In Reply to: What is wrong with Toko posted by lizh on Wednesday, 11. April 2007 at 11:13 Bali Time:
What is wrong with Toko but we have used them for years. They set a (very large, over 1ct) diamond for us, made me a very complicated white/yellow gold and diamond ring from a photo, with earrings to match. I have recommended them to friends that have always been exceptionally happy.
They always weigh my gold, measure my stones, give me a receipt and give me back the gold they don't use. I have had everything checked in Aus and there has never been a problem found, and everything is like new all this time down the track.
I will take note of everything that has been said. I intended to use them next trip but need to use their gold etc as I am all out!! They always do me a "rough" before the final finish and deliver the work to me, so I have ample opportunity to say if I am not happy.
I have recommended Toko often on this forum so I guess I should be getting as much flack as Leonie, but I feel moved to say that this is just a forum for people to express their views, nothing is written in stone. Things change, people have totally different expectations, no matter where you go or what you do in life, you will find someone who finds your dream is some one elses nightmare. These differences enrich our lives.
Leonie has always shared her love and knowledge of Bali with her forum "friends" and I am shocked and appalled by the attacks on her. I do not know her personally, but have learnt a lot from her over the years.
We read these forums, take note of things that interest us and make an intelligent decision on what we follow through with ("pick the eyes out of it" as my dear old Mum would say)
When I joined this forum I was just interested in finding a good Hotel etc etc, as I imagine are most. I am now referring to Leonie being slagged off because she described the conditions and how she helped her sponsored child and family.
I was a typical "ignorant" tourist. Nothing wrong with that, we spend our hard earned money to be just that. I had never imagined the depth of friendships that have been formed with "locals". This forum through people like Leonie opened my eyes, and kudos to anyone that does that.
This forum seems to be slipping back to where it was a few year go, which I find sad. People with much to contribute will cease to post and a depth of knowledge will be lost if the flaming gets any worse. I feel that a large proportion of readers love Bali because of the peace and tolerance of the Balinese, perhaps we can find some way to try and emulate that in our own lives.