In Reply to: Yes, some are horribly poor posted by Heatherbelle on Wednesday, 12. May 2010 at 17:50 Bali Time:
I think you will find many Balinese who appear to have 'a lot' tick it up and repay their debts. Rarely are cars owned.
Many tourists also give Balinese 2 year old phones (when we start a new 24 month plan, we seem to collect many phones).
Have you been on the beach when the debt collector arrives as the ladies have borrowed to buy new ceremonial outfits?
Nope, I dont think we are being conned one bit!
Many Balinese live way beyond our poverty line.
Have you ever asked a Balinese where they live and they say Legian/Denpasar etc and they have a room?
When they say they have a room, thats it! Bed (sometimes just mattress) TV, maybe wardrobe and drawers. Shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. A room for a family can be 3 or 4 metres square!
And what do they give us, beautiful warm smiles and unending kindness.