In Reply to: Sanur closing(s) posted by colb on Saturday, 31. May 2003 at 12:14 Bali Time:
Hi
We have just come back and it is so quiet, it is almost wierd. We stayed at Sanur and the markets are almost desserted and the streets are quiet except for locals. We thought it would be relaxing without so many tourists, but it is not the same - the atmosphere has changed considerably.
It is quite depressing to try and shop as the people are begging you to buy just one thing so they have money for the day and if you think they were persistent in previous years, it is much worse now. I feel so sorry for them, but it is also very depressing to contend with these stories and the pleading - it is impossible to buy from everyone, but it is so hard to say no.
Although the Balinese often talk about the bombing, most seem to feel that SARS has been the final nail in the coffin for tourism.
Most staff at hotels are either cut back to half days or are working 2 weeks on 2 weeks off.
CAS