olaf purvis

Feb92016 by olafNo Comments

GILI ISLANDS

Five Best

It is clear that the Gili Islands are no longer a state secret, their popularity has sky rocketed and are now one of the most visited destinations of domestic and international holidaymakers. Located just o northwest coast of Lombok visitors travel to these islands for several di erent reasons. Party people and the young at heart choose to go to Gili Trawangan to enjoy themselves through a host bars and entertainment venues. Known not surprisingly as “the party island” the full moon has become a popular monthly party time. From Gili Trawangan visitors can catch a short boat ride to Gili Air, the most populated and closest of the three islands to Lombok. This island is blessed with great snorkelling and diving sites from is white sandy beaches. For those looking for a more laid back envir...

Jan262016 by olafNo Comments

Could It Happen In Bali?

Gallery

In stark contrast to Britain the people of Bali have a well integrated society based on a strong community structure. The communities have clear sets of rules and a fundamental principle that a person is expected to be a part of the community and contribute to it and in return the community will look after and support them. Young men in the “difficult” age of their late teens are still very much a part of their communities. Like most young men of their age they may pursue an, at times, rebellious lifestyle of smoking and hanging around on street corners but when it comes to a ceremony they will there dressed in their traditional clothes and taking part in the rituals with the rest of their community. It all starts very early in life with parents, extended families and the local commu...

Jan262016 by olafNo Comments

Macau City of the orient

Next Destination

It is a name we have all heard, a name that conjures up images of a city of the orient, a crossroads where Portugese and Chinese cultures collide but how many of us have been there? A recently took a trip to investigate and found myself enjoying a stimulating and rewarding experience in a city that offers its own distinct atmosphere. The name Macau is known by many as the Las Vegas of the far east, a Mecca for gamblers across South east Asia. I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a gambler but somehow the bright lights, larger than life interiors and cacophony of sounds from a thousand slot machines are strangely attractive. Once I stepped foot in Macau, I found myself energised and eager to seek out the attractions this city has to offer. The journey started wit...

Jan252016 by olafNo Comments

The Heart of Phnom Penh

Next Destination

Once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capitol and largest city. It is sited at the junction of 3 rivers, the mighty Mekong, Tonle Sap and the Bassac River. Once considered as one of the most French of French built cities in Asia, recent history has changed some of those perceptions. Now inhabitant by over 14 million people, Phnom Penh has been developed in steps to keep pace with neighbouring Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City and as a result the city has garnered rapid growth of both domestic and international visitors. Like the Phoenix, Phnom Penh is rising from the ashes of its devastating history. Without actually burying the past Cambodia is proud to show the tenacity of its people as they climb out of the dark days of the Khmar Rouge led holocaust. Monument...

Jan82016 by olafNo Comments

Darwin is the capitol city of Australia’s

Next Destination

Darwin is the capitol city of Australia’s Northern Territory or “Top End” as Australians like to call it. This multicultural cosmopolite has transformed itself over the last 40 years to become one of Australia’s major tourist hubs for both Australian and international visitors. Darwin lies on the tropical band that stretches across the topmost northern part of Australia. Like Bali it has its ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ seasons with “the dry” delivering clear blue skies and refreshing sea breezes. Darwin is a modern city that has maintained some of its best colonial buildings. Parks, gardens and public events add colour and vibrancy to this once pioneer outpost on the Timor Sea. The Top End is teaming with wild life but it is not necessary to “Go Bush” to get close to Northern Australia’s oldest res...

Jan82016 by olafNo Comments

Pranoto’s Art Gallery

Gallery

Pranoto’s Art Gallery was established in 1996 in Ubud and now occupies a new spacious gallery in Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Teges. The gallery exhibits a large fine art collection of paintings made by Indonesian and international artists as well as hosts life drawing model sessions. The gallery is run by the artist couple, Pranoto and his wife Pendergrast.Pranoto’s work is inspired by the model sessions but his technique constantly evolves and currently he is painting with acrylic and marble dust to create texture. On the other hand,Kerry’s main focus is landscapes in plein air and her choice of medium is pastel on sandpaper, a technique that gives her work vibrant colors and movement. Over the past few years, Pranoto’s Art Gallery has become a center for art and artists in ...