In Reply to: Why BALI? posted by oal on Sunday, 13. March 2005 at 14:04 Bali Time:
but I'm trying to analyse something here.Am I correct to assume that most of the forumites here are Caucasians?If so, then it's understandable why most of you find Bali intriguing.
(1)Compared to the cost of living in Australia and the West, things are definitely much cheaper in Bali.Not so for us earning the Ringgit especially when most of the rates are in US$ and the conversion is killing.
(2)Generally,we find the natives'attitudes here, especially those from the rural areas that " if you're white, you're right!" rather nauseating.Probably stems from the impressions left by the old colonial masters, whether Dutch, English or French.
(3)This is linked to (1) above- because most of you find things so damn cheap in Bali,you don't mind spending and when the locals see the $$$,and because they need the $$$,it's inevitable that they become "friendly" to attract the $$$.
Just an example- Singapore Airlines, known to be a great and reputable airlines but it's a standing joke that the service is great if you're white.My uncle and aunt who're American Chinese, travelled with them several times from New York to Singapore could actually observe the diferrential treatment during the flights.
(4)Balinese cooking is basically Indonesian fare- something which is authentic,ethnic and interesting to most of you- but for us, it's rather common fare which we cook ourselves everyday.Pizza to us is more exciting!
Coincidentally, I've done a search on this forum and I've not found many comments posted by those who live in Asia, eg Malaysians, Singaporeans,Chinese or Indians.If they do, they might have a different view.
Please don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to fault anyone here- it's all part of the tourism trade. But it would be interesting to get an opinion from a different perspective.eg a JBR from someone who lives in this region would be interesting.
What say you, forumites?Does any forumites who's not Caucasian beg to differ?