I'd do anything to spend time with my kids. Even go to Bali.

[markis10]

Glad you had an overall positive experience in Bali. I too left it too long to experience Bali until recent times. Living on the Sunny coast beaches overseas don’t really appeal so I decided to book a location away from them in Bali as I was working more than holidaying, ended up at the Fairfield by Marriott Sunset Rd. I think I paid around $60 a day including my expenditure on lunch and bar with breakfast included. The hotel had a night where they focus on local food which was brilliant and a few nights where a local singer did great covers of western hits.

What stood out were the staff, most of the f&b staff were trainees and I identified one who was clearly a future star very early on. They work 60-80 hours a week for $80 a month, yet still had time to smile, and make sure you’re having a great time, so I was generous with the tips. I ended up inviting the ‘star’ for a lunch at what is regarded as one of the top local hotel restaurants and we had a great time as she gave me her perspective based on what she was learning. We have kept in contact since and I get a buzz from seeing reviews on TripAdvisor on a regular basis praising her work years later, hope to catch up later this year in person.

One of the sad things is the lack of social security and folk who have to beg. I came across a mother and toddler near a convenience store, mindful it may be a scam I went to a nearby supermarket and bought some supplies for both which were gratefully accepted with a big smile, also gave them some cash. They were not there for days after so I hope I made a positive difference. Hopefully my visits have impacted the locals in a positive way, rather than enrich the multinationals.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Thanks for the wrap up of your trip, @Human. But I do think you are being a bit hard on yourself in post #57.

You gave the greatest gift, your time and love - these are treasured experiences - the good and even the not so good.

Bad is when you are flat broke, been robbed, thrown in the clink, get really crook, die etc.

When your daughter and son-in-law travel a bit more extensively, reckon they will appreciate this brief holiday even more.
Even planning the most amazing things can go awry and not meet expectations.

I take my hat off to you for rolling with it all and do love those fantastic dive/snorkel photos.

 

[Human]

Glad you had an overall positive experience in Bali. I too left it too long to experience Bali until recent times. Living on the Sunny coast beaches overseas don’t really appeal so I decided to book a location away from them in Bali as I was working more than holidaying, ended up at the Fairfield by Marriott Sunset Rd. I think I paid around $60 a day including my expenditure on lunch and bar with breakfast included. The hotel had a night where they focus on local food which was brilliant and a few nights where a local singer did great covers of western hits.

What stood out were the staff, most of the f&b staff were trainees and I identified one who was clearly a future star very early on. They work 60-80 hours a week for $80 a month, yet still had time to smile, and make sure you’re having a great time, so I was generous with the tips. I ended up inviting the ‘star’ for a lunch at what is regarded as one of the top local hotel restaurants and we had a great time as she gave me her perspective based on what she was learning. We have kept in contact since and I get a buzz from seeing reviews on TripAdvisor on a regular basis praising her work years later, hope to catch up later this year in person.

One of the sad things is the lack of social security and folk who have to beg. I came across a mother and toddler near a convenience store, mindful it may be a scam I went to a nearby supermarket and bought some supplies for both which were gratefully accepted with a big smile, also gave them some cash. They were not there for days after so I hope I made a positive difference. Hopefully my visits have impacted the locals in a positive way, rather than enrich the multinationals.

What a wonderful inspiring post — thanks for sharing your experiences!

 

[Human]

Thanks for the wrap up of your trip, @Human. But I do think you are being a bit hard on yourself in post #57.

You gave the greatest gift, your time and love - these are treasured experiences - the good and even the not so good.

Bad is when you are flat broke, been robbed, thrown in the clink, get really crook, die etc.

When your daughter and son-in-law travel a bit more extensively, reckon they will appreciate this brief holiday even more.
Even planning the most amazing things can go awry and not meet expectations.

I take my hat off to you for rolling with it all and do love those fantastic dive/snorkel photos.

Thanks @Flyfrequently — there’s a lot of wisdom in what you write.

Our tour guide also turns out to be an expert photographer!