HAPPY NYEPI DAY

Well, you'll probably hear from me before then, or during (if the internet is up) or soon after, but it's coming right up. And here, for your edification, is the notice that was printed up and passed out to the hotel guests here at the Tirta Ayu Hotel in Tirtigangga, Bali - those guests being me. There might be someone else here on the day, but it is seeming unlikely.

A note from hotel management:

Dear Guests,

March 5, 2011 marks the first day of the Balinese New Year 1933 called Nyepi Day. For the Hindus, Nyepi is a day spent in total silence, meditation and introspection, reflecting on the past year's events.

The Nyepi Day will commence from March 5, 2011 from 6.00 am until 6.00 am on March 6, 2011, a day of complete silence without any noise, traffic, fire and lights. The island will be shut down; the harbors around Bali and the airport will be closed for domestic and international passenger flights. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed. Exemptions on movement will only be provided to emergency service vehicles and personnel.

In accordance with local regulations, all Tirta Ayu's guests must remain within the property's premises during the Nyepi Day, from midnight of one day before to early morning on the next day of Nyepi. Guests, although free to do as they wish inside the hotel, no one is allowed onto the water palace area or streets or to go on tour. However, guests have full access to the lobby and restaurant areas and are welcome to use the hotel facilities as normal, while keeping noise to a minimum.

Tirta Ayu will minimize use of lighting and power. Guests can have breakfast, lunch and dinner at the restaurant or order room service. But dinner must be finished before 6 pm on the Nyepi Day. As well as spa treatment will end the service earlier than 6pm.

Cable and satellite TV operators are ordered not to broadcast during the full 24 hours on the Nyepi Day. It is recommended that guests prepare in-room entertainment (books, iPods, iPads, etc.)

Thank you for your kind attention and cooperation.

The Management

Well, this should be interesting. Here's a few pics from yesterday while I'm at it: