What makes bali a paradise??

[JohnnyCool]

Hi Blondie

Just got around to reading your recent posts. Definitely a lot of water under your bridges and I empathise with you (be fore-warned: I'm a "pessimist").

The "Bali Is Paradise" bullshit (as we know it now) was created by a bunch of travel agents in the mid 1960s during a particularly bad episode in Indonesia's history, as a way to promote Bali as a tourist destination.

Around that time, hundreds of thousands of people were slaughtered around Indonesia because they were suspected "Communists". On a per capita basis, more people were murdered on Bali than anywhere else. Food for thought? For anyone who takes umbrage at this, try asking an older Balinese person what actually happened and why? Few, if any, will say anything. Young people won't know what you're talking about (ignorance is bliss, after all).

Some other things went badly wrong at the time, as well. Bali's sacred mountain (Gunung Agung) erupted, wiping out a quarter of the island. Suharto and his gang of thugs got rid of Indonesia's first president (Sukarno). Traditional Balinese, at the time, were extremely freaked out by Gunung Agung's behaviour. It took another ten years or so before the Gods could be placated.

Didn't work, IMHO. Still doesn't.

"Paradise" is a concept many cultures embrace. However, complete bliss, delight and peace are difficult to find anywhere. Having personally spent a lot of time outside of tourist areas in Bali, I know of thousands of Balinese for whom notions of "paradise" have a meaningless ring. Bali ain't "paradise" for all Balinese. Not by a long way.

I don't get a kick out of pointing out Bali's shortcomings. They're for everybody to find out for themselves. Bali used to be a reasonable place for a quick holiday. Trying to live here is a different dimension.

On the whole, based upon my experiences which began way back in 1973, I would have to say that these days:

BALI SUCKS

Many will disagree with this. Any many won't. Depends where you are, how long you've been there, what you expect, etc.

I don't give much credence to westerner's offering their opinions if they haven't actually "lived" here.

A funny coincidence today. After finally getting a rattle fixed in my car earlier today (five hour project), the first music album that came up on my car stereo was a collection of songs by Blondie. I turned the volume up on "Heart Of Glass". I wonder if that means anything, in the context of things?

[Jimbo]

Well i am glad you got all that off your chest and hope you feel better. I do not challange people and as one of the longest serving posters in here if you read through them you will find that is the truth.

I was genuinely interested in your reasoning why you now hate it as you must have felt different when you first came and something has changed your thinking. That is what I was trying to find out and which you still wont share.

The majority of your post now seems to want to attack me on a personal level which is something I have never done.

I respond to some peoples posts on questions that have been asked time and again is to mainly say that the answers they require are in the archives if they want to look but I suppose if I am honest with myself I do not like the forum being used to find something out and then the poster goes away fter a couple of posts etc.

Also I am totally suprised at the number of questions that get asked which require a legal answer and cannot possibly be answered in a forum of this nature.

I much prefer those that add to the forum and join in the other things that make this forum what it is. Whichever way you think of me I hope that you are happier in your next abode as I wish unhappiness on no one. Take care.

[Blondie]

I'm probably going to piss off a bunch of people with this; but Blondie, the story about the guy who gets married, builds a lot of things, and then is discarded like so much trash, yes, it happens - but at the same time, this guy in question could have probably seen this coming a mile away.

Most of the hard luck stories I've heard so far about life in Bali or Indonesia for that matter have all revolved around things where the person who ended up with the short end of the stick -could have prevented this from happening- most of the time. Sometimes, things can not be prevented, but in cases where there is theft, or other things happening, a lot of victims will let the behaviour continue and continue and continue until it's too late -- instead of asserting themselves and taking action.

Anyway, my views and 2 cents.

Hi MadCat

You know you are right... he should have seen it coming. Its hardly a new thing here

I met his wife and while I watched him adore her, she was a hard faced thing who's smile never ever made it to her eyes and I wondered what he saw in her that I didnt and a year before it happend I knew it would. (people said I was being hard and horrible and pessimistic... cant say bad stuff you know) but it did happen and worse than Id imagined.

But he genuinely loved her and he was a smart guy... but obviously..... in some areas....not so much

I will never ever forget how broken he was in the end though, and at pushing 60 how do you re build your finances? Its hard seeing a big strong man physically tremble.

He is not unusual here, there are men from all over coming, falling for it and then later... several years usually, getting the major wake up call and a big cut in their assets.

I mean why honestly does a 50 - 60 year old think an 18 to 28 year old is gong to go for them?... they dont want to think about it... they want to believe... like he did.

I warned someone the other day about it and he didnt appreciate it. But I wasn't saying his fiance is bad, I dont know her so how could I?... But I was suggesting that its smart in any culture, especially Bali, to protect yourself just in case.

The couple that went back to the UK with most of their life's savings gone.. not stupid people but I remember thinking at the time.. .how stupid can you be? They allowed it to happen because they never ever dreamed that it could.

The point is though, that this sort of thing is endemic in Bali, it happens over and over and the fact that the Bulees are gullible is hardly an excuse for the way this place works, especially when forums like this tell all the newbies asking questions, about the beautiful Bali smile while they cut down anyone who wants to warn people of its underbelly

Bali has a dark underbelly and we should at least not pretend it doesn't. Its a courtesy to share our experiences with people who ask so they can make educated decisions. Educated by both points of view... and they can decide.

And by the way... it doesn't matter if you piss people off... that's part of the point I'm making...

Your point of view is as valid as anyone else's, so stuff them or me if they/I don't like it

Jeez... if we cant openly have our opinions what the hell do we have?

Regards
N

[Blondie]

Hi Blondie

I don't give much credence to westerner's offering their opinions if they haven't actually "lived" here.

A funny coincidence today. After finally getting a rattle fixed in my car earlier today (five hour project), the first music album that came up on my car stereo was a collection of songs by Blondie. I turned the volume up on "Heart Of Glass". I wonder if that means anything, in the context of things?

Hi JohnnyCool

The way I feel lately, Heart of Glass on the stereo by Blondie is almost a "sign" and I dont believe in signs!

I've never ever been so unhappy in a place, and I'm stuck here until the lease on my house sells

Heart of Glass, for sure and I can feel the cracks gently beginning to break me

I so need to go from here

[JohnnyCool]

Bali has a dark underbelly and we should at least not pretend it doesn't.

One problem with that is that most people don't have the guts (or time or interest) to confront it. Most people want to keep the "dream" alive. Can't blame them, really. There are some successes and a long string of failures. Just like "Life" in general (anywhere).

I'm trying to think up words that rhyme with "underbelly" that are not obvious. Like "jelly", "telly", "smelly", "vegie", etc. I'm thinking of writing a new song (I'm a bit out of practice).

The way I feel lately, Heart of Glass on the stereo by Blondie is almost a "sign" and I dont believe in signs! I've never ever been so unhappy in a place, and I'm stuck here until the lease on my house sells

What do you mean by "almost a sign?"

You certainly sound like you've had a horrendous time here. I'm sure it wasn't always like that. Like the first few times when you were beguiled by the Balinese veneer of a laid-back, peaceful, harmonious place and people. Scratch the surface a bit and it's easy to find a "culture" that seems to be more interested in dead ancestors than what's going on in real time. Scratch a bit harder and you suddenly find out about on-going, brutal feuds between. and even in villages. To this day.

The "ugly" part of Bali is about as ugly as it can get. Even these days.

Heart of Glass, for sure and I can feel the cracks gently beginning to break me

"Heart of Stone", or little heart at all, might be more accurate. Charming "smiles" aside...

Like I said...
BALI SUCKS
(and it's getting worse).

[mat]

I love the last three posts and so true.
I have just married a girl much younger than me and yes, it's not easy.
However I am aware of the risks and willing to take them.
It's a battle I intend to win, but if [as the odds predict] I fail, then I will hold no bitterness and look on my experience as what it is. An adventure, and be happy I have improved someones life in an impoverished country.
I am certainly getting the best of it now!

Nothing ventured nothing gained.

[Blondie]

I love the last three posts and so true.
I have just married a girl much younger than me and yes, it's not easy.
However I am aware of the risks and willing to take them.
It's a battle I intend to win, but if [as the odds predict] I fail, then I will hold no bitterness and look on my experience as what it is. An adventure, and be happy I have improved someones life in an impoverished country.
I am certainly getting the best of it now!

Nothing ventured nothing gained.

Good on you Mat... I sincerely wish you well

there are always exceptions to every trend and you have a great attitude

Regards
N

[BKT]

Blondie, I didn't appreciate your warning the other day because I didn't ask for one and I've heard it all before, yet when someone asks you why your here you go on a "you don't know me" "how dare you ask me" blah blah 463 paragraph menstrual turbo rant? Why so much over reaction?



(waits for a 4 page over reaction response)

[Blondie]

Blondie, I didn't appreciate your warning the other day because I didn't ask for one and I've heard it all before, yet when someone asks you why your here you go on a "you don't know me" "how dare you ask me" blah blah 463 paragraph menstrual turbo rant? Why so much over reaction?



(waits for a 4 page over reaction response)

menstrual?!

aahahahahha!

hysterical

Now there's a rapier wit for you!

[mimpimanis]

I don't think I ever refer to Bali as a paradise.... but I do love it here not just in Bali but in Indonesia as a whole as I have spent a lot more time in Lombok than my 3 years in Bali.

For me I love the natural beauty, the beaches, the people and my Balinese husband. We can have a much better quality of life here (I am not talking about material things) than we could in my home town London. Not to mention the fact that my husband hates London and would never live there.

Bali/Lombok is a much nicer and far safer place to raise a child.

The downside for me especially as middle age is now setting in is the lack of affordable and decent healthcare but I hope to deal with the affordability part of that by taking Indonesian nationality before I get too much older