The Loyal & Trustworthy Citizen

This is a key observation I have noticed during my stay in Bali and it is something I have not seen anywhere else in my travels around the world, which may be in the minority when compared to other people but I would still like to share my views. They call this island a paradise but it is not only because of the panoramic views, or the rich culture or even the strong belief that the people have in their religion. Yes, Bali does offer something for everyone right from crystal blue waters to white sandy beaches, flora and fauna and even volcanos. Shopping for the ladies, forests and mountains and oceans for the enthusiastic adventurer are always present but there is something else which is often missed by all tourists and for me that is what highlights or is the biggest factor in calling this place-'Paradise', and that is the PEOPLE. Todays world is filled with Wars, Hatred, Petty Politics, Rape and Crimes of various nature, but here those words seem to be from a different world. I write this, sitting at my desk in the peaceful and tranquil location of Ubud, a sleepy little town which is fast becoming one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Many would debate me on the fact that my views and opinions may not be the same if I was in Kuta but that area has only changed due to the influx of the 'expats' and the rowdy tourists from across the waters that are ruining (if not ruined already) the ambience and image of the island. I have never seen such trust, loyalty and generosity that the people over here display day in and day out. You may be a complete stranger on a holiday on the island but the local people will go out of their way to make you feel at home, always greeting you with a friendly smile as you walk past. There are countless stories of support, generosity and helpfulness that tourists encounter personally everyday, that go unnoticed. I myself have had such experiences and witnessed such moments which I would like to share with you. One incident was when a bar owner (he has leased the management of the place to an expat) stopped to have a chat with one of the local staff members on how he felt about the place. He was a young boy of 21 and had been at the bar for three years. One could tell he was unhappy with the management. After hearing countless stories and incidents, he sort of promised him he would try and turn things around to the best of his abilities. The owner was moved by his loyalty and hard work at the bar, despite his unhappiness and suffering at the hands of the management. The owner offered to double his salary on the spot from his own pocket. What happened next was something I'll never forget. With folded hands and a bowed head, the boy politely refused the offer with the words in his local language,- "I will accept the offer when I see a change in the bar and this establishment is back to to being the best in the region". He said he was not working for the money but for the betterment of the place and his affection for the owner. That incident was an eye opener and a sort of turning point in my life. I also read of another incident where a female tourist was riding her two wheeler without knowing she had a flat tire (trust them not to notice such things), when an old lady from the side of the road screamed at her indicating that she had a flat tire. No sooner had she stopped her bike, than a young boy appeared out of no where and offered to help. Within minutes she was up and on her way. The charge- Nothing. It is such incidents and the love and generosity of the people that make this island a paradise to live on. One must however respect the local people and not take their simple and humble lifestyles for granted and as a weakness. To prove to you, the trust people have for one another, I have not seen a single household lock their doors or windows when they sleep at night. I have seen countless shops that are unmanned for hours because theft and petty crimes are unknown in these areas. Everyone is happy with what they have and are not greedy or looking for more. They all live in communities, equal to one another and help each other out. It is this sort of lifestyle and trust amongst the people that makes this an island of paradise and a true joy to be a part of.