Hey Tony,
What an awesome thing you've done!
We just came back from a family holiday to Bali. It was mine and my 3 childrens first time to Bali (in fact my kids first time overseas).
We too fell for the enthusiasm of the balinese man who gave us the tickets when surprise, surprise I too was a major prize winner. He almost broke my hand shaking it, saying it was an honour to meet me etc. He would be able to buy rice for his family for a month on the $US50 he would get out of it. Sadly I wonder if they are being scammed too. He said if he earnt enough points he would get a job at one of the resorts and medical benefits for his family, a huge thing for Balinese people. I seriously doubt this would ever happen for him.
We too were held hostage for 1 1/2-2 hours before we realised we hadn't even begun to be told any real details. We too were met by an overly-enthusiastic Aussie, by the name of Ian this time, who had a limp (possibly another gimmick). Like someone else said, all we got out of it was useful tips, where to eat, shop, Balinese v's indonesian phrases etc. I even went as far as to ask Ian how many people win the major prize. He said only 6 go out a week.....BULLSH*T!!! We should have gathered by the amount of people in there. I didn't think about it before but why would you go through all that just for t-shirts. The room we were taken to was full of idiots like us.
I don't know if anyone else has experienced it, but while we were there some guy rang a big "gong" (red faces style) and said "Everyone welcome our latest members....." All the staff were cheering, and this poor couple from Auatralian were all excited.
Thankfully my husband was very firm and said he did not wish to waste their time, or OURS any longer. We had no interest in joining. Things turned very cold very quickly after that.
We were escorted to another room to get our car-cleaning rags (free t shirts) and my weeks accommodation. Then swiftly out the door.
Funny thing is the driver we had take us home loved Aussies, his car was covered in Aussie trinkets, even a number plate that said I LOVE AUS! His first words to us were "So you were kidnapped for the afternoon"!!! We couldn't believe it.
Before I even read this site we decided to give the "free" holiday a big miss. When I read another 11/2 hour presentation was compulsary and they could "relocate" us to another hotel at their expense, then bring us back if they wished. I could foresee our "free" holiday becoming a night mare!
Debbie & Leo Iriks
Kind Regards,
Debbie Iriks