Posted by Paul on Wednesday, 7. October 1998 at 20:44 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Just got back - REALLY gone downhill posted by Janey Mackay on Tuesday, 6. October 1998 at 11:52 Bali Time:
Janey I am so sorry to hear that you had a bad trip. I can imagine what it is like as I went once with someone who hated it and said she would rather be back home in an Australian prison than Bali. However that person had a preconcieved idea before she went that it would be like a cheaper version of Surfers Paradise. It wasn't until the last day when I tore the blinkers that were welded to her cheeks, off, that she got a different perspective.
I first went to Bali in 1987 and I actually despised the hawkers, they pestered me to the brink of voilence. Now looking back after many many trips I realise why I let myself get into such a state. The answer........I was an absolute "Wood duck" As others have said if you don't make eye contact, keep walking they will not bother for long. Getting asked to pay Rp 35,000 for a bottle of Air dingin (cold water) I cannot explain. I have never heard of that, ever. I have been four times this year and got back on Sunday last and I feel I can confidently say that is really incredible. The only explanation for that I can offer is that is that you must have looked like me on my first trip, a fish out of water.
Hawkers.....Well as I said, I hated them. Now I love them and if they were removed bali would not be the same. Why? You see I know people who in Australia that have kids that are 16 or so who refuse to go to school and whinge and grizzle about the lack of money the government dishes out to them, while they lay about in front of the TV all day at home while their mother cleans up after them.
Those hawkers on the streets are exactly the same kids, however there is a difference. No watch sold.....no food. They have no unemployment benefits, no TV, no mother who runs after them picking up things. They want to go to school but they cannot afford it.
They come from their villages all over Indonesia and in the main, islands other than Bali, to earn a buck to eat and with a bit of luck send some back to their family who are in a poverty stricken village somewhere on the north west coast of Java, Sumartra, Lombok or wherever.
So when one looks at the comparison with all the variables, I know which child would make me prouder.
Janey, as either Annette or Balijo said, you either love it or hate it. that is what makes the world go round and why all countries are different. I genuinely am sorry you had such a bad time, as I have witnessed the pain another has gone through when in Bali hating it.
Bali has it's problems, huge ones, ones that are mostly irreversable, and it has been caused by tourist, governmenst, Non Balinese Indonesians and also the Balinese
However what I have said above is how I see Bali and everyone has their views and is entitled to them just like you and me. I hope that my limited understanding of things has perhaps given you another perspective and if what I have said is wrong or conversley, correct but not news to you, then I am sorry for appearing condescending, as that is not the intention.
All the best
Paul
Regards