Are you really this insensitive??

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Posted by Paul C on Friday, 16. October 1998 at 08:40 Bali Time:

In Reply to: SHOPPING again, a long one. posted by Geoff on Thursday, 15. October 1998 at 19:41 Bali Time:

I thought for a while before writing this because your post really got my goat. Now that I have calmed down a bit, I'm still really annoyed so I'm writing it anyway.


I find it hard to believe that someone can behave this badly in someone else's country.

Haggling over prices in market areas is a cultural norm in Bali. Not doing so is very poor manners, perhaps akin to picking your nose in the middle of a crowded train in Oz.

Your bullying "take it or leave it" approach is extremely rude.

If you had read this Forum for some time you would have noted that even at the Rupiah's lowest point, tourists were still expected to haggle over prices and lost respect if they did not do so. If you can't manage

"to go through the bargaining bullshit to establish prices"

with good grace then stick to the fixed price shops - you are exactly the sort of visitor they were created for.

We all get tired of the haggling process occasionally but it is an integral part of the cultural landscape that we go to visit. Bali is not just one big shopping mall after all.


Perhaps you could take the opportunity to also educate your son as well. Have you taught him that it is OK to tease people with disabilities at home perhaps? The "brain damaged" trick is appalling. It is just plain insulting to those who have such a disability and their families it also ignores the Balinese attitude to those in their own communities with similar difficulties. Is it that hard to just say no thanks, give a wave of the hand and walk on??


Do us all a favour and take your next holiday some place else.




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