In Reply to: poverty posted by Roo_Ted on Sunday, 1. February 2009 at 11:48 Bali Time:
Having lived in the Philippines in the late 1960s at the American Naval Base in Subic Bay, I found the living conditions in Bali to be much better than my experience in the PI. Ninety five percent of the homes in Bali have electricity and the family compound is a strong counter to the poverty I saw in the PI.
That being said it is true that most of the people in the tourist area are sending money home. One of our drivers when we were in Bali was living near Ubud and was sick that he couldn't live in his village which was about 10 miles away. He needed internet access for his business.
I do believe in the pride of individuals. My wife and I were in Italy once when a little old lady was selling flowers. My wife wanted to "give" her money. I wouldn't let her. I told her to buy some flowers--and overpay if she wanted to. But let the woman have her dignity.
We were in Bali right after the Kuta Bombing (six weeks later) in 2002. The place was basically deserted. We tipped very well (more than normal since the lack of tourists was hurting them). We also tipped (in addition to money) with toys for the hotel staff. Everyone either had kids of their own or were aunts or uncles. And I think the toys were as appreciated as the money was.
Just some thoughts.