In Reply to: good/bad times in Bali posted by pumpkinella on Monday, 17. April 2006 at 09:27 Bali Time:
The super special deals you speak of are, I think, behind us now as world inflation and fuel prices make everything dearer. Yes, there will always be 'special' deals of some kind, but airlines cannot deliberately run at a loss and remain viable.
I am aware that when we go back later this year we also may find it quiet, and the people more desparate for the tourist dollar, but it is like any relationship; if you care about the people then you stick it out and make the effort and work together to get back what you had. Running out when it is not all joy-joy, and one feels some discomfort, means both sides lose out.
No, after six trips I am not wearing rose-coloured spectacles. I have seen instances of the nastier side of human nature (as one would anywhere), and despaired that most of the tourist dollars are filtered off to Jakarta and not used to improve the livelihood of Bainese families.
BUT each trip there are several moments where I feel connected to these unique people, this beautiful island, and I feel a richness in my soul - feel more in touch with humanity than I ever feel at home as I rush to and from work and the supermarket. Somehow I don't think I will find those special moments anywhere else in the world.
Friends and workmates still wonder at us returning to Bali, often suggesting Thailand/Fiji/India and other exotic locations as an alternative...but right now I can't see us wasting time and money chasing elsewhere for something I know I will find again in my beautiful Bali.