This is my first posting on the forum.
I returned last Saturday night from Bali (my 20th visit) and of course, had a wonderful time.
It was so upsetting however to see how few tourists are now going to Bali. The only people suffering are the Balinese. And I promise you I had deep and meaningful conversations with many of the people there and they are suffering. They are frightened for their futures and the futures of their children. With so many of the Balinese people relying on tourism for their livelihoods, its not surprising. If we don't go, they don't eat.
There were so many people who hadn't had sales or orders or customers for weeks at a time. These people have children to support.
I don't have to tell you how beautiful these people are - you wouldn't be on the forum if you didn't know. Consider how much these people and this island has given us - beautiful holidays for how many years? I believe we owe these people who have adjusted their lives for us. Now its time to give to them.
I saw first hand people who were spending their last day at their job and being put off, people who hadn't had a sale for between 1-3 weeks. One poor young shop owner asked if I could please give him 10,000 Rp because he hadn't had a sale all week. Do I need to remind you that's only $1.40.
Please, please, please, go to Bali. Go as soon as you can. Us Bali lovers need to support our favourite holiday destination and its people, but now, before its too late. There is a serious threat that things won't be the same unless we go back and help the Balinese people.