In Reply to: Hawkers posted by Miss_Bali on Monday, 13. June 2005 at 16:23 Bali Time:
Go to the Pantai Restaurant, which is right next to the beach not far from the Ramada Bintang. Sit at one of the tables close to the beach. The hawkers are allowed to come close enough to tempt you to buy, but not allowed to come into the restaurant itself. You will quickly get to know them and realise that they are just nice people trying to make a living. [And say "Hi" to manager Franz from Rex!]
There is a narrow street leading up from near the Pantai back to Jl Kartika Plaza full of nice little shops with nice people. Buy a Coke from Dini half way up. They'll all try to sell you something, but they're nice people and it comes through. Don't worry, you'll be OK.