Just got into Bali this morning. Before I begin, I must say that it was a real good thing that I read somewhere in e forum very recently about this issue of having crosses (X) on your bags, and the solution stated, was to have wipes readily available. Low and behold, there is a GOD!
What we like to do is give to the street kids of Bali, it is also an eye opener for our kids. But mainly our/my satisfaction is seeing those really needy children S M I L E :) ... Give a kid a toy and he/she will smile a smile that can bright up your life! Seen those kids begging for money along the streets or intersections in Bali? Give them a toy or something that a child would like to have ... see which they prefer.
We usually travel up to Bali empty, except for just some of our clothes which don't weigh more then 10 Kgs .... so this time it meant almost 100 Kgs. This is ... to the guy who posted that great piece of advice ... you're a life saver .. GOD knows how much I would have had to pay .. oops I mean donated for the following items:
28 Boxes of Color pencils
32 Boxes of Crayons
24 pencil sharpners
40 packs of (ruler, pencils, eraser)
40 fancy rulers (with shapes in them)
200 stickers
25 boxes of Magic Glitter markers
20 Stained Glass painting sets
1 box of 50 Erasers (Flags of the World)
12 Unbranded Dolls with an additional dress each
30 colouring books
10 skipping ropes
20 Spalding Soccer Balls
5 Spalding Basket Balls
50 HotWheels toy cars
50 Original Barbie Doll set
... believe me, I was shocked in hell to see so many crosses on our bags ... I would have paid the "tax" if I had to, but I am really thankful for that piece of advise that was shared.
BTW - in just 6 mths, Sanur has changed a fair bit. Wanted to get some fireworks for my son, we usually get them from a row of shops along the beach, just near Bonzai, unfortunately, the have all been torn down to make way for an upcoming beachfront property ... looks like all the old charm IS going to be making way for something or another ...