In Reply to: we gave bags of clothes instead of tips posted by bridgetjones on Friday, 2. July 2004 at 15:39 Bali Time:
If those clothes were brand new, never worn, and to their size and style, sure, no doubt, they would go crazy. Somehow though, I don't think that was the case, was it?
Personally I would never recommend clothes as a tip for the Balinese. Money is always best, that way they can shop, for exactly what they want, and at prices that would make us drool with envy.
Used clothes are great to give to needy families, and its best to work through established NGO's here in Bali to see they go where they are needed best. Keep in mind, many of these students come from some of the best families in Bali. Being admitted into the government run school at Nusa Dua is not a small matter.
So, you want to give them old clothes to say, "thanks?" I don't think so! Trust me, if they liked the clothes, NO way they would have "shared them with other staff." Sorry to "burst your bubble" but that's the way it is here.