Here's something I posted to a forum a few months ago...
Last time I was in Bali (December 2002) I was accosted by a shop owner - she wanted to shake my hand, so I obliged. Next thing I know she was tying a bracelet around my wrist, had my elbow firmly in her grip, and proceeded to 'insist' that I go into her shop for a manicure 'Very Cheap!!". Half an hour later I was back outside, unwanted bracelet on my wrist and newly, but also unsolicited, cleaned finger nails...
Last time I was in Bali (December 2002) I was accosted by a shop owner - she wanted to shake my hand, so I obliged. Next thing I know she was tying a bracelet around my wrist, had my elbow firmly in her grip, and proceeded to 'insist' that I go into her shop for a manicure 'Very Cheap!!". Half an hour later I was back outside, unwanted bracelet on my wrist and newly, but also unsolicited, cleaned finger nails...
Next day, the day before I was to leave for home, I went for one last walk. Along came a guy, about 20 years old, who proceeded to extend his hand in greeting. I thought, 'here we go again'. Foolishly I obliged and extended my hand in return, but was nicely surprised to find that he was genuinely interested in only shaking my hand.
He proceeded to ask me where I was going, I said, 'Jalan-jalan saja' (going for a walk); he asked if I would like to see his shop. I said, 'no thanks, I'm not doing any shopping today', all the while expecting to once again be accosted. He then asked if he could accompany me on my walk. Suspicious of his intents I obliged nonetheless.
As we were walking and talking I noticed that he wasn't Balinese. I asked 'Are you from Java?' (In Indonesian of course), he responded that he was; East Java in fact, and how did I know? I said I could tell from his accent. He then asked me again if I would like to come back to his shop, not to buy anything, but just to talk over a coffee. I obliged.
Upon arrival at the complex in which his shop was located, we passed a couple of young guys who commented to my new friend in Balinese, to which he responded that no, I only wanted to visit and that we were just going to ngobrol (chat). My limited knowledge of Balinese and the expressions that accompanied the first guy's comments indicated that he seemed bemused that his Javanese friend had appeared to have 'snared' another sucker. On the contrary, my Javanese acquaintance and I sat and chatted, soon to be accompanied by other Javanese youth.
After a long chat over coffee, I took my leave, offered to pay for both of our coffees - after all, if I wasn't going to buy anything at least I should buy him a coffee, even though he probably was half expecting me to pay anyway - and departed, farewelled by my Javanese companions and on my way.
Upon arrival at the complex in which his shop was located, we passed a couple of young guys who commented to my new friend in Balinese, to which he responded that no, I only wanted to visit and that we were just going to ngobrol (chat). My limited knowledge of Balinese and the expressions that accompanied the first guy's comments indicated that he seemed bemused that his Javanese friend had appeared to have 'snared' another sucker. On the contrary, my Javanese acquaintance and I sat and chatted, soon to be accompanied by other Javanese youth.
After a long chat over coffee, I took my leave, offered to pay for both of our coffees - after all, if I wasn't going to buy anything at least I should buy him a coffee, even though he probably was half expecting me to pay anyway - and departed, farewelled by my Javanese companions and on my way.
A nice end to my short time in Bali.
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