In Reply to: Who are you kidding? posted by KazAllen on Sunday, 2. December 2007 at 15:27 Bali Time:
You said "Those who can afford to drink Moet etc need not worry about cost." I think that is a very poor generalisation. I work exceptionally hard (as I am sure many on this forum do) so that my family can enjoy some of the finer things in life - if we can save $30-40 per bottle - that is going to help us out a lot. Would you be happy to pay double for a bottle of Jacob's Creek? What about double for a bottle of whiskey or rum? What about double for a bottle of perfume?
To some, Moet, etc. might be a luxury that is too expensive. But to others, even having the privilege to travel at all might be a luxury that is too expensive. Would it be right for them to take the view that those who can afford to travel needn't worry about costs? Would you agree that being conscious of the increase in airfares is unnecessary? Would you support the statement: 'Those who can afford to travel overseas need not worry about cost.' I don't think so. Just because someone can afford luxuries that others might not be able to, doesn't mean that there is no need to be conscious of costs!
As to "Who are you kidding?" By 'entry level' I was referring to Champagne. I don't want sound like more of a snob than I obviously appear to you, but Jacob's Creek, Yellow, etc. are not Champagnes. They are sparkling wines. (See the link posted below, which explains the usage of the term Champagne - it is restricted to sparkling wines from the Champagne region in France.)
Moet ($60), Veuve ($60), Louis Roederer ($70) are some of the cheapest Champagnes available.
Are they dearer than Jacob's Creek, etc.? Yes.
Does this change the fact that they are entry level Champagnes? No.
I should note, for what it is worth, that I do not have anything against other sparkling wines - in fact, I am always keen to support Aussie winemakers, for example, in my view, Stephano Lubianno in Tassie makes a lovely bubbly ($30), as does Brown Brothers ($12-15).
'but not for the normal run of the mill travellers!' If you have the time/energy (and I understand if you don't) I'd love to know what the 'normal run of the mill traveller' is like?
I fear that you might be one of these people that compound the view that I have sadly come across in Australia all too often - that Bali is only for budget travellers, with nothing to offer those who might be seeking a little more luxury. The simple fact is, Bali offers something for everyone - and in my view, that is what makes it great!
I have friends that stay in a little place in Kuta for $30 per night and I have other friends who stay at the Four Seasons for $500 per night. Both are happy and love Bali - it is delivering what they want and meeting their expectations - and, in my view, few destinations can satisfy the wants of travellers from both ends of the financial spectrum.
<PPWAU slowly climbs down from soapbox and apologises for ranting and raving - just feels like the victim of some form of reverse snobbery!>