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Through my eyes

Through my eyes

Date: 2020-03-13

Have you ever seen what happens to a hotel when it gets abandoned Have you seen what happened to an economy when hysteria strikes and governments place travel restrictions on their citizens, forbidding them to travel to certain countries because of terror threat

We have seen it in Bali, the aftermath of the Bali Bombing was dire. Entire hotels and beach resorts abandoned and left to rot. What once was a thriving business filled with smiling staff and happy families, was rotting away, the weeds and the invasive vegetation had taken over the infrastructure and was slowly tearing it down brick by brick.

This was Bali Cliff Resort some twenty years ago, the first time we went was to watch Andreas Vollenweider's benefit concert, which was attended by the Indonesian princess and her entourage. We were lucky to get press passes, as we could never afford to pay the $250 ticket fee. This was how we got to see the place in its full splendour. When we returned four years later it was a mere shadow of its former self.

Bali Cliff Resort was one of the most magnificent resorts we have ever seen with the most dramatic views. Nestled on the secluded plateau by a cliff that overlooks the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. It used to have 200 guest rooms and claimed to be the only hotel in Bali that offers the view of both sunrise and sunset. Marble floors, chandeliered ceilings and priceless primitive art reduced to ruin over a political decision to ban travel to that country.

There are many reminders of the financial crash in Bali and adjoining islands and I can't stop thinking, what if history repeats itself and the Coronavirus hysteria continues to rage on.

Imagine the Tollmans abandoning the Oyster Box just one day turning the key and letting people off. Imagine Gateway and all the shopping malls closing down because the government has forbidden you to leave your house. How long before it all starts rotting, disintegrating and collapsing Ghost towns everywhere, I shudder to think.

While Coronavirus is a serious threat to our health and the overall stability of our world as we know it, I just can't stop thinking about the horrendous consequences of the mass hysteria we are facing at the moment.

My friend Olivia recently posted on Social Media, "I am afraid that the Corona Virus will kill more small to medium businesses than people... very sad. All because of the mass hysteria and uncontrolled social media." She couldn't be more right, I am feeling the squeeze and shudder to think what affects extended global quarantine will have on our already strained and looted local economy.

Are you feeling the affects of the Coronavirus pandemic in your business Are you preparing for the changes that might come about from yet another global recession that is upon us Whether we like it or not, its coming, so better be prepared or we can just smile and wave.