Island News - Goings on

patty schnyder wins the Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic in nusa dua
South East Asia's largest women's tennis tournament, the Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic, was held from 7-14th of September on the outdoor hard courts of the Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua.

The triumphant winner of the singles title was Patty Schnyder, the No 2 Seed from Switzerland, thrashing Tamira Paszek 6-3 6-0 to claim her first title in three years.

In an exclusive interview with hello bali, Schnyder said she was feeling "very good, very happy, and also very tired." She added, "it's amazing because I have now been playing for so many years and have been in and out of the top ten, yet I'm just surprising myself with how consistent I can be and to win again, the way I played without losing a set, it just feels very good."

Asked about her impressions of Bali, Schnyder replied, "I love the place. I've been here four times now. I really like the people, I've been to Bali Collection, and I've been to Ku De Ta beside the beach. Also, I have a friend here who has a house and I've been there and I've seen the rice fields and travelled around the island, so I know a little bit about Bali and I really love it.

With praise like that for Bali, we wish Patty all the best and hope we will see her back here again
next year!

 

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Tri Hita Karana is the theme of the Fifth International Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF). Tri Hita Karana is a Balinese Hindu concept that translates as the inter-relationship between God, Humanity and Nature. Invited international guests include acclaimed Indian author Vikram Seth, US novelist John Berendt, Arabic Booker prize winner Bahaa Taher from Egypt, Camilla Gibb from Canada, Mexican author Alberto Ruy-Sanchez, Australians Alexis Wright, Steven Carroll and Father Frank Brennan, 2007 Man Booker Prize short-listed writer Indra Sinha, Chinese writer Geling Yan, Philippine poet Alfred Yuson and environmentalist and food ecologist Helena Norberg-Hodge. Indonesian writers include emerging stars, Andrea Hirata, Dyah Merta and Saur Marlina Manurung.

A 'Collision of Cultures' is one of the underlying themes of the 2008 Festival with established and emerging writers confronting the issues of 'Us and Them'. Discussions on the environment, world religions, globalisation and the politics of food will be delved into together with the subject of migration and its impact on communities. Hot debates addressing crime and punishment in Asia, and more specifically drugs, civil rights and moral dilemmas, will also take centre-stage.

Satisfy your hedonistic passions with the acclaimed stars of this year's UWRF by luxuriating in the lush surroundings of Ubud's elegant hotels and gracious homes at the literary lunches and dinners. Join the UWRF Long Table feast in the rice fields featuring acclaimed chefs and food writers as they showcase Bali's vibrant food culture. Enjoy workshops that teach the craft of writing or cultural activities that offer a peek into the mystical, magical world of Bali, in between book launches, performances, exhibitions, cocktail parties and celebrations into the early hours of the morning.

And if that is not enough, the 2008 Festival will take to the streets, literally, with international street performers matching their wits against Ubud's youth in a carnival of skill and artistry.

For more information on schedules and ticketing, contact the box office on (0361) 780 8932 and online at www.ubudwritersfestival.com

 

upcomings October 2008

1st - 31st october
The Laguna Resort (Nusa Dua, T: 0361 771 327) is offering a very unique Spa Villa Seduction Package with an aphrodisiacal dinner menu, champagne, massage and body treatments - all in the privacy of an extravagantly spacious spa villa. Only for the month of October this is a one-off Bali treat worth indulging in.

1st - 23rd october
Ganesha Gallery (Four Seasons Jimbaran, T: 0361 701 010) is hosting a solo exhibition of Nico Vrielink entitled Faces representing a radical shift in gear as the artist turns his remarkable talents as a portraitist to other subjects in a series of large oil paintings inspired by his family as well as Bali.

7th - 13rd october
The 13th Asian Sailing Championship is being staged at Turtle Island, Serangan. The Indonesian Sailing Federation has organized the Championship with competitors from Indonesian and Asian countries. Contact details at www.indonesiansailing.org

10th - 14th october
Bali Tourism Development Corporation is behind the Nusa Dua Fiesta 2008 with 5 days of art, culture, sport, music and exhibitions. This year carries a 'green theme' drawing attention to making Bali an environmentally sound tourist destination.

11st October
Today sees sixteen rugby clubs from Indonesia and overseas gather on the hallowed turf of the Canggu Club (Jl Kayu Putih, T: 0361 844 6385) for the 2008 Thiess Bali 10's Rugby Tournament. Spectators and team supporters are most welcome to head along for the games.

11st Oct – 19th November
Irawan Prasetya will showcase his latest artwork 'Ordinariness' exploring a style that echoes his personality in a 'minimalist figurative' style. The simplicity of the theme and the objects he sees are captured in a monochromatic, almost photogenic technique. (Jl. Drupadi Seminyak, T: 0361 736628)

18th – 26th October
It's 'A Celebration of Life' for the Kuta Karnival this year as the nine day long festival features heaps of traditional art performances, sunset dances, sport on the beach, bazaars, live music and more food than you can shake a pair of chopsticks at. Visit www.kutakarnival.com for more info.

18th – 26th October
Indonesia will be 'Inspiring the World' when it makes sports history by hosting the first ever Asian Beach Games. Head down to Sanur Beach, Kuta, Serangan and Benoa Beach to get in on the action. More information at www.bali2008.com

21st – 31st October
Balinale Film Festival will showcase more than 50 new independent movies from Indonesian film-makers and award-winning international films as well as sponsor workshops for young aspiring film makers. To purchase tickets to events call the team at 0812 3802 641.