In Reply to: Proper actions posted by Badak Sinting on Thursday, 27. March 2008 at 18:33 Bali Time:
Hi Badak Sintang,
Despite all that is said about not having eye contact, from the moment i started doing what is the norm for me, full eye contact, big grin, and shaking my head no, was the moment i started really relaxing and sellers stopped hassling me. Haven't been hassled by sellers for years now anywhere i've traveled. (Touch wood)
My last trip to Bali was my first time to the infamous Kuta Beach, and i fully expected to be hassled. Didn't happen. Sellers gave a smile as i meandered along, and when i found a spot on the beach just one sarong seller approached. On receiving my normal response she sat down on the sand next to me for about 20 mins. No hard luck story, no attempt to sell, just chatting about our families. I bought nothing and she seemed to be just having a rest.
Your last sentence is spot on.