I found that one of the things that stuck me most about Bali was the concept of making a living.  It was a huge learning experience for me that, in fact, has made me take a look at myself and how I respond to that concept as I live here the USA. 

I was given a business card from a new Balinese friend that, under his name, stated taxi driver & painter.  This card is a basic statement of what I found the Balinese concept of life and making a living. 

Most of the people I met while in Bali held two professions: one service oriented position and one artistic position.  The two were wound into the life of the person.  It was not as though one position was primary, or that one was merely a talent or hobby.  The traditional culture in Bali is as important to the Balinese as every other part of their culture.  Any emerging business, any new products to be begun, any tourist position to take... traditional culture was never put on the backburner.

I have been in very few areas where the local culture has not yet "sold out" in a sense to business.  Emerging business opportunities and other situations which could end up with money-making prospects are usually the first thing on people's minds. 

Bali is very respectful of their traditional culture.  The largest part of their culture is their religion.  Nothing gets in the way of them observing their Hindu religion.  What a statement about their priorities!  At work, women prepare offerings and perform the offering ceremonies several times every day.  The same thing occurs in Balinese homes.  If someone in their banjar (neighborhood) has died or is getting married, the entire banjar population participates in the ceremony, whether or not business was to be conducted that particular day.