In Reply to: Women with babies begging in Ubud... posted by Freogal on Wednesday, 11. July 2012 at 07:05 Bali Time:
On one occasion I gave a begging lady all my coins I had in my purse, she threw them back at me! then said 'not enough', that was it for me. I figured if they were for real every little amount would count. We have given the kids toys and tshirts from home in the past.
Last trip a small boy approached our van at traffic lights, he looked at me though the window, hand out and tears rolling down his face, as soon as I said no, he quick as changed expression and moved to another car. Our driver said they are dropped off at the lights everyday by a boss and they earn more than the average Balinese with this act, so dont be fooled, it psss me off that they take us for fools and take advantage of our kind hearts. Agree with other posts better off buying them food instead of giving them money or giving money to someone whom dosnt have their hand out. Last trip our driver got pulled over at a road block and was fined because paperwork wasnt in order. He was so upset, I thought he was going to have an ashma attack. We gave him the money for the fine to get him out of a bit of stress.