well I had never even hear of the warmshowers or the Dutch site until this thread so thanks!!!

I have hosted tons of ppl over the years without being a member of any site and I have been hosted by tons.

I always say thanks and send note, or if I can I cook a Hungarian meal for my hosts and I always cook one for guests. This is always a big hit.

I lik the little pins gift, great idea...

Regarding these sites I think you might want to look into servas. it was the original such organization as far as I know and is recognized by the UN.. servas.org

Robi