Making a run to gz next week. Not in any hurry so I thought maybe it would be a good idea to take the train. cheaper than flying and perhaps get to see some of the country in between? Anyone done this route — is it at all enjoyable? Its a long way so I thought it worth asking. Thanks.

I don't think of the word exploitation as implying force. Just semantics I guess, and it doesnt really matter.

Yeah I had just spoken with a couple folks in a homestay program recently. None of what they said sounded good. So I thought it fit the bill under "exploitation."

I think its in the same vein as those placement agencies that make you pay to volunteer. They're all shams, that unfortunately a certain number of people will not see it before its too late.

I don't think of the word exploitation as implying force. Just semantics I guess, and it doesnt really matter.

Yeah I had just spoken with a couple folks in a homestay program recently. None of what they said sounded good. So I thought it fit the bill under "exploitation."

I think its in the same vein as those placement agencies that make you pay to volunteer. They're all shams, that unfortunately a certain number of people will not see it before its too late.

Exploitation for sure. Same goes for all those "homestay" programs in China. They tout cultural experiences and language study to naive foreigners overseas. But if you read the subtext, whats really happening is underpaid or work for free English teaching.

Hostel etiquette is properly shocking here too. Admit shouldnt be expecting much out of 35 Kaui dorm. But the lack of respect for sharing space is unparalleled.