Becoming a Bali expat
People come to Bali for all kinds of reasons, holiday, honeymoon, stop-over, business. Some people like it here so much they become an expat, moving over on a permanent basis. No matter how you arrive certain changes will occur, some almost unconsciously. Here is how you can spot someone who has become an expat:
He is naturally pale-skinned but looks like he has been visiting the sun bed everyday.
Though obviously uncoordinated, he darts out into thick traffic on an under-powered scooter.
She spouts those annoying little pleasantries to waiters that an ordinary tourist will not understand.
His Bintang t-shirt has been replaced with the Greek-looking white flowing shirt.
Formerly an office worker from Harlesden, she starts sporting colorful bandanas and scarves like a Paris model.
Those gay looking ¾ length shorts start to make sense in the tropical sun.
He is 45 and on the wrong side of ugly, but has an attractive 25 year old girlfriend.
She has always been on the short end of her bosses stick, but now finds herself wielding her own stick.
Sunglasses are a permanent part of his head.
Paying her income tax is now replaced by paying an immigration consultant.
He carries 2 sets of business cards. The first says he is a Director of his own company. This is for other men. The second card says he is a Designer. This is for women.
She rents a villa in Umalas, but is planning to buy beach-front property in Karangasem.
You ask him where he is from on 3 different days and gets 3 different answers.
She says she is getting married next week. Six months later you run into her and she says married life is wonderful. Another 6 months later and she denies all knowledge of ever being married.
They both have been in Bali for 5 years, but it seems like 20.
They both have almost forgotten their old life and the question they most fear is What did you used to do before you came to Bali?
Related Posts
Comments
G’Day Nick,
Interesting characteristics. You wrote that as if you were describing a certain person you know. Anybody I know?. It’s defintely not you!!
That’s right Barrie, I’m 42 and on the wrong side of ugly.
Does anybody know how many expats there are in Bali and their breakdown by nationality?
I love Bali and would like to contact someone from Slovak or Czech republic who is living there? Anyone?..M
G’Day Nick,
Interesting characteristics. You wrote that as if you were describing a certain person you know. Anybody I know?. It’s defintely not you!!