A needless, senseless shadowy world - Cataracts sadly unnecessary yet so debilitating

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A needless, senseless shadowy world - Cataracts sadly unnecessary yet so debilitating 

Please google +1, FB like and share help make this a thing of the past.

I would like to devote some of my free time to bringing a greater awareness as to a senseless handicap that is inflicting the children of the developing world, many of which are right here in Indonesia. There are over 20M people who suffer from cataracts causing blindness /visual impairment and for just $20 many can have their sight restored. 

As the world emerges from the catastrophic recession, my hope is that we are able to bring humanity from the ashes of greed.  If we can do this; then a great place to start would be to restore the eyesight of so many children and adults alike that suffer needlessly, children who are in the main from all parts of the developing world.

I have lifted these two articles which explain this tragedy in more detail.

I am using my incredible vast audience who regularly visit my Bali Villas blogs in the hope that this article can be FB liked and shared in order to bring greater awareness to this miserable, senseless handicap.

Article 1:

Priority eye diseases

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Cataract

Definition

Cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye which prevents clear vision. Although most cases of cataract are related to the aging process, occasionally children can be born with the condition, or a cataract may develop after eye injuries, inflammation, and some other eye diseases.

Magnitude

According to the latest assessment, cataract is responsible for 51% of world blindness, which represents about 20 million people (2010). Although cataracts can be surgically removed, in many countries barriers exist that prevent patients to access surgery. Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness. As people in the world live longer, the number of people with cataract is anticipated to grow. Cataract is also an important cause of low vision in both developed and developing countries.

Prevention and treatment

Reduction of cigarette smoking, ultraviolet light exposure may prevent or delay the development of cataract. Diabetes mellitus and high body mass index are identified as additional risk factors.
The treatment of cataract is surgical, very successful in restoring sight. The opaque lens is removed and replaced by an artificial intraocular lens. In many remote parts of the developing world, people remain blind from cataract, due to a lack of access to eye care.

Article 2:

Cataract Surgery Techniques

While, many causes of illness require long-term treatment (medication, monitoring, hospitalization), cataract does not. Cataract surgery is a one-time, low-cost procedure yielding dramatic results.

Protocol for Cataract Surgery Optimized for Use in Developing Countries, as designed by the Himalayan Cataract Project and the Tilganga Eye Centre

To allow widespread delivery of cataract surgery in developing countries, innovations that continue to decrease cost and complexity while preserving the highest level of safety and visual outcomes are urgently needed. HCP is dedicated to creating and implementing solutions to the barriers that impede delivery of cataract care in underserved parts of the trans-Himalayan region. For example, low-cost, portable, and robust operating microscopes and YAG lasers have been developed at TEC.
Source: "Fighting Global Blindness"

The HCP is committed to training surgeons and support staff in the developing world in the highest quality surgical techniques that are sustainable in their countries or context. To accomplish this, we continue to be a leader in the innovation of cataract removal techniques, including improving patient access and teaching advanced technology (such as phacoemulsification), facilitating access to quality low cost consumables, and developing increasingly efficient models of surgical delivery.

HCP Performs Cataract Surgery in a Small Nepalese Village

Recounted by Dr. Geoff Tabin:

“For the next three days, 12 hours a day, Dr. Ruit and I perform surgery side by side in a makeshift operating room without any high-tech equipment besides our microscope. When the generator fails, we continue using the microscope to work on eyes illuminated by flashlights, which our dedicated assistants hold.
Technicians, whom Dr. Ruit and I trained, inject local anesthetic to numb the patients' eyes and prepare them for surgery. When an operation is finished, the patient is rolled off one side of the table and the next patient is rolled on. The new patient's face is painted with antiseptic and surgery continues. The turnover time between patients is less than one minute. Dr. Ruit has no trouble sustaining a rate of seven perfect surgeries per hour for a 12-hour operating day.
For a cost of about $20, these patients get approximately the same surgery that was state of the art in America 10 years ago.”

Please share this article and help in some way, I'm not asking for donations only to get this issue out in the open so that it can be dealt with.

Many Thanks from the leading villas of Bali - we hope to do our bit. 

Luxury villas in Bali Bali is a fascinating Island with its scenic idyllic picturesque landscape which is marked by Agung Mountain, its many Hindu Temples dot the island for the people of Bali to make daily offerings.  Each family would normally have a temple situated within their homes to mark their faith and watch over them.  It is said that Bali has more Hindu temples per capita than any other part of the world. 

 

Pura Besakih known as the mother temple of all Balinese as it proudly sits in the foothills of Mount Agung.  Every Balinese Hindu person would seek spiritual prayer at this mother temple the central head of all Hindu temples.   Homage would take place on Bali ceremonial day, when worshipers would tread their way to Pura Besakih dressed in white.. The temple would brim with worshippers from morning till night, this pilgrimage would occur once every six months.  Balinese Hindus believe that Pura Besikah is the gateway to paradise.  Pura Besakih consists of eighteen small temples and one main temple, the main temple has three statues, Brahma (god of all creation), Wisnu (Guardian of deity), Siwa (God for fuser, seeking in my opinion conjoined harmony, destroying all that is bad).

Bali has many reasons to make sense of their environment as they pass through life, prayer and offering is a daily ritual of all Hindus.  The tranquil waters which surround Bali also play an equally important part of the Balinese way of life as there are many reasons to worship the sea, the two most notable are; silent day which occurs once a year and before this day normally three days before many Balinese mark the coming of Silent Day, the Balinese people celebrate what is called Melasti Day the purpose of this day is to cleanse the spirit, to wash away, Mensucikannya, purify with Tirta (holy water, water blessed by the priest) all that is evil and to atone for their sins.  The sea also plays an equally important role as it commemorates the passing of life, as a loved passes, prayer then occurs at the beach to commit their soul to the seas.

 

Bali is a spiritual relaxing Haven, the Balinese with their natural demeanour are a calming influence but when you couple this with a spiritual twist then this makes for an Island worthy of its reputation as a Paradise on earth.  You can not fail to appreciate the calming influence that envelopes you as you pass through this island seeking rejuvenation.

Bali's Beauty as seen through the eyes of The Leading Villas of Bali http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

For Asia's knowledge and opportunities refer to Statura Ltd. http://www.statura.co.uk

To view the many Bali Villas that have graced the Exclusive label for their style, charm and just sheer opulence then visit http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com or for a more comprehensive list, equally stylish then visit http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com.  For real value and splendid style then take a look at http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com

Exclusive Villas in Bali

Exclusive luxury villas in Seminyak Bali has for a long long time time become a haven for the exclusive traveler looking for a special relaxing holiday in a corner of Paradise.  As one Australian said to me Bali is their Hawaii.  Well Bali has come of age and vacationers have come to Bali in numbers with many frequently returning.

Bali has over recent years developed a style based on their own way of life and incorporated that style and elegance into a vast array of Villas for all budgets as all are simply beautiful.  Here at www.theleadingvillasofbali.com we have selected a few of the very exclusive villas to tempt you to visit us again.

Come and enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, the charming Hindu hospitality, turquoise seas and stunning sunsets and do it from an exclusive luxurious villa Villas in Seminyak www.bookingvillasinbali.com

Budget villas in Bali

All Bali Villas

An Incredible New Year

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A firework display in Sanur

Spent the evening on the beach at Sanur Bali, the area was alive with tourists and locals (as they are affectionately known, of which I am now one) alike. Restaurants were full with revelers and beer and wine flowed metaphorically freely. In the shops, the traders stalls along the path to the rear of the beach there were fireworks being sold for your own use and most people bought these by the handful and used them throughout the evening whilst on the beach. In fact these shops and stalls had hundreds of fireworks of all types for sell.

The restaurants along the beach, they too had prepared for a substantial display for they had already positioned in front of their restaurants arrays of fireworks all prepared for the clock to strike 12. But throughout the evening the bangs and spectacular shows persisted as many couldn't wait for midnight.

Barong the grand protector of the Balinese

Barong dancers were weaving their way around the restaurants in equally glittery costumes. The lion, carried by two men in costume and known as Barong, for he floated amongst the crowds as if acting as their protector, for the myth will tell us that he is the protector of the Balinese people, statues of him can be found all over Bali.

Midnight came and sure enough the display did not disappoint for everywhere fireworks lit the sky in fantastic fashion, bringing with them a cloud of dense smoke which wafted across the beach area, this was spectacular.

The journey home was a little strange as the smoke sat across the whole of the journey back, making the journey a little treacherous given the amount of motor bikes that are available on the roads at any one time.

Statura International business experience, helping Western companies to establish Asia offices.

You can see my experience at: http://www.statura.co.uk

For Villa rentals here in Bali.

For exclusive Villas look at http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

For a comprehensive list then look at http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com

For Value but still quality then refer to: http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com

What to look for and to be aware of when booking a villa in Bali

Bali's Villa market is a solid testament to a free market economy, for here entrepreneurialism prevails as competitive pressures drive style, quality and price. However, be-aware as with all private enterprises you have individuals who own, manage and rent out villas that only appear to be good in their marketing as the quality of the villa can be lacking. Villas are often managed much like a hotel would be managed i.e. by a company that is well used to the hospitality industry. But, remember when a villa management company runs a villa they have to be more diligent than they would be if they were running a hotel as villas have many living areas and recreation facilities that are personal to the holiday maker therefore to compromise is not an option.

So villa managers provide an appropriate level of service for their villas, this service is based on a knowledge which has been gained within the service/hospitality industry. Individual owners are often not of a service sector background, they come from all walks of life for example they can be lawyers, property developers, general traders who have "made good" etc.

Villa holidays in Bali are pure luxury

To complicate the market further villas are rented through various agencies who handle many hundreds of properties, be-aware there are a number of unlicensed villa rental companies who ply their trade here in Bali and they do this from a glossy web site. There are a number of reasons why these companies should be avoided and I have explained this later within this article, for now and for your guidance:

1) Always check that your selected villa rental agency, which you have identified through their glossy web-site, that they are a registered agency with a registration granted by "Pemerintah Kota Denpasar" (Government, area: Kota, Denpasar) and that they have a "Dinas Perijinan" registration number, furthermore that their registration identifies them as a "Jasa properti" provider (permitted to provide holiday villas).

There are many hundreds of villa rental agencies in Bali who are prepared to rent properties to tourists, but there are only a few who have the appropriate accreditation. Invariably the prices remain the same between the un-licensed operator and that of the licensed operator, so for peace of mind ensure that your holiday will be well cared for by the official representatives of the tourist industry of Bali.

A tranquil setting on a tranquil island

The official agency's representatives are actively pursued by the owners and management company's, it is these agencies that have built a solid reputation as their reputation generates business "through word of mouth". It is these licensed agents who put the time in to inspect properties and to ensure that they reach an appropriate standard. Should any properties fall short of their standard or the owner or manager is not co-operating with the guest then they are de-listed from the agency's books. On the other side the unlicensed provider actively seeks out these villas to seek favour with the private owners and management companies, the management companies are wary of using unlicensed operators so invariably the substandard property that the licensed agent de-list or do not market they will find there way onto the books of the unlicensed operator.

2) Many Villas are privately owned and managed by the owner themselves. Whilst several owners and I would say the majority are professional as they consider the needs of their market, and the importance of a good reputation for their future sustainability, there are a few, these really are limited in number, that are only looking to get a quick buck from their villa and are not at all responsive should an issue arise.

The villa rental market here in Bali is often "manic" as the demand for villas is very high as on the whole Bali holiday villas have a unique style, quality and have a very responsive service. The villas usually have stylish designs, quality furnishings. The villas have evolved and are built with Balinese traditions such as an "outdoor lifestyle". Bali enjoys a great climate, such that it allows the architect to design the villas based on their traditions and then combine those traditions with contemporary designs. The architects marry an "indoor" lifestyle with "outdoor" living. It is this style, quirky design and climate that forms Bali unique villa offering, hence the high demand.

However, when demand is intense then developers move into the market and they then build many villas for the tourist to rent. Many of these developers, whilst are good in development, see the quick buck in the rental market, they become villa managers. It is not rocket science to compare a developer business with that of the service industry and to see that the two are mutually exclusive.

License granted by the: Pemerintah Kota Denpasar

So whilst there is no harm in a villa developer renting out their villas it is best that they use a villa management company to care for this market. For a professional approach, as many Villas are privately owned the better informed owners then pass their villa to a Villa management company. The management company's act much like a hotel franchise would act, in so far as they adhere to certain standards of cleanliness, appearance and service, their approach would then flow throughout their properties. As these management companies manage many properties this also gives them a critical mass, such that they can easily deal with issues should they arise, they are not so dependent on the owner of the property. Their style and elegance is uniform across all their managed properties, much like a Marriot, Hilton, Hyatt etc.

For my knowledge of the Asian market as a place to do business refer to: Statura Ltd http://www.statura.co.uk

For an example of a licensed operator refer to ‘The Leading Villas of Bali The Leading Villas of Bali http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com  
or take a look at ‘Booking Villas in Bali http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com

For value properties look at:Budget villas in Bali http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com 

What makes a Bali restaurant great, because it sure as hell isn’t the furnishings?

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Luxury Villa Amala Ubud nestled amongst Bali's expansive rice terraces
overlooking the rain forest as seen from The Leading Villas of Bali

What makes a restaurant great, because it sure as hell isn’t the furnishings, the decor or the service provided by the run off their feet waitresses? The menu was simple, ribs, ribs or ribs with mash or rice.  This was an open air, street Ubud restaurant known as a Warung, Warung is an open meeting point, devoid of glitz, pomp or ceremony. A Warung has an area to keep you off the floor and a roof to keep you dry, a Warang is where scantily clad old and young men chew on their tobacco, munch on their rudimentary makan (food) and pass the time of day, discussing, no doubt the trials and tribulations of their long suffering women folk.   This Warung however, unlike others was packed with tourists and locals alike, there were even people queuing at the metaphorical doors.

To eat here you have to share a grubby table, you eat off well used ingrained plastic plates, your knife has a lime green plastic handle, your fork well you don’t need Uri Geller to bend it.  Yet this restaurant, in Ubud, the artisan area of Bali was full, people were squeezing alongside others on bench seats, at tables that could easily seat six people but now had eight.

The tropics as seen from The Luxury Villa Amala on the edge of
Bali's rain forest - worth a visit from The Leading Villas of Bali

So what made this restaurant so special, so revered and in so much demand?  Strategically placed at the street side of the restaurant sat a barbecue.  At this barbecue stood a lady with a pile of ribs a bowl of marinade, consisting of some secret ancient recipe no doubt, duly dipping racks of ribs in this gooey sauce before tossing them onto an open, smoky barbecue.  The smoke emitted was not a fine wispy trace of smoke, this smoke billowed from the burning embers before wafting across the restaurant, encapsulated the diners with aromas’, creating an atmosphere with all its rustic charm. 

For me I found a place to sit by squeezing alongside others, sitting amongst the debris of the recently departed contented guests.  I took a moment to view the menu and chose ribs with mash potato; I ordered a large Bintang, Indonesia’s beer. I sat patiently, in awe of the missing opulence at this eatery; here I waited, still sitting amongst the previous diners debris, like some weary traveller back from trekking the Amazon having stumbled across my first village with real food as I exited the rain forest.

A lady lent over my shoulder and cleared the crocks that surrounded me and gave the table a cursory wipe with a damp cloth.  My ribs arrived along with my garlic mashed potato; the ribs were of a good quality and laden with tender meat which seemed to become thicker as you looked at one end.  I looked around me and everybody in this restaurant was tucking in to their ribs as though it was their first meal for a week.  Mucky fingers, sauce still on their cheeks for this was a place to be remembered, to be talked about or even written about for this was a restaurant that defied logic, defied all norms that you would expect of a normal restaurant. This was a restaurant that a Michelin star rating would indeed kill their business stone dead, this restaurant was basic beyond belief.

To compound the absurdity, next door to this place of such rustic charm sat another restaurant, smarter in appearance, tidier in style, yet empty.  This restaurant had followed the philosophy; “if you can’t beat them join them”, as this restaurant had at its front step a barbecue, shinier than their neighbours, here a lady stood tossing her fresh ribs on her barbecue, but for her business was slow as the restaurant had but a few guests to mention.  

Luxury Villas Amala one of Ubud's finest by; The Leading Villas of Bali

All in all I have to say I chomped on my ribs savoring every mouthful, I tucked into my mash which was creamy and garlicky.  I like all the others in the establishment was pleased that I had stumbled across this restaurant.  I licked my lips and guzzled my beer.  I joined in with the banter with my fellow diners from around the table, although most were silent as they plough through their aptly presented meals that were now placed in front of them.  

As for the restaurant it was called Nuris Warung and I am sure this is a restaurant that needs to be added as a tourist destination a place well worth a visit. Nuris Warung a place to go once you are here on Bali, this wonderful Island.

Bali's Beauty as seen through the eyes of The Leading Villas of Bali http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com

For Asia's knowledge and opportunities refer to Statura Ltd. http://www.statura.co.uk

To view the many Bali Villas that have graced the Exclusive label for their style, charm and just sheer opulence then visit http://www.theleadingvillasofbali.com or for a more comprehensive list, equally stylish then visit http://www.bookingvillasinbali.com.  For real value and splendid style then take a look at http://www.budgetvillasinbali.com