With all the hype of Gilbert’s book turned into movie starring Julia Roberts, I came to read one article on why the book will ruined Bali.
As some of you who had read the book or had catches a glimpse of the movie’s trailer, Gilbert did take the Love part to Bali.
Personally, I wasn’t very impressed with the book when I first read it 2 years ago. I skipped most part to read the last chapter simply because it have Bali on it. I was biased when I read the book – somewhat turned off after finding out Gilbert already had the book deal under her belt prior to do all these ‘life-changing’ journeys. Alas, it could be one of every writer’s dream to secured a deal then ventured out to write yet to me it feels like it tainted some of the authenticity of the story.
Yes, she did experienced everything written on that book but personally, I think a genuine memoir would be better when it first written before a book deal.
Regardless, I can’t wait to see the movie and gulping down as much Bali as I can since I love that island.
Anyway, the article I mentioned before said she’s ruining Bali by ‘opening the gate’ to middle aged women invaded Ubud, Bali, looking to emulate Gilbert’s enlightenment.
Really?
If you know more about Bali and how it’s living breathing from tourism then you wouldn’t think so!
The movie may failed in the critics eyes, the story lame…whatever but if the movie means that it will boost tourism for that island then so be it.
Last time I was there in 2004, remains of two major bombings were still too vivid. The island suffered tremendously almost in a comatose state after the bloody bombing attacks. Economy suffers. Simply put, no tourists means some people just can’t bring the dough to feed their families.
So now when everything is pretty much back to normal, some highlights in Hollywood movie will definitely bring more incomes to the local Balinese, to its tourism industry.
You will get obnoxious tourits everywhere regardless and I really couldn’t care if they are middle aged or hippies surfers. They are tourists = income to the local communities.
If crowds really isn’t your thing and believe me it can get pretty crowded down there in Bali then feel free to explore Bali’s neighboring island, Lombok for example. There are plenty of ‘hidden gems’ in Indonesia.
So I say let them middle age-caftan wearing-soul-searching-love-hunger women comes to Bali any day!
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I love your honesty! I couldn’t agree more — 1 movie will not ruin the island.
And I read the book in 2006, t00. And I really, really didn’t like it, either.
Miel Abeille´s last [type] ..Club Intuition
Thanks, girl! Yeah, if anything the movie will boost tourism so I don’t get what the author of that article who said it will ruin Bali sweat it so much
i bet the book and movie will do more good than anything for Bali!
liz´s last [type] ..DIY Before &38 After- Living Room
Yep, the book may not be my cup of tea but I don’t see why it would hurt an island
I hope Bali gets helped by more and more tourism. The influx of money helps the locals.
Bo´s last [type] ..Soda Fountain Stools
Yep, I hope so too. Things has been improving a lot tourism wisely so a few spotlights won’t do any harm in my opinion.
If it helps them, I’m like you, all for it! Besides, one day I’ll be one of those middle-aged women . . . .
Love the way you’re thinking, girl!
So many people are hungry for a spiritual enlightenment. It seems that (even if the story wasn’t stellar) the movie can’t help but put Bali in peoples’ mind as a travel destination. I can’t imagine that middle age women searching for enlightenment would ruin an island.
Mrs.Mayhem´s last [type] ..Moving to Summer’s Beat
So true! It will do more goods to the island and its people than ruining anything in my opinion.
I don’t happen to live a life that my vacation habits could be influenced by a movie. I can’t imagine a place built for tourists could be that affected.
Joey @ Big Teeth & Clouds´s last [type] ..Blasters to take championship with just one more win!
Love the way you think, Joey! And very true, the island has been Indonesia’s number one tourist destinations for years so I really can’t understand why someone would thinks the book/the movie will ruin it.
Interesting and love your honest take – I hope Bali ends up doing well from this book and movie!
Theta Mom´s last [type] ..More Rocks in My Jellies
Thank you, Heather!
If anything, it will make people curious to explore the island.
Any coverage is usually good coverage, It will stick it on the map for most people.
Exactly, now if only we can get people to thinks that Bali isn’t a country of its own that’d be great
I’m happy if it’ll boost tourism in Bali. What I don’t want to see is for Ubud to slowly lose its identity due to the popularity from the movie. Compared to Kuta, Ubud still retains more of Balinese culture and it’ll be sad to see it slowly vanished for the sake of catering to certain tourists’ needs. For example, we went shopping for sculptures along Jl. Mas and most stores sold the same exact style (such a waste for beautiful ebony wood) because they told us that Japanese tourist loved that style. Different artists but same styles….really sad to see that. It’s a good thing that the locals will get more opportunities out of this while it lasts, but at the same time you know how weak the government’s efforts toward protecting our cultures.
Now again I think it’s up to the our beloved government to educate these people not to lose their identity and stick to their traditional style. I can understand the needs to find more money…but that would be sad to see the artists loosing their traditional touch. I hope it won’t vanish and it will boost their pride so there will sense of belonging then preservation. Sadly, sometimes that’s not the case huh, remember how everyone got so burned up when other country(ies) tried to claimed some of Indonesian heritages as their own?
I have not read the book. I was curious about your take on it so I’m glad you wrote about it! I will probably see the movie because I do like Julia. We have a few friends that have been to Bali and LOVED it.
Kerry´s last [type] ..Kardashians- Khloe Vs Kim
You guys should come and visit – using my best sales tones!
Thanks Kerry. I too love Julia and one of Indonesia’s best actress is in that movie too. Too bad we’ll have to wait until September to see it here. Bummer lol.
I can finally admit I did not finish the book, I got bored in the middle of the Pray part. I suppose I’m going to so some skipping to see what the fuss is all about in the Love section.
As far as showcasing a beautiful area like Bali, I am with you, I don’t see how this can become a large scale phenomenon that could hurt the island.
Maryline´s last [type] ..How to Follow a Blog 101
Hah, me too! The Italy part was ok but I quickly got bored like you said. Good to know I’m not alone, girl lol
I have to admit that I have not read this book. Numerous girlfriends have gone on and on about it. For whatever reason, it is not appealing to me. Then I saw the trailer for the movie, it still didn’t really do anything for me. Perhaps, once my sister is done reading the book, I will borrow it from her. Why spend good money on something I feel so-so about?
I do hope the book and movie help Bali. If something good could occur from anything, let it happen. We all know more good in the world would be great.
MamaOnDaGo´s last [type] ..Friday Flip-offs
LOL good point! Just borrow the book or wait till the movie is on HBO
I think all the fuss started since the book was picked by Oprah them boom it became such a big seller.
Thanks, girly!
That’s such a good way to look at it! If it can bring a much needed tourism boost, then the movie isn’t such a bad thing!
Melissa {adventuroo}´s last [type] ..Comment Vomit- How Not to Leave Comments
Oh yes, some spot lights in a movie will bring good publicity.