I understand they are trying to make a living also, but your experience is ruined by a tout that will not accept “no” and its unlikely you will return.

Like many tourist businesses in Asia, they only look at short term profits.

Funny enough I took Cat to Bali as the second part of our honeymoon in 1998. Our experience was similar. Beautiful place but the touts made it hell. When we went there had been riots in Jakarta and there were few tourists. Every where we went there were loads of people chasing us to sell stuff. We went white water rafting and in the middle of the jungle people jumped into the river to sell us things! Its difficult as people have to make a living but there comes a point where you don’t enjoy the place because of it.

Good to hear that you are still travelling, as always very jealous. Keep up the good work.

Alex

P.S. Happy New Year in advance