you up on your weight loss and health journey. I’m so proud of what you have achieved so far. All I want to get across now is that we need to work as a team as much as we can, especially with money. Josh is dropping into ParQ today too have a sauna with us. I’m not certain what you and he have discussed but for now I will leave that up to you, you just need to keep me up to scratch so I know what’s going on. If you aren’t doing any of your “steps” it’s OK to talk about it, the most important thing is that we feel free to talk about it with each other. If you really get behind the things that he’s asking you to do then I am happy to help with the program until the end of the year because I see it as a “family”. If you have any thoughts on any of this I’m more than happy to discuss them.
Friday June 28, 2024
Some pieces of music become so significant in your life. They bring joy, they can bring tears, some can rip your heart out and others lift it to soaring heights. Trent Reznor’s “Hurt” is one of the songs that does all of those things for and to me. I have no idea what came over me to think about it this morning apart from this version ( I cannot add a link) appearing on one of my Spotify playlist. It isn’t my version of choice but in its own way it expresses the emotion, good and bad that any version does. Thank you Trent Reznor for such a personal, heartfelt piece of music. “What have I become, my sweetest friend?”
Friday is upon us again. I am well rested, I feel ready for a big day of exercise and socialising, I am at peace with myself, the jerk in my head is resting and peaceful. What more could I want?
I’ve got to say out loud how lucky I am to be living the life that I am. It’s part luck, part plan, part strategy, guided by my earlier goals in life. I have arrived at a good place. I am grateful, I offer my thanks to the universe for allowing everything to fall in the right place for me. I also acknowledge that what I have has been driven by my own intentions and actions.
This morning we plan to go to the gym, have a sauna after which we will make our way to Cafe Des Artistes for another lunch with Michael and his table of grey haired expats and aged adventurers. Hopefully today will have some nice surprises.
Could I ever create a story that might portray my life and at the same time offer hope to others. I wonder how many men in their 70s are in such a great place as I am? Maybe I’m kidding myself and there are millions of happy, contented, relatively healthy old men who were born in the early 50s, smack bang in the middle of the 20th century. What an amazing ride it has been.
I booked a room at ParQ for the whole of August for $1200 Aust. If we play my cards right I can make about $18,000 for our villa if I can rent it out every day.
Villa Tusk
A dream materialised. A house in Bali. A house we can call home that is in it’s own way a bit like a work of art that is continually being worked upon. The culmination of a magical decision that Georgie and I made around 2019, the year my life changed. 2019, the year I crawled out of my cocoon and broke out of the prison that I had created for myself. I still have a few scars left over from those days of self flagellation but scars heal as best they can, some even add to and create a certain character that makes things in the present a bit more worthwhile and authentic.
It is morning in Bali, once described by a visiting Indian politician as “The morning of the world”. The basic essence of Bali does not change, this is one of the attributes that I love about it. Life is simple and sweet, sure there are nuances, struggles, even occasional hardship but underlying the whole thing is a strong, unshakeable foundation of tradition, ritual, beauty, belief and continuity that the Balinese people are kind enough to share with a few lucky westerners. I am lucky enough to be one of them.
My Villa is named “Villa Tusk”, after our art gallery “Tusk Gallery” that we started at the dawn, the very beginning of the 21st century. There is no great significance attached to the name. We decided on it on my 50th Birthday when we were scratching our heads and wondering what we would call our new art gallery. The name came from a travel magazine. I was looking through it and came across a photograph of two elephants with their tusks intertwined. I called out to Georgie “What about Tusk Gallery?”. It stuck. Now it’s our brand.
We spent about a year searching for land or a property in bali where we could build/create our home. Several false starts, several trips to Bali, several disappointments that turned out to be blessings. I’m like a bull at the gate, Georgie has her feet on the ground. Together it works.
We came across Our villa by chance. A meeting with an old acquaintance named Liz who was once married to Trinidad, my friend who is now with my ex-wife. One of those twisted moments of fate. There wasn’t much to love about the property when we first saw it but we both had a feeling, there was something that happened to both of us when we sat on the porch with Liz. By November 2019 we had signed and extended the lease. Georgie had drawn up plans. She saw something that I didn’t. Something that only a trained architect could see which is a bit more than my window dresser mentality, even though having served me well is not enough to create a home that stands up, doesn’t leak and is a foundation to build a “work of art” upon.
We began renovating in late 2019. We returned to Bali in early 2020.
To be continued ………
Thursday June 27, 2024
What’s on the agenda for today?
Balian coming at 9 a.m for another treatment. Gym and sauna a bit later in the day, apart from that I have no idea until Georgie gets up.
We had a very low spending day yesterday. I made scrambled eggs for lunch, we also had fresh paw paw. Apart from that we spent $24 for dinner at Murni’s plus a few small odds and ends throughout the day.
We walked most of the way to ParQ up Christine’s subak gang, lovely walk through villas, rice fields and small villages, no cars but a few scooters. We caught a Gojek at the end of the path that took us to Parq for the grand sum of $1.50. The Australian dollar exchange rate is quite good at the moment at almost 11000 rupiah for one Aussie dollar.
I’ve found a cheap room at ParQ for August. If I book for one month it works out at about $23 a day which might be the way to go, close to the gym, work spaces, people, shared kitchen. If I book for the whole month I can easily rent out the villa at the drop of a hat and I can also stay here when it’s not booked, overall this is by far the most economical way to go. I’ve just got to convince Georgie which shouldn’t be too hard.
Our trip to Java is coming up faster than expected. I’ll probably need to do a bit of planning, especially in regard to trains and maybe Surabaya, transport to Borobudur and Prambanan.
Wednesday June 26, 2024
I feel a bit withdrawn this morning, I was going to say sad but that isn’t really what I feel. For the first time I didn’t fall asleep straight away last night. We were probably well and truly in bed by 9 p.m but I reckon I didn’t get to sleep until midnight, strange! I woke up at 6.30 but decided to stay in bed until 8 a.m just in case I could top up my sleep by a few minutes. From all accounts Georgie had a compromised sleep as well. She’s still in bed. Who knows, maybe it’s the universe punishing us for watching a one hour Apple TV show called “Presumed Innocent”. This was the first time I can remember that we both sat down together and watched TV in the villa, on my computer. We cannot afford to make a habit of this.
I had a decent chat to Allissa yesterday and spoke briefly to Finn and Kaye.
OK. Here’s a quick rundown of what we got up to yesterday. We hopped in a Gojek at around 9 a.m to go to Tegalatang where ParQ is located. First stop was the coffee shop next to the pool where we ran into a guy we’ve met before named jamie who works promoting ParQ Real Estate, nice guy. We procrastinated for a while then went to the gym where I did about 50 minutes of weights and 30 minutes of walking. I still don’t want to push it until my knee is almost 100% better. It feels good most of the time but every now and again I get a nasty pain or ache that reminds me that it’s still not ready to be used like I had in the past.
The price one pays for earlier indiscretions, whether knowing or unknowing, as you get older is something that you don’t find out about until it’s too late. The trick is to teach good health practises to people when they are kids, things like exercise, nutrition, how the body works, what can go wrong later on. Problem is that when you are young you don’t care as it seems so far away and life has the potential to go on for what seems for an eternity. It’s only when it’s happening, at which point it’s invariably too late that you can look back in retrospect and wonder why you were so dumb.
I’ve been able to connect all of my current ailments and to make a bit of sense about what is happening and why. All I can really do now is maintenance and whatever is possible to repair the damage that I have done. This is going to involve a lot of discipline, money and time but it’s worth every bit of pain to get back on track and continue to live a full, active and adventurous life.
For me right now I believe the most important thing that I can do is to repair my liver. I’m learning more and more about this amazing organ and what it does to regulate my bodily functions. I can’t believe that I pretended that I didn’t have a liver during my drinking years. Absolute insanity. The mainstream people say that scaring is not irreversible but my viewpoint is that anything is possible. I plan to look into hepatic stem cell treatment.
Hepatic stem cells are stem cells that are hypothesized to exist in the liver. Stem cells have a capacity for regenerating tissues, which could be crucial in livers affected by loss of hepatocytes due to alcohol or other factors.
Hepatocytes, the major parenchymal cells in the liver, are responsible for a variety of cellular functions including carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism, detoxification and immune cell activation to maintain liver homeostasis. Recent studies show hepatocytes play a pivotal role in liver inflammation. After receiving liver insults and inflammatory signals, hepatocytes may undergo organelle damage, and further respond by releasing mediators and expressing molecules that can act in the microenvironment as well as initiate a robust inflammatory response.
Tuesday June 25, 2024
I’m back at Alchemy for my morning writing session. It’s just after 7 a.m, I feel good this morning. We joined the gym at ParQ yesterday and did a pretty good workout and had a great sauna and cold plunge. I ate a healthy lunch of raw tuna and salad before dropping down to have a chat to Marty, the guy who runs the sauna. After all of this time we finally found out that he is from Lithuania, not Russia like we thought he was. He also worked in security in W.A for 7 years so he’s got a pretty good take on what Australia is like. After our workout we had a very early dinner at Nina, a Georgian restaurant at ParQ. Decent food but the sauces are far too rich. We ate braised chicken, cabbage and a salad with tahini sauce and some sort of white sauce on the chicken. After dinner we walked back to Ubud from ParQ, had a herbal tea at Casa Luna, bought 2 $10 umbrellas (which we needed for the villa anyway) and walked back to Penestanan and home. So overall we walked quite a lot yesterday and had a good exercise day. By the way, I needed up raining all day but stopped later in the night.
I vomited after dinner but I suspect that it may have been because a ate a teaspoon of salt while I was drinking a cup of water. Maybe that was a bit much. I’m assuming that was the cause because I didn’t feel sick prior to vomiting.
I spent a couple of hours yesterday trying to fathom why my ferritin is low. The number I have is 25, for a male of my age it should be 90-300. What this means is that my active iron in my body is OK but I’m not storing iron in my ferritin, which is simply a protein that stores iron. The more I dig, the more complex it becomes because some of the things that can affect ferritin are hernias, scarred livers and compromised portal veins as well as the tannins from blueberries and cocoa which I’ve been eating and drinking after dinner. Tannins bind the iron and consequently stop it from getting into the cells. I’m only scratching the surface but the positive side is that the more I find out, the more I am inspired to be very disciplined about my diet, my eating window and my health in general.
I have recently been diagnosed with several ailments including a spigelian hernia, scarred liver, portal hypertension, low ferritin. It appears that there is a connection between all of these ailments. From the reports/tests, it appears that what I am experiencing are relatively low levels of damage.
Hypoferritinemia means low iron storage in the ferritin form, which could manifest as general weakness, easy fatigability, depressed mode, palpitation, and hair loss. Iron is present in all cells in the human body and has several vital functions, such as: carrying oxygen to the tissues from the lungs as a key component of the Hb molecule, facilitating oxygen use and storage in the muscles as a component of myoglobin, and acting as a transport medium for electrons within the cells in the form of cytochromes and as an integral part of enzyme reactions in various tissues. Too little iron can interfere with these vital functions and lead to morbidity.[3]
Hypoferritinemia diagnosed when the level of serum ferritin reduced below 11 ng/ml in females and below 23 ng/ml in males in the reference range. Hypoferritinemia caused by decreased iron intake, as part of the general poor diet, or due to low gastrointestinal absorption that happens to postbariatric surgery. It also happens in Crohn’s disease (a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines, especially the colon and ileum, associated with ulcers and fistulae), ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease) and celiac disease, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, peptic ulcer (a lesion in the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract, typically in the stomach or duodenum, caused by the digestive action of pepsin and stomach acid), menorrhagia (abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation), and hematuria (presence of blood in urine).
Tannins are naturally occurring chemical compounds, known as polyphenols, found in many plants. In grapes, these compounds are found in the skin, seeds, and stems, and act as a defence mechanism against animals and insects. When it comes to aging wines, tannins can be imparted by wood barrels. Foods and beverages such as tea, dark chocolate, nuts, coffee and many others such as blueberries also contain tannins. Phenolic acid found in apples, peppermint and some herbal teas, and tannins found in black teas, coffee, cocoa, spices, walnuts, fruits such as apples, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries all have the ability to inhibit iron absorption.
Calcium containing foods hinder iron absorption and therefore consuming calcium containing food products in combination with other iron-rich foods can affect how much iron is being absorbed by your body. Dairy foods like milk, yoghurt and cheese should be avoided for this reason.
There are several reasons why your body may not absorb iron, including: You have an intestinal or digestive condition like celiac disease, autoimmune gastritis, or inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease. You have a Helicobacter pylori infection of your stomach.
Studies have shown that up to 45% of patients with large hiatal hernias (the protrusion of an organ, typically the stomach, through the oesophageal opening in the diaphragm) have iron deficiency anemia. I have recently been diagnosed with a spigelian hernia. Surgery is the only way to treat a spigelian hernia, either by a regular surgical operation or through laparoscopic repair. Waiting isn’t a good idea because the hernia won’t get better on its own.
The mechanisms regulating systemic iron homeostasis are largely centred on the liver and involve two molecules, hepcidin and ferroportin, that work together to regulate the flow of iron from cells into the systemic circulation.
Monday June 24, 2024
Ironically it is supposed to be the dry season in Bali, we have just had 2 of the most consistently wet nights that I can remember. It has rained heavily all night, non stop, it’s still raining, but not as heavily at 8.30 a.m.
I have an appointment with the Balian (healer) at 9 a.m, he is coming to our house which makes it so much easier. He doesn’t speak any English at all so I have to prepare some information for him before he arrives and then translate it on Google.
We went for a long walk yesterday through Ubud and then down Jalan Hanaman which becomes Jalan Pengosakan. George has always wanted to check out a “Day Club” down that way called Titi Batur. I stopped for a $5 plate of babi guling (suckling pig) on the way, Georgie watched me eating it but decided not to partake. The club is sort of way of the beaten track. It has restaurants, a large pool. A gym, saunas, a skate park for kids plus lots of other kid facilities. It’s quite large but not my cup of tea. We ate lunch there. I only had a small salad, I forget what Georgie ate. We hung around until around 3 p.m and then caught a Gojek back to Penestanan. The original plan had been to head of to ParQ and join the Gym. They have a special offer on where you buy 3 months and get 4 which works out to be very economical. Anyway, this didn’t happen due to the simple fact that the time flew and before we knew it the clock struck 5 so we wandered up our gang (laneway) and had dinner at Brie which is just on the corner. Very classy, food is fabulous even though it’s a touch more expensive than most but we ended up only spending $26. We have been averaging between $60 to $65 each day for all of our food, coffee and drinks in general which isn’t too bad. That works out to around $400 a week. Maybe we could cut it back a bit but overall it’s a bit cheaper than we spend in Melbourne and there is no shopping, no cooking, no cleaning which I’m personally pretty happy about.
I’ve begun another oddyssey into the workings of the body and inflammation. It looks like I’m going to be going back on a low carb, gluten free, dairy free diet with no processed foods and as little seed oil as is humanly possible which will mean nothing deep fried. I have
Message to the Balian
Good Morning Wayan Thank you for coming to our villa. My left arm has been very sore and weak below the elbow. This arm had an operation 7 years ago after I shattered my elbow. I will leave it up to you but I want you to know that I am feeling more pain than I normally do. My left knee is OK and I can walk a long way but sometimes I get a sharp pain in the left inner side, like somebody sticks a sharp knife in. Maybe this is a nerve pain. I also get a pain in this knee when I walk down stairs too quickly. My feet get sore when I walk a long time and are more tingly than usual. I do not notice much change. My 2 large toes do not hurt unless I walk a lot. I am trusting that you will be able to feel parts of my body that are not well balanced. Maybe later today I can get Purnami to ring you and you can tell her what you think about our progress.
Sunday, June 23, 2024
I’ve had sore knees for years. The pain comes and goes. It became particularly obvious while I was in Japan a couple of months ago where we were doing huge daily walks, up and down stairs and generally keeping up with my 24 year old son who was doing a walking challenge.
I ran a lot in the 1990s, long daily runs pounding the footpaths around Melbourne’s east. I stopped running around 2000 mainly because I noticed that I had sore knees. Over the past 5 years I have started walking, I average 11,000 steps a day.
There is more pain in my left knee than my right one.
A couple of weeks back I finally had an X-ray and it was confirmed that I have osteoarthritis in my knee joints. I had never taken time to define what this word means until last night. Simplistically “osteo” means bone, “arth” means pain and “ritis” means inflammation. Here’s a definition : Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, in which the tissues in the joint break down over time. It is the most common type of arthritis and is more common in older people.
A healthy joint glides easily without pain because a smooth, elastic tissue called articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones that make up the joint.
With osteoarthritis, the articular (of or relating to a joint) cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joints gradually wears away. Where there was once smooth articular cartilage that allowed the bones to glide easily against each other when the joint bent and straightened, there is now a frayed, rough surface. Joint motion along this exposed surface is painful.
On the first day that we arrived back in Bali we walked 20,000 steps. My plan had been to arrive and instantly get into long morning walks, lots of gym and good healthy food. That goal was thwarted after my left knee started hurting like hell on Tuesday night. I’ve been here for 5 days now, as a result of the chronic pain I have pretty much been out of action although we are doing gentle walks. I’m also having massage and bone treatment from a Balinese Balian (healer).
Osteoarthritis tends to happen in older people, maybe that’s why I was in denial. I didn’t want to admit that I could have an old person ailment. It can be caused by wear and tear, aggravated by obesity and made worse by uncontrolled inflammation. The small amount of study I have done so far has lead me to believe that while there is definitely some actions that one can take to improve the situation without taking pain killers, have knee replacements and other such things.
A January 2023 paper in the journal Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine suggested that intra-articular injection of ozone, applied once a week for four weeks, resulted in a reduction in pain in stage II and stage III knee osteoarthritis, without any side effects.
This morning I had a look online and found a clinic close by in Bali that does ozone therapy so I’ll give that a go. I figure that there is always something that can be done. I proved this to myself when I beat cancer a few years back.
So here’s my current plan.
- Cut out any inflammatory foods and drinks that have sugar, gluten or dairy.
- Go back on a low carb diet, even trying keto again.
- Find out what supplements might help. It appears that curcumin, R-alpha lipoid acid, NAC and a few others things that I already have with me can help to reduce inflammation.
- Do gentle exercise and strengthen muscles around the knee and legs.
- Contact the Ozone Therapy Clinic in Ubud and find out what they can do.
Saturday, June 22, 2024
The week is flying by, we have had 4 full days in Bali since we arrived late on Monday evening. In some ways it feels like we have been here longer and in others it feels like it has flashed by like a sparkler glowing in the dark.
I spoke to Josh yesterday about Finn’s coaching. He’s confident that he can help him get down to 90 kgs by the end of the year which would be simply miraculous. The weight loss will possibly be a bit harder from now on out after such a spectacular start. Finn sent me a message last night telling me how happy he was which made my heart feel warm and tingly. It’s going to cost a bit but between us we’ll pull the money together some how. The end result will be worth more than money.
After our lunch at Cafe Des Artistes yesterday we caught a Gojek up to Sanginggan to check out couches for our small new renovation at Bianco Interiors, we found one that could work really well but will have to wait until we get some more money in our kitty. We’ve run out of money for the time being until we get paid for our bookings at the start of July when we head off for our budget trip to Jogja. We also dropped into an interiors shop called Tao which is owned by an Argentinian woman who is also an architect and probably about the same age as Georgie. Beautiful shop full of well displayed nik naks, lighting, furniture … full of inspiration. We strolled back down Jalan Sanginggan and then cut through a small gang to head to Cafe Vespa for dinner. The full moon shone brightly on the summer/winter solstice.
The week has panned out quite differently than I had planned. Not doing a real lot has been quite a challenge but also in some ways it has been a good experience slowing down. My knee is feeling a lot better this morning after 2 sessions with the Balian. His massages and manipulation seem to be producing positive results.
It was interesting yesterday at lunch. The table had about 10 people on it, all around my age, some older, some younger. They were all interesting in their own way, writer’s, architects, hotel managers, travellers, physiotherapists, even one guy who is 70 and still an active surfer. They all had something interesting to say and I could easily be myself and talk about meaningful things, feelings, viewpoints, experiences without holding back and censoring myself. This is one of the wonderful things about being in Bali, the people it attracts are from “my tribe”. The Friday lunch ritual that Micheal and Geoffrey have created has turned out to be a great way to meet new people.
I woke up this morning at 7 a.m, later than I have in the past but now that I’m not rushing off to walk up the Tjampuan Ridge it is early enough. My abdomen is doing OK. The funny thing is that I’ve probably had the hernia for quite some time but now that it’s been diagnosed I have become aware of the ambient pain that seems to have always been there. In the past I just took it for granted and to be honest, never really noticed it. Now that it has a name and some added significance my attention goes onto it from time to time but I’m pretty certain that it’s OK and that I will be safe.
Georgie should be up now. I’ve come around the corner to Alchemy which is only a couple of hundred metres from our Villa. I’m expecting her to walk in the door any minute.
Two days ago I wrote about an issue with phone calls. I had been thinking about my Spanish friend Joe Llatse who had come from Barcelona to Melbourne to visit his son and daughter who are studying and working in Melbourne. I had only seen Joe once before we set off for Japan and hadn’t contacted him after coming back, I admit that I was feeling guilty. He rang me that same day, seriously …. The phone rang that afternoon and there was his name. I was in the middle of something and didn’t answer but I wrote him a long message the next morning explaining that I’d been in Japan and spending a huge amount of time with Finn on his weight loss challenge. I got a lovely message back from him the same day. He was at Doha airport on the way back to Barcelona. It’s amazing how flows work.
Saturday Evening
It’s 7 p.m on Saturday evening, we have just arrived back at the villa from Cantina which majestically overlooks Gunung Lebah Temple and the amazing jungle and ravine where the 2 rivers meet. This has got to be potentially one of the best outlooks in the whole of Ubud. I had a simple watermelon and feta salad and Georgie had some sort of Mexican corn pancake things with some fish and salad inside.
Going back to earlier today. We came back to the villa after our morning coffee at Alchemy, then Georgie did some training with Purnami, teaching her how to notice and list out defects and general things that need doing in the Villa. Our staff are wonderful but they don’t have the powers of observation that we need them to have. This is something that we are working on. I made an appointment at the dentist to get a temporary crown glued back in, it fell out on Saturday night and thank goodness, I noticed it in the the sink as I was cleaning my teeth before I went to bed. This was a success and only cost $40. I’ll go back to Chris Darby when I get back to Melbourne to get him to have a look at what happened. I walked to the dentist, slowly. After the dental work was finished I met Georgie At Cafe Vespa for lunch. I had mushroom soup and she had a Dosa Curry, the food has turned out to be delicious at Vespa, something I would not have thought possible but happily I was wrong. I had a massage this afternoon with Wayan and spent some time with the girls. It’s always nice seeing them again and playing along with their quips and jokes. So there you have it, not the most exciting day but overall a pleasant one. My knee only hurts when I go downhill or down stairs. I’ve got my fingers crossed that it will just heel up and go back to how it was before, just sore some of the time. The possibility of it being like this for a long term is somewhat daunting so I’ve got to will it to get better.
Friday, June 21, 2024
Review of Plant Bistro
Georgie and I had dinner at Plant Bistro last night. The restaurant is majestically perched on the Penestanan side of the Tjampuan River overlooking the jungle and both the bridges, the old and new that span the ravine where the 2 rivers meet near the ancient Gunung Lebah Temple. I first crossed the old, now unused bridge in 1983 on my first trip to Ubud. When you look up at the restaurant building from the bridge and Murni’s Warung it gives the illusion that the restaurant is floating above the jungle. The restaurant is located in the grounds of the locally famous Antonio Blanco Art Museum. I had been a vegetarian most of my life but I have recently started eating meat to bolster my protein reserves as I get older but I still love vegetables. Having said that I am not usually a fan of vegan restaurants that name their dishes after meat and fish dishes. Plant Bistro is the exception. I had deep fried konjac that was called Vegan Calamari, the chef got it right, spot on. The texture was there, the crispiness, the taste … a simple dish but fabulous. Earlier in the day I had a beautiful fresh salad with vegan salmon which was created from specially prepared watermelon, honestly you could almost not tell the difference. The vegan meals passed with flying colours. I also had a serving of buba ganoush which was creamy, tasty, spicy, absolutely perfect. The staff are super friendly, I was also incredibly impressed when Alit, the team leader came to our table toward the end of our meal to ask us if we had enjoyed the food. He was friendly, charming and genuinely interested in what we had to say. As we left he even organised samples of their amazing home made vegan ice cream, seriously it ranked among the best ice cream I have ever tried, you have to walk past the display on the way out so you really should do yourself a favour and try a serve. Five stars from me, just the view and location is worth the visit.
My plans today are relatively simple. 10 a.m appointment with the Balian who will work on my “aging” body, my knee is feeling somewhat better but is still sore so there is more work and healing to be done, then we are having lunch with Jeffrey and Michael who organize a Friday lunch in Jalan Bisma each week. Maybe after lunch we will head off to the gym at Parq and pay for our memberships. Overall I am feeling quite relaxed and stress free, not necessarily a bad place to be. I’ve toned down my normal frantic level of activity just until my knee has a chance to recover a bit. I’ve also got to write to my GP in Melbourne and contact my friend Joe Lllatse.
Komang is back at the villa this morning. We thought he might be away for a while with a bad dose of the flu but he’s fine thank goodness. I still get suspicious when my nose runs even a little bit but so far, so good. I’m hoping my immune system is as strong and effective as I think it is.
We still have 12 days before we head off to Java. I’m actually very excited about the journey. Car to Gilimanuk, ferry across the straits to East Java, a train trip to Surabaya and then another to Jogjakarta and then back a week later. Not the same calibre of trains as we experienced in Japan but a whole new and different experience through the jungles and rice fields of eastern and central Java. I haven’t been to java since 1997 when Georgie and I did the trip all the way through to Jakarta during Idal Fitri at the end of Ramadan, 27 years ago.
I’ve got music on in the Villa this morning, unlike at home. There’s something about the openness of the space that makes it easier to live in without feeling confined and restricted. An expat friend, who lives in Bali, visited 2 days ago and made a comment as he was leaving that he believes that we have created one of the best villas in Ubud. Quite a compliment from somebody who has high standards.
I made this track on the plane home from Japan. I had every intention of sleeping through the overnight trip but became so obsessed with finishing this track and another one that I stayed awake all night working on it.
Thursday, June 20, 2024
The birds live at Antonio Blanca’s Art Museum 5 minutes from Villa Tusk. We wandered in by mistake today. The music track “Cruising Altitude” was the latest music track I created on the plane on our recent flight from Melbourne. Part of my “Music For Trains and Planes” series.
I’m very aware that winter is in full swing in Melbourne which makes me very happy to wake up to a beautiful mild morning in Penestanan. As I am giving walking a break for a few days I set of at 7 a.m to stroll around to Alchemy to drink black coffee and write. I am usually the first to arrive but this morning there was one couple already here, they had commandeered my favourite table. Alchemy at this hour is a peaceful place to start the day.
I am having a bit of a challenge not going on long walks, to the gym and sauna etc, this will all start happening in the next few days. Currently I’m enjoying spending time at Villa Tusk, our beautiful, eclectic home in Bali. This morning we are heading off to the bank to sort out our accounts, apps and cards. There are innate problems associated with an expat who travels back and forth having accounts in Bali, all to do with SIM cards, phone registration and using the apps. This isn’t the biggest problem that a person could have so we’ll just take it in our stride.
I haven’t got too much to write about in regard to our first 2 days back in Bali. It isn’t frantic like Japan, where we would be heading off to the railway station to travel on the Shinkansen to our next destination fitting in as much as possible in less than 48 hours in each town and city. Even with the slowed down pace that Bali offers I never feel bored or unhappy here and I sure as hell like not having to go shopping, cook meals, vacuum and clean dishes.
I would like to see more of Bali during this trip but that can come a bit later. We can start by catching a scooter or car to villages or locations around the Ubud area in the mornings and having long walks in new places where we haven’t explored before. We will set off on July 3 for our epic train trip across Java to Borobudur and Jogjakarta via Surabaya, I’m full of childlike anticipation about this upcoming trip.
I’ve noticed something about myself that needs addressing. I put off making phone calls. By now I should have phoned my sisters, Joe Llatse and probably a heap of other people since we returned from Japan. The longer I put the phone call off the more I linger and procrastinate, “I’ll put to off until tomorrow” is my catch cry. For some obscure reason I find it hard to break the ice at times finding writing easier. It’s not that I don’t care about people, its not that I don’t want to communicate, maybe I have some old fear about being admonished for some wrongdoing or omission, maybe it’s even that I like to react to people in the flesh in real time.
It’s 3 in the afternoon now, we’ve been to the bank, fixed up the accounts and apps, visited Tim and Christine, had lunch at Plant Bistro, in the grounds of Antonio Blanco’s Museum and Villa. I bought myself an elasticised fabric knee brace which is very supportive but equally uncomfortable. We have now returned to the villa.
The morning started off quite sunny and almost hot, it’s now mild with a medium to strong breeze keeping things cool. I’ve been wondering whether or not I’m getting a cold or the flu, my nose is a bit runny and I feel a bit slower than usual. Komang rang in sick today, he said he has the flu. I gave hime a big hug on Tuesday but haven’t been all that close to him since then. Fingers crossed that nothing eventuates.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
After our walking yesterday I had a rough night with my left knee. What surprised me was that in May I was able to do an average of 20,000 steps a day, running up and down stairs in Japanese Railway Stations, through forests and cities in Japan and then back in Melbourne. I recently discovered that I have osteoporosis arthritis in my knees, mainly my left knee, probably through all the strain of walking and running that I have put on them in my 72 years. As usual I refuse to acknowledge that I’m getting older and as a consequence my body is wearing out. When I woke up this morning I knew that there was no way that I would be doing any long walks today.
We met our friend Rosie at Brie, a restaurant that is literally 3 minutes from our villa, for a coffee at 8 a.m. She had been back to Australia since we last saw her in early March this year so we had lots to talk about. I contacted the Balian (Balinese Healer) that had helped when Finn hurt himself on his past 2 trips and arranged for him to come to Villa Tusk at 11 a.m to see what he could do to help me.
Wayan, The Balian, gave me an amazing massage for around 1 hour, some moments of severe pain, others of relief but more than anything I became aware of certain parts of my body that need attention. I’ll have another session at 10 a.m on Friday before we have lunch with Michael and Geoffrey. Rosie and Gary also had a session with him. They stuck around until 2 p.m, we talked, we listened, we had a dissertation on world affairs from Gary. Overall it was good. After they left Georgie and I walked slowly to Cafe Vespa in Penestanan Kaja to have a late lunch/early dinner. I had a big salad, Georgie had a chicken wrap. I also had about 100 grams of protein today from 2 whey powder drinks.
When we got back from Vespa both Purnami and Komang were here but I opted to have a lay down and sleep to recover from the strange stirrings in my body from my massage earlier in the day. I slept until about 7.30 which shocked me as I don’t normally sleep easily in the late afternoon.
All in all it has been a day of socializing, eating and unremarkableness.
Tuesday, June 18 2024
Georgie and I arrived back to our second home, Bali at around 10 p.m last night after a relatively nondescript and uneventful flight on our “favourite” budget airline, Jetstar. By midnight we were at Villa Tusk and by 12.30 a.m we were in bed, a bit hungry however it was far too late to even consider eating anything.
I got a music track done as part of my challenge to create a piece of music from start to finish during the time it takes to fly from point A to point B. I’ve been doing this since out trip to Europe early in 2023. Not only does it cause me to get creative, it also helps the time to almost disappear into a haze of creativity with my attention totally on creating music out of nothing but a general theme, feeling or idea. Last nights track is called “Cruising Altitude”, I almost dumped it after the first 90 minutes but kept persisting, editing, adding and subtracting until I came up with an end product that I was happy enough with.
I woke up at 6 a.m, lolled around in bed and finally got up and had a shower. I unpacked our boxes and most go the bags. Georgie was ready to go for a walk at 8 a.m. I thought there was no point in getting too frantic about things today, there’s no need to push the envelope. We set of to have a coffee at a small cafe in Penestanan Kaja near Vespa but got distracted when we noticed that the new Russian restaurant Brie was open in the mornings. In January they opened at 5 in the afternoon. We sat on the balcony and enjoyed being back in Penestanan. The guy who served us was a young Javanese boy named Sha from Malang in Eastern Java, he spoke good English but also had some skills in Japanese and Russian. We had a long chat about his aspirations, what it was like being in Bali et al. After this we walked down through the back roads of Sayan for an hour or more and then back up to Penestanan where we had an early lunch at Ibu Nyoman’s. I dropped into Wayan’s Juice Bar on the way back and bought my days supply of fresh coconut milk.
Now we are back at the Villa just chilling, Purnami is getting our SIMs up to date and working. So far, so good.