In Reply to: So...... posted by Holladaze on Monday, 14. March 2016 at 18:25 Bali Time:
... for in my experience things tend to work out if we desire them badly enough, and we as humans are able to adjust and adapt as occasions present themselves. I didn't have nearly enough money to semi retire at forty, but I made it work because I wanted it badly enough. It also helps when your dollar goes so far here.
The tree we farm is called Jabon. I have little to do with the "hands on" of it all as the wife's family pretty much looks after the plantation with us putting up the capital and paying them for any labor. The following is an excerpt from a study conducted on the tree.
"Although previously planted in commercial plantations, jabon were not priority species for farmers or communities in the early tree domestication diagnostic work of Southeast Asia. However, they are now favoured by local communities for their adaptability, fast growth and profitability. White jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) is a native forest species of South and Southeast Asia from India across to China and south to Australia. The native range of red jabon (Anthocephalus macrophyllus) is restricted to Sulawesi and the Moluccas islands. The two species may be considered synonymous but differences in appearances and growth are recognized by both foresters and farmers.
Red jabon and white jabon are ideal for timber plantations and community forestry investments because of their fast growth, adaptability to many sites, economic profitability, and utilization variability. They have straight cylindrical boles and small self-pruning branches, reducing the need for tree management. Jabon species have become popular with some communities,...."
Of course everyone has there own considerations and concerns with making the move to live in Bali, but personally, it's the greatest thing I could have done and the simple joy of my day to day living far out ways any potential negative aspects, financial or otherwise. Actually, to be honest, there aren't any negatives except that I am still required to work two or three months a year. That will change soon, I hope.
Where do I stay? I have a car that is left with a good friend in Perth which I pick up and head out to work with where accommodation etc is supplied. I do my work stint, mostly between twelve and fifteen hours a day for two months, drop the car off back in Perth, stay for or a night or two at the sisters to catch up with the family, and then off again.
Holladaze, I also had some trepidation, concerns and what-ifs before I committed to the move, but it's worked out just fine.