Adopt a Tourist
 

I don't tour..yet..but I'm working my way toward it.

A number of friends and I were riding yesterday(in Milwaukee) and came across a guy in full-tilt touring mode. He was riding a flat black Surly(no-name, no decals..just black-utilitarian looking..reduces temptation to steal it). As we headed north (he was going south) and then came back we crossed paths with him a few times. We stopped and asked where he was from.."Quebec City"..where are you headed to? "The west coast and then Argentina" Damn! says us. After a few minutes of chatting I offered my yard for his camp last night. When he arrived I stuffed him with grilled pork chops, potatoes, veggies, and cantaloupe. Filled him with coffee and cereal this morning and he headed south a couple hours ago. In the short term he's headed west from Chicago through Iowa and into the Dakotas. He's doing a journal on crazyguyonabike.

Do you adopt tourists?

warmshowers.org

Yes

Don't see many here in Philly. Plus, I have a small house with only a small back deck. But I have been the recipient of gifts of food and adult beverages in campgrounds. When people see my tiny tent and I put on that sad, puppy dog face, they cannot resists. ;)

+1 warmshowers.org

++1 for warm showers. but the other side of the coin is doing an adventure on your own.

A large sector of the Local economy is depending on tourists , dropping off funds here .. lodging, food, and drink is well provided .

I have hosted people from all over the world via warmshowers. Two Koreans (at different times) among the many. One of the Koreans was a Buddhist monk. Just a couple of weeks ago I hosted 2 guys going across country and I will be hosting someone this weekend that will be starting the GAP.

Almost every day while cycling in Colombia I was invited for a meal or to stay

Before I'd heard of warmshowers or this site, I saw a road-worn couple outside my local library and invited them home. They were Germans, on their way from Alaska to Argentina. They stayed five days, resupplying and fixing things and having a great old time with my musical instruments and such. I was the first American to invite them home. Their trip was very successful and we remain in touch.

I've done that many times in the past, and they were the most interesting. I've hosted many times with warmshowers now that we're in the Information Age. I've been the recipient of so much similar hospitality throughout my touring career, starting in the 70s, it's unconscionable to me not to offer it.