Monthly Archives: November 2011

My experience at BAWA (Bali Animal Welfare Association)

Posted in Animals, Issues, Life of Olive by

Wonder if Julia Roberts will star in this sequel?

I was reluctant to visit BAWA (Bali Animal Welfare Association) and my husband shared the sentiment – but I am so glad I went. My friends and family were worried that I would be too affected by the awful state that the dogs were bound to be in and didn’t want me to ruin my holiday. A valid concern but I am not one for closing my eyes and I wanted to see how the sanctuary operated. I often volunteer at dog shelters in Perth and if anything it would be an eye opener. Continue reading →

The Dogs of Bali

Posted in Animals, Issues, Life of Olive by

I am not sure what it is about dogs but they have my heart and I feel forever changed after meeting some of the Bali dogs. Once the ‘Island of the Gods’ Bali has been unofficially renamed ‘Island of the Dogs’ and with a human population of four million and a canine population of 600,000 (some estimate one million) it is clear to see why. So why are the dogs of Bali such a massive problem? And is there any hope for these broken souls that guard the temples, get shipped off to Java for food and wander the busy streets?

Street dogs of Ubud

Continue reading →

Need a bit of inspiration?

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Well, I am feeling a little bit beaten at the moment. Sometimes it feels like getting people to change habits and attitudes is just an uphill battle. But this is an utterly useless way to feel so I found inspiration in the same spot that I usually find it – the amazing brain of Xavier Rudd. If you are like me and need a little bit of help converting anger into action today, then have a read of these lyrics or better yet watch the video. What a beautiful soul. Continue reading →

The Blonde Olive welcomes herself back…

Posted in Life of Olive by

Any regular readers may notice that I have been quiet on the blog front lately. I do apologise for this stagnant period but I was holidaying in Bali as official photographer for a friend’s wedding near the amazing Canggu Beach. I had an absolutely amazing time. The Indonesians were all absolutely wonderful and a pleasure to meet and chat with. I have definitely left a piece of my heart in Indo. The Bali dogs broke my heart, the monkeys of Monkey Forrest were hilarious, the scenery was awe inspiring and the food was amazing. I look forward to blogging about my journeys!!!