Comments & Contributions

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Eat the local food

Surplus Society posts - "Western style food in Asia is generally terrible and relatively expensive. Get into the local food. Head to where the locals are eating - it's usually a sign that the food is cheap, safe and good. Where the host speaks English, ask questions about the food. Often the food has a link back to tradition or family and you'll pick up a lot of knowledge while demonstrating a modicum of respect. Don't avoid market food for worry about getting a stomach bug - other than washing your hands before and after food you have no assurances about any food - even in restaurants."

I'd add - To make your eating experience safer and more enjoyable, choose an establishment which is busy. This usually means a quick turnover of ingredients and the food is cooked fresh. Night markets and street food are often the best way to experience the local culture. Not only do you get up close and personal with the chef, but you get to see the ingredients and cooking method.

Couch surfing

I remembered this morning a conversation I had with Mr. Grace; tour guide, logistics expert and ex-marathon runner. Couch surfing has turned pro. The term was used by poor Uni. students and hippies to describe their tight arsed way of scrimping on accommodation costs by sleeping on couches of friends, or unsuspecting friends of friends when travelling or looking for cheap digs of their own. Now there is an organisation with which you can register your needs or resources - Couch surfing.

As they state on their website "Couch Surfing is an international non-profit network that connects travellers with locals in over 230 countries and territories around the world. Since 2004, members have been using our system to come together for cultural exchange, friendship, and learning experiences. Today, over a million people who might otherwise never meet are able to share hospitality and cultural understanding."

Car Pooling

There is a community in Australia called Carpool One who operate a web based service to connect people travelling from & to the same destinations. 
They state on their website - 'If you're tired of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on your everyday commute, looking for a travel buddy for the next great road trip, concerned about our environment or just need a lift, then check out how Carpool One can help!'

http://www.carpoolone.com.au/