In Reply to: CLOTHES IN BALI posted by CHACHO on Saturday, 21. April 2007 at 02:23 Bali Time:
We have just returned from our 2nd trip and learnt so much more about this beautiful magical place.I can't wait to go back.
I think the trick to enjoying Bali is to just give yourself up to the spirit and pace of the place - remember this is not your home it is theirs.I know I have so much more to learn and discover and know I will be a better person for it.
In regards to designer clothes - my husband had been talking about getting some work suits made whilst there. Thanks to 2 weeks of intense research on a number of subjects on BTF,before we left this time I felt fairly confident about finding a tailor to do some work for us.Long story short - we ended up at Anika Tailor and after going through all the fabric samples settled on some very fine fabric purported to be Christian Dior.
Even if this was not the case, the final result was as good as anything we have ever bought in Australia for a fraction of the price. A two trouser,fully lined suit cost AU$250.
The staff were very polite and professional and the suit was a perfect fit with nothing more than a series of measurements and a digital shot of my husband wearing a suit from home being the references. This might be the norm for a good tailor anywhere,but as a person who has dramas sewing on a button I think it is nothing short of miraculous.
Look for Anika Tailor down Gg.Melati No 7 Kuta. Walk down Jl Kartika Plaza away from Matahari Square on the left hand side of the road going towards Jimbaran. Once you have passed the Dynasty Hotel on the other side of the road start looking for their sign.(Still on the left).Be aware it is only a little sign and don't be put off by the dingy little alley.It is half way up the right hand side of the alley .They will pick you up and drop you off in their brand new 4 wheel drives anywhere you want to go.
On other matters - we noticed the rise in prices too, but things are relative aren't they. Also we noticed the taxi drivers seemed to all be talking about how bad things are a lot more than the first time we went (3 years ago ).The general consensus seems to be "another bomb and Bali will be finished." I don't know anywhere near enough about Bali to comment on this feeling amongst the locals but I hope that will never be the case.
Certainly the streets seemed a lot quieter than last time and the sellers more determined to catch your attention.We spent where and what we could.Thanks to this site I took lots of lollies and bits and pieces from home and gave away randomly.
In return we had 7 days of eating,drinking,smiling,laughing,relaxing and my Balinese really came along this time.The beautiful poeple get under your skin and writing this is giving me a serious case of Bali Blues to go with my mild case of Bali Belly! Small price to pay - as a cook I think Balinese food is DIVINE.That is all I ate.
Sorry to ramble on......if you know the feeling I'm talking about then perhaps you will forgive me!