In Reply to: Problem is posted by Remigius on Saturday, 17. February 2007 at 14:18 Bali Time:
Nothing to do with self-indulgence. This was gift giving in a way, just not lollies and pencils. It can also be argued that giving other sorts of gifts can be self-indulgent - others have also questioned the motivations of the givers.
Exchange of ideas and culture is very important, and if you have any knowledge of life in Indonesia you would know that for many locals their notions of westerners are so far from reality it can make you laugh, or cry.
The memory of the bule who came and shared their lives for a week still lives with these children, I dare say much more than the bag of balloons, 100 books and coloured pencils I gave them around the same time.