In Reply to: two questions posted by clare1 on Friday, 22. April 2005 at 18:47 Bali Time:
Well, the braclet scam I had heard about before I left on the BTF from some one esles JBR. Apparently the pick on mainly women, although I heard this from 2 couples over there so they are not afraid of men either.
A woman will come up to you ask your name and shake hands with you and before you know it you have a leather braclet on your wrist. The woman says its a friendship braclet, and of cousre there is remaining leather on it that needs to be cut off, so they take you to one of the shops as this is where the scissors are kept. Then before you know it they have you sitting down, some one is painting your finger nails and another doing your toenails. And some times there are even a couple starting to braid your hair. They can be very aggressive and intimadating. Apparently the boss of these women is a transvestite and takes most of the money so the girls get bugger all anyway. One coulpe I spoke to ended up losing 500 bucks australian I believe it worked out to be. So all I can say is be warned if you venture down that way.
With the Garuda flight we went to the business class desk as directed by the AP rep as we had told him we wanted to upgrade if there were seats available. Then over to the reception desk (right next to the Business class counter) and paid by visa. It cost $350 each one way.
I hope this helps you and that you have an enjoyable holiday.
Regards
Trish