Helen

We’d like to introduce our amazing Helen! In the 70’s having finished studies at university in London, she set out on a journey which found her on the fringes of the Sahara in Nigeria, teaching English. Two years in she yearned for beaches, mountains and tropical lushness which led her to Jamaica, where she spent the next 9 years, in that time marrying and having two children. Her stories from the early 80’s tell of that simple life, living day by day with just the basics, but also of the difficulties inherent in living in what was then a very volatile society. Many years in Australia followed, but that urge for island life was still so strong. In ‘87 she and her new partner took a trip to Lombok, which was then still off the tourist radar. Deciding on the spur of the moment to juggle everything they built a business there, Ashtari - a restaurant high up on the hills overlooking the southern Lombok coast. Not so easy with no running water or electricity, but it all came together and became really popular as a spot to chill out. Local girls and women from the villages nearby ran the kitchen, acquiring new skills, including English. Many of them have started their own businesses, and are able to stand on their own feet in today’s almost unrecognisable Kuta Lombok. Almost a decade ago Ashtari was sold, and Helen now finds herself enjoying life in Sanur, Bali, in peace and contentment, with the sunrise at the beach, the chance to meditate and live simply, in gratitude for each and every step which led her to this point.