In Reply to: Hang on a minute pal posted by octagonmike on Monday, 6. June 2005 at 18:51 Bali Time:
time. We are going for our 4th time in September and we went last year at the same time after a 18 year break. We really noticed a difference in all the renovations they had done to the area. There were lots of improvements to the footpaths, Matahari's Department Store and now the Discovery Mall.
I must admit that the first afternoon when we arrived, we went for a walk from our hotel (Kartika Plaza) towards the Art Market and it was a bit of a culture shock with the "you buy from me" and "hello, I give you good price" but we were fully acclimatised by the end of the day and ready to get out and shop with the best of them.
We can't wait to go back now and are staying for two weeks this time.
I have always found that the best plan is to be very polite to the locals and friendly and they will treat you well. I have seen lots of rude Aussies really talk down to the Balinese and I think that if we are in their country we should respect them and their customs.
Enjoy your trip and be as careful as you would in any other place you visit. It is good to remember that theft and rudeness can happen anywhere in the world including Australia.
Have a great time.
M