In Reply to: A LOT of questions! posted by nyc_to_bali on Saturday, 17. July 2004 at 09:23 Bali Time:
Hi nyc_to_bali (again),
Some answers for you:
First of all; it's a long bleedin' way for you from NYC; not so bad for us (under 6 hrs) - can't you stay a few more days? You won't regret it.
We can't comment on any of your Hotel choices - we don't know about them.
Play it cool with any one tries to hustle you. A very polite "Tidak, terrima kasih" ("no, thank you") especially with a smile will work wonders. To the guys that will constantly beckon you to "transport?" - Jus call out "jalang, jalang" - "walking, walking". Once again with a smile.
Definitely say "NO" to the Timeshare Touts.
Use the light blue taxis - they're honest & use the meter.
Change your money at the Kodak shops ("PT Centrals"). Use crisp, clean US banknotes of say $50 or $100 denominations (no more).
Don't be conned by the guys (& girls) that will come up to you & try to start a very friendly conversation that will end up with "I have a shop . . ." or " my friend has a shop . . . " - "don't shop here too expensive . . "
And don't you worry about identifying as an American. As the other Forumite said: whether you're a Kiwi, a Pom, a Euro or whatever, you're always $$$. If you're concerned at all there's plenty of us Ozzies there that will be glad to accompany you wherever you want to go. Don't forget Ozzies have the same heritage as you Yanks! We both started off as English Colonies & after shaking off the Rule Britannia, ended up as melting pot to the World. OK, so we talk a little different. But plenty of watching US TV & Movies, mean we can understand most things you guys say. (And, we don't all speak or act like the "Crocodile Hunter").
The locals are appreciative of anything. They're VERY poor & would be happy with a pair of discarded shoes even (happened to us with our lovely massage lady at the Besakih Beach Resort). M gave her her shoes after she admired them. When she left she didn't forget & ran up & gave us a big, big hug - "Don't you forget me next time, alright?"
For unique gifts: their woodcarving, art & jewelery are great value.
Finally catch up on some of Filos advice (link below).
ENJOY & DON'T worry. You're amongst friends.
Our 3rd trip coming up - 7 weeks to go (& counting)!
Cheers from
L&M