Another case of Bali Belly

[Tom Dinning]

Aussies visit Bali as they do with the local supermarket. Shame really. It was such a nice place before tourists discovered it. People getting fat on the beach while the locals struggle for an existence.



Once it was a place for the surf and scenery. Those still remain but they are clouded with commercialism and contempt for those that have lived here.



I'm here for a week. My camera grasps for glimpses of the past.



I wonder if he still remembers.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Are visitors to be blamed for bringing money, or governments for not sharing the wealth they bring? We experience some of this in Edinburgh. The rise of tourist souvenir shops in the most historic spots is quite disgusting. The council argues it brings money and provides jobs. Most of the people working in them, though, are not of Scottish origin, and who knows who owns the shops? Someone will know, not me. Edinburgh has always been an attraction, but now it seems to be eating itself, which is rarely a good dietry choice.

Talking of Bali, many years ago I had an LP of Gamelan music from Bali and Java. Somehow, when I played it for the first time, I must have nudged the speed dial to very slow, and consequently the pitch was low. I thought it was unbelievably beautiful. I was disappointed when I heard it at the correct speed.

We should all slow down...

 

[Pete Askew]

I think often it is a lack of respect that spoils things. People are so intent on getting their pleasure, value etc that this becomes forgotten. And, as to the flow of money, that seems to be an issue everywhere. It rarely seems to end up in the right place.

A fine bunch images Tom showing a hint at the contrasts there. Looking forward to more.