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Bali coworking spaces feel totally different now vs 5 years ago

I went back to Ubud last month and the coworking spot I used to hang at is now a fancy cafe with $8 lattes. Back in 2019, I paid $50 a month for a desk and free coffee, met other nomads just starting out. Now it feels like everyone's got a podcast or a course to sell, way less casual. Anyone else notice their old spots got gentrified like this?
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thomas275
thomas27526d ago
Wait hold on... $8 for a latte? That can't be right, I paid like $2.50 for a cappuccino in Ubud back in 2018 and thought that was pricey. The whole vibe shift you're describing makes me sad honestly, those old coworking spots felt like actual communities where people helped each other build stuff. Now it sounds like a networking event for wanna-be influencers with their tripods and ring lights everywhere. I remember sitting next to a guy who was coding his first app and we'd just brainstorm for hours over cheap nasi goreng. Those days are gone for sure, the whole place got polished up and lost its soul.
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lisa5
lisa526d ago
@thomas275 you're right about the ring lights haha. But honestly what gets me is how the local Balinese staff barely hang out anymore, back then they'd sit and eat with us after closing now they just clean up and leave. The community feel went both ways I think.
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elizabeth900
The $8 latte probably keeps the lights on and pays the staff a fair wage now instead of relying on tips. Isn't it better they have their own lives after work instead of feeling obligated to hang out with tourists?
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