In Reply to: Febris/Green Garden/Green Garden Resort posted by dork on Thursday, 25. September 2008 at 10:33 Bali Time:
When the Australians left in droves after the two incidents and stayed at home (or went to other destinations), the islanders in Bali naturally looked for new markets and found people who are used to pay lots at home for everything - people who also carry lots of money when travelling and are not too good at bargaining.
The wealthy Germans, although hard bargainers, came and stayed, and then came the equally wealthy Russians as well as rich people from Japan and the Middle Eastern countries. As those people mostly pay the asked price without hesitation, it leaves bargaining Australians out in the cold.
Think five years back and you would never had seen a menu in Russian but now it is getting more and more common. I suppose that is called "money talks".
So now Australians have become the poor cousins, left to eat whatever crumbs there are - and paying throught the nose while collecting them. It is obviously and unfortunately time to look for new, cheaper pastures where the AUD still may be the King or at least the Prince.
The invasion of wealthy Russians is everywhere around the world and with increasing airfares, we may just have to live on memories of the past joys of visiting a somewhat cheap Bali. Pessimistic? Probably. Realistic? Unfortunately. I will surely miss my Bali before the Roubles.
So enjoy your travels to Bali in 2008 as I certainly will. What 2009 and beyond can be like, may be a totally different story no matter how many "pressies" we bring.