“I think you must think past the pandemic and work towards creating the future that you want. For me, it’s creating a community where older and younger people can thrive together.Bali is a special setting as the spiritual and creative locals provide an inspirational atmosphere.”
Neill Kramer is originally from the USA, but is now living in Bali, Indonesia. His goals are to continue to provide hospitality and safety to guests at his boutique hotel, Ohana Retreat Bali and to eventually create a co-living community in Bali.
Neill describes how he faced the pandemic from his secluded Indonesian retreat, including hosting guests who stayed on property during quarantine, implementing an increased cleaning protocol, and the spiritual nature that Bali beholds which has provided the surrounding community with a sense of hope.
Read more about Neill’s COVID Chronicle from Bali, below:
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced during quarantine/the COVID crisis?
“At first it was safety. We had several guests go back to their country of origin. But one couple stayed on with us. We kept out staff but reduced their hours.
In terms of moving forward, we will have a strict cleaning protocol and slowly re-open to guests once Bali allows tourists back to the island.”
Is there anything you feel that you’ve learned through this experience, you can share as inspiration to those who are feeling a bit defeated by everything?
“I think you must think past the pandemic and work towards creating the future that you want. For me, it’s creating a community where older and younger people can thrive together.
Bali is a special setting as the spiritual and creative locals provide an inspirational atmosphere.”
Has this experience in any way changed the way that you order your personal priorities in life?
“I have been simplifying my life over the past few years and now I want to continue to eliminate unnecessary wants or desires.
Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy and if the coronavirus has taught us anything, it has allowed us to slow down and smell the roses in your own neighborhood. To be grateful that you can take a long walk and observe the mundane.”
What has your local community been doing to fight the rate of transmission and how has this impacted you?
“We have had beach closings and road blockages and so that means more stay at home time. The best way to fight this virus is to limit your contact with others. So that’s what we’ve been doing…”
What has been your general daily routine so far during the pandemic, and what have you been doing to keep up your spirits?
“Take a long walk each morning. Read, write, and tend to the daily maintenance of our little hotel. Focus on creating a better future.”
Any other thoughts that you’d like to share?
“I have a new newsletter that is about achieving financial independence in Bali, which you can check out, here!”
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