Copyright © Costa Blanca 41 Club 2018

Costa Blanca 41 Club

..I am off to Indonesia….

Dear 41 Club Colleagues,

I have just returned from a successful 8 week trip to Perth, Australia and the Island of BATAM , Indonesia. BATAM is a 40 minute ferry ride from Singapore and is an Indonesian Development Zone.

Both Indonesia and BATAM  are a fascinating mixture of 3rd world poor areas, but with rapidly expanding infrastructures &  serious investment in Hotels,

Shopping Malls, New Towns, etc.  BATAM has a population of 2.3 million, and now has good medical and hospital facilities, and 5 Colleges and Universities.  Both are Muslim, but with Christian, Hindu and Buddhist religions being tolerated. Also, BATAM has, for example, a special police force dedicated to countering radicalisation.

Like in Spain, the days when one had to have a “Spanish / Indonesian” Business Partner  has been abolished and the power of the Military and the “Old Powerful Families”  is now much reduced. Indonesia  has a democratically elected Parliament and Presidential  system. The cost of living is about 25% to 30% that of say the UK. 2 quick examples. I refilled a car´s fuel tank for Euros 15.00.  I looked at a 200M2 detached  7 year old house with 6 bedrooms etc etc. Cost just Euros 60K! Socially, the life can be very interesting locally, but equally there is  the big city of  Singapore the short Ferry ride away. Equally, my business interests in Perth are just 4 hours away.

My wife, Sue´s condition in her Dementia Home remains the same. She has no recognition of anyone and although eats well and is warm and comfortable, it really is just an existence, not a life.             SO, I will be going back to BATAM at end of March for 7 weeks and If all my “INTERESTS” out there work in the way I believe they will, I will move out there end of June for the next 1.5 to 2 years, at least. After all, we only have one life, and to me it should be an adventure. Life in BATAM made me feel 20 years younger. I have lost more weight and am mentally and physically invigorated. And with my life´s target of 108, I still have 33 more years to enjoy. As in Spanish “ porque no”  Why not!

 Equally,  I will be letting out my villa. For short term summer lets, then for long letting from October. Most things I can see my way to planning, except for what to do with Maisie and Kashta. I have a number of ideas for them, but THE IDEAL WOULD BE TO FIND THEM NEW HOMES. This will not be easy, but MAY BE YOU HEAR OF SOMEONE WHO WANTS A DOG. OR PERHAPS HAS JUST HAD ONE DIE RECENTLY / OR IS ABOUT TO, and would therefore welcome a replacement. Just let me know and I can provide full info.

We still have the February and March 41 Club events, for which I will still be around. March of course including Charter Night on Wednesday 21st March, in the presence of National President David Campbell. Vice Chairman Gordon´s wonderfully updated Web Site will give you more info.

My best wishes to you all and your partners,

Keith