In Reply to: Gifts posted by Bruce NZ on Monday, 18. June 2012 at 09:17 Bali Time:
On Nusa Lembongan is a young shy young guy who does not speak much English but often sits with us on our verandah to practice and learn English. He maintains the gardens beautifully. Last trip on his day off he asked my son if he would go for a ride with him and teach him to play pool, they are now good friends.
The boys that work in the hotel and restaurant get lots of tips and commission for organizing bikes, snorkeling trips etc. The staff do not get the wages that have been mentioned as I have asked the owner and the gardener is paid 800,000rp a month. He gets a room and food as well. Last trip he asked me if I could look for a surf brand watch and let him know how much as he was saving for one. I bought him one in Australia as a present and the look on his face was priceless. I do it because it makes me happy and I can afford to.