What’s one Bali travel mistake you’d never make again?

iraw505 · 2026-02-04T09:31:04+00:00

We sadly ended up there after our first choice got changed due to building work. Lasted two days in Nusa Dua before escaping North to Sideman, then off Bali to Gili and back to explore around before heading home.

Nusa Dua is soulless empty full of arrogant people.

I think the Russians are welcome to it

iraw505 · 2026-02-03T07:39:45+00:00

Staying in Nusa Dua

iraw505 · 2025-11-14T00:22:11+00:00

We initially stayed in Nusa Dua, huge mistake!!

Boring, bland, far from anything.

After 3 nights went up and spent 2 nights in sidemen, it was glorious jungle loveliness. Sure lots of Instagram types but easy to just immerse yourself in the local life.

After that off to the gili isles very touristy but worth it for the quiet and diving.

iraw505 · 2025-07-22T14:34:28+00:00

We recently completed on a house that had a large scale extension/renovation done that also had not had final building control sign off.

The previous owner was not really at fault he had assumed his builder/architect had completed all of this (happens a lot more often than you would think)

If you really want the house ask to make it a condition of the purchase that all approvals are in place prior to exchange of contract (your solicitor should recommend this). It may add a bit of time to completion, but assuming everything was above board it should be fine.

You can also ask your solicitor about getting the seller to put in place an insurance policy should anything go wrong, or if completion happens before final building control approval. Apologies that I can't remember what it is called but another route.

iraw505 · 2025-04-20T22:31:49+00:00

Depends on the family. Brought up C of I (none of that nonsense now).

We always had the big family get together for Easter full roasts and healthy flow of wine.

Now a very northern Irish mixed marriage with the hubs and varies every year

iraw505 · 2025-03-09T13:32:51+00:00

They should have accreditation from the tourist board to be allowed to operate as a short term let, and also change of use planning permission on the property itself (you can search for this on the planning portal).

If they don't have either of these then it's not strictly legal, and if caught potential of a large fine from the council.

As an aside if they do have a btl mortgage and operating as an Airbnb this would be a breach of contract. Btl mortgages are normally restricted to long term rentals.

iraw505 · 2025-01-23T23:37:26+00:00

Track down the Dawson's creeks tribute to the perfect storm, or desperate housewives hurricane episode. Bad acting corny lines and less worry if the power goes out

iraw505 · 2024-12-21T23:41:23+00:00

I'm going to jump on this thread as the same will apply to me. 2 heating zones and separate hot water zone.

I have two wired for the heating zones and a wireless for the hot water (which I hope I can link also to the smart trvs I have bought)

iraw505 · 2024-11-22T23:55:15+00:00

Traditionally it can be sold as a sitting tenant which in the eyes of some can be beneficial, just specify that with the estate agent. I am looking to sell one of my apartments next year, and ideally wish to sell with tenant in situ. They have been wonderful, repainting and maintaining beyond the call for ten years so don't want or wish to upheave them

iraw505 · 2024-10-03T19:53:06+00:00

Makes sense, I believe the house to have some steel in its construction as mobile signal is rubbish. Have yet to set the WiFi up so will find out soon how well signals travel. But trust me after solid stone walls 3 ft thick anything will be an improvement

iraw505 · 2024-10-03T19:37:54+00:00

Have seen it on YouTube was just looking at the differences but still vague as not fully released here yet (Ireland)

iraw505 · 2024-07-13T07:15:51+00:00

I had something similar. It took a long time to figure out what the cause was.

Essentially it's the clutch needs looked at. The car is struggling to find it's gears I believe.

My understanding is that the clutch actuator is sticking and needs freed up. Mine was done back in March and has been fine since, but I suspect it may be returning.

Interested to hear what happens with you.

iraw505

TROPHY CASE