In Reply to: How to keep a Balinese friend... posted by Balimagic on Thursday, 19. January 2006 at 05:19 Bali Time:
The Balinese, rightly so, are very proud people. Proud of their culture and island. The worst one can do is to treat them as a charity case. We also give extra to our friends. If we give extra money we say it is to help educate their family (children). If I give a suitcase of clothes I first ask if it is of any use to them or members of their family, and ask if they can distribute to less fortunate. I don't mind where it goes or if they keep it for themselves. I try not to just hand money directly as this may embarrass them, and this makes them feel they should give in return. Tell them you enjoy their company and value your friendship but don't expect a Balinese to get overly excited about a particular gift you have given. Often something will remain unopen until after you are gone, this is their culture. Give a friendship time to develop, it is better to give too little then too much and feel you are being used or buying their friendship. They truely don't expect it.