25 Lessons I learnt from Couchsurfing



Having interesting people around made winter a happier time for me.

Over 8 months I have shared meals, conversations and my home with over 25 people from different parts of the world through couchsurfing.  I travelled with some and partied up a storm with others, we debated and sat in silence but most importantly we lived and did our best to be kind to each other.   Many people were totally disturbed when I told them that I was hosting strangers in my home, they fired questions about my safety:  was I not afraid of being in my home with a stranger? What if they were a thief or a rapist?  These are normal questions for South Africans to ask for we are always being told how unsafe our world is but I was never brought up to live in fear.  Life is truly too short to spend a large portion of it guarding yourself from what may happen or never happen. 

Living on the edge.

So I chose to live and learn.  In the 8 months I have observed and learnt a lot from my fellow surfers.  They have re-ignited elements of my personality that had been long forgotten, like looking at something as if I was seeing it for the first time, asking why? Doing super cool things like, dancing on bridges and rolling on the floor laughing at our own silliness. They have reminded me of the importance of being brave because to up and leave your comfort zone takes guts,  to contact someone and ask them for a place to stay the night,  that you have never met before …is pretty scary if you think about it. We are people, there is so much that we have in common we have no reason to fear each other when we can learn so much from one another.  Here are the 25 Lessons I learnt from surfing.

1.       We do not eat cute things like Turkey’s – Whilst hosting Luna,  my South Korean friend, we cooked Turkey stew for supper,  when she realised it was the cute looking bird in the pot she declined the stew and ate rice and veggies. #Lesson - Stay true to who you are, there is no problem in declining something as long as you do it with respect for the other person.

2.       Save for what you want and then do what you want to do. Vivi decided that when she turned 30 she wanted to travel the world for a year, she saved monthly and adjusted her life so she could afford this dream.  In the few months prior to turning 30 she met someone she liked and appreciated, yet she still followed her plan for life will always work out as it should. #Lesson – If you want something, define it, plan and then execute regardless of what life presents you with because life will challenge your will.  Offering all sorts of possibilities testing how much you actually want something.

Good Food in Yeoville

3.       Go to places you know nothing about to know more. Often we have preconceived ideas of what places will be like because of media influences and what other people say about them. Whilst you are there, do what moves you; dance on bridges at midnight, laugh freely and just be.  #Lesson- Be brave, travel by yourself, see the world through your eyes and not just through the experience of others.  Meet people, talk to the guy on the bench, and share a mint with a stranger.  Discover how you cope alone and with people you do not know.

Dancing on Mandela Bridge at midnight.

4.       Accomplished people like MBA Holders, National Soccer Team Physio Therapists and  Rock stars sleep on other people’s couches too.  We had a guy who  has created a name for himself as a rocker in Japan and in the states. He wanted to experience Africa, meet some people and that’s what he did. #Lesson – You do not have to travel 5 Star to see the world, but you need to know what kind of experience you would like to have. Oh yes, he also made a video about his time in Africa –inspiration is everywhere.

Laughter is the best Remedy in the World.

5.       Appreciate everything in life, good food, tea, conversation with a stranger, laughing till the tears shimmy off your face - Life can be “So, so, soooo Good!”. #Lesson - There are many ways to show gratitude and appreciation you do not need fancy words, a smile, a satisfied sigh and "so, so, soooo good" work just as well.

One of the most curious people I have ever met in my life, brilliant mind.

6.       Be willing to learn from everyone and anyone. When people ask you questions don’t get irritated as it offers you the opportunity to explore and view something in a different way. #Lesson- Ask, Question, and Answer.  As kids we never stopped asking why? until something made sense to us, so question yourself, be open to being questioned and allow yourself to think Why?

Friends who travel together have a lot to laugh about when they get older.

7.       Give of your time, your space, your food and your kindness. Couchsurfing gives you the golden opportunity to share, your knowledge, your life and your space with others.  It’s a cultural, social and life exchange.  #Lesson - it’s possible to open your home to a total stranger and not be harmed.  Just remember the friends we have today once upon a time were strangers to us. 
  

8.    When other people are relying on you, it is best to be honorable and honest at all times. Be clear on meeting times, just be there.  if you are running late let them know.  #Lesson - communication is key in any form of situation rather over communicate than under communicate.

Couch Surfers Improptu  meet up @Neighbourgood Market, Joburg

9.       Keep your promise.

10.   Recognize the importance of each soul that is on this earth: en route home I had a puncture, upon my arrival I candidly shared how lucky I was that it had not burst whilst I was driving and Luna who was couchsurfing with me started crying, thankful that nothing bad had happened.  When I asked her why she was crying she said she did not want anything bad to happen to me.  #Lesson - Imagine if that was the wish we held for everyone we shared this world with, there are so many people who upset us.  Life would be so different if we wished even our worst enemy well.

11.   Just give, do not harbor any anger because someone ate your sandwich.  Growing up with a younger sister who raided my lunch-box, this was a hard lesson to learn but this year, I think I really made some strides on this one. # Lesson - it’s just food anyway if someone doesn’t eat it will rot anyway.

12.   If we share, we all have something.

Pedro and I after we discovered we shared the same birth date and year.

13.   Be gentle, hug each other and always greet each other with open arms. So many people need a hug out there, just that human touch that we need for our own survival. #Lesson- Hug as often as possible and breath; do not shy away from showing you care.

14.   Travel with a “stranger” by the end of the trip you will be friends.  You are nicer to people you do not know well and you are more patient with them than those you know. #Lesson - travelling with a stranger is an opportunity to challenge yourself and view the world through someone else’s eyes.  You also learn to be more patient and kinder especially if English is not necessarily their 1^st language.

15.   If your gut instinct says run, take it seriously. #Lesson - trust your gut, it generally never lies.

16.   Learning a new language can be very funny if you do it in a light hearted manner.

We were standing at a Game reserve when Luna turned to me and said Michelle “is I-sex warning in julu (Zulu)?”  We both had a good giggle when I sounded out the word she was reading for her. #Lesson - We teach each other at all times whether we realise it or not.

17.   Try, push and be consistent & persistent.

18.   Think out of the box and Dream Beeeeeeg. I met a girl who came from nothing who left home to get herself educated by working in different countries during the holidays so she could make money to pay her fees for varsity, this was all done without the support of any parents or close family. She was goal focused because she wanted a better life for herself.  She also wants nothing to limit her no matter where she goes so she obtained a bike and drivers license. #Lesson - you can have whatever you set your heart on but it will require severe discipline and willingness to stop at nothing and a lot of thinking out of the box.

19.   Say Yes. Sometimes we are so stuck in “who we are” that we have programed ourselves to say no all the time. No I don’t dance, No I don’t eat strange food, No I cannot entertain strangers.  #Lesson – You want to live?  Say YES

I love this picture of my sister Katie in Masai traditional attire,  Proudly  Nigerian and African. I loved being around her, she oozes confidence and kindness. 

20.   Don’t be shy about who you are. People are genuinely interested in you, not who you claim to be.  #Lesson – Be at peace with who you are and be proud of where you come from.

21.   Learn, Learn and Learn some more, I have met Harvard graduates, MBA holders and teachers. They don’t sleep on your couch because they poor they sleep on your couch because they want to understand what your life entails. # Lesson - it’s no lie never stop learning, that's why its called the school of life.

Alyssa and I

22. Travel with your siblings, parents in the fast paced world we live in we often don’t see our family as much we would like to. # Lesson – you are always in charge of how and with whom you spend your time.

23. Relax and take it easy, life happens, torrential rains, passports get forgotten in trains, we fall ill, these are small reminders to slow down and enjoy the ride. We are on the road to experience life not to fly through it. #Lesson – be goal orientated but always leave room for life to happen, you cannot be angry at life if slows you down you little rolling stone.     

24. Breathe.  Stop, breathe and start again. #Lesson – if you breathe correctly you feel more in control, don’t rush yourself this is your time.

25. Nike said it, I’m going to say it.  Just do it! Trust your thoughts, trust yourself and do what feels right to you.  People will always have something to say.  8 months later I feel like I woke up in a Bugatti from all the experiences I have had. #Lesson – Life is understood backwards 90% of the time.  

 

Out on the streets of Brighton with Family Man Sizwe Zondo

Rated one of the sexiest rugby guys in Newcastle High school, Sizwe Zondo was always a charming well-mannered young man who said very little.  10 years later, we took some time to catch up and find what inspired him to Move to the United Kingdom and how finding love on his travels impacted his life.  

1 unit - Sizwe Zondo with his family relaxing on holiday in Durban.

Who is Sizwe?

Sizwe is a simple guy from the township of Madadeni, born to a massive family. I am a chilled out easy going chap, family orientated, I always use the word simple to describe myself as I feel it best describes me.. 

So you are a simple guy who travels?

Yes, I have always travelled since I was very young, I first started with the church, thereafter rugby took me all over the South Africa and finally abroad, so yeah I have always loved to travel.

Sizwe in Top Form

How did you end up in the UK?   I remember opening a Facebook account just after varsity and finding out you were living in the UK.

After High School when I was 17 I came to the UK on a School exchange rugby program for 5months, ever since then I was fascinated with the UK. I like the people, the lovely places and… the cold.

The cold?  It’s not every day you have a South African prefer cold weather.

I have always preferred cold weather to hot weather, love it when its snows.

Well at least we know you will not be moving back to SA beacuse of the dreary weather that so many list as motivation to make their way back home. 

*laughs*

Well beside the weather what else inspired you to build a life for yourself in the UK?

My wife and daughter, I initially came over here for a 6month sports visa stint just to play rugby, but I ended up meeting the love of my life and having our lovely daughter...

Zuzana & Sizwe Zonde

Oh wow! Sound’s something straight out of book.  Do tell us more about this Special woman.

I’m Happily married Zuzana ZONDO originally from Slovakia

Shoo it Rhymes do you think that it was the Surname that synched the deal for you?

 *laughing* Nah I don’t think so.  I met my lovely lady at a bar/restaurant where she was working and I instantly knew she was the girl of my dreams.

Just like that? I have heard so many people say you just know, what is this “knowing” feeling?

 I looked at her and everything inside of me said “there’s your girl” I even told a very good friend of mine that I was going to marry her.

And has she been THAT girl for you?

She is my best friend and knowing that she is there for me all the time definitely reinforces that she is the one for me.

So was there in Lobola (Dowry) that took place?

*laughs* There is no such thing as Lobola this side *laughs* as much as Lobola is in my culture back home, I have never truly understood its meaning.  Most important thing is that I found someone who gets me and I get her. That is priceless.

I Love how committed you are!  It’s really inspiring, how do you maintain this level of balance and commitment to all the different areas of your life?

It’s very hard and stressful to juggle everything, rugby, work, family. On my days off from work, I try and do as much as I can with my family like going out for dinner, movie night or just taking lil one out to the park etc

Oh little Kiara, she is just absolutely gorgeous, what is it like being a dad?

I love it! I always want to do the best for my family Zuzana and Kiara are my priority in life.  I do Best for my little girl.

Being a good dad goes a long way and I commend you for that

Thank you, it’s a decision one must take for themselves.  You decide who you want to be in life and that decision impacts everything else. If you want to be a great husband and father then you give it your full commitment, just that simple.

What’s have you learnt from this change in environment do you still want to travel more?

It’s taught me that the world is a very big place and there is so much to see. Once our lil one is in school and a bit older, I want to travel a lot more with my wife. There are so many countries we want to tick off our Bucket List.

I really enjoy living in the UK, I found it very easy to adapt to the culture over here and best part everyone treats each other equally.

Nothing beats being an equal it’s important in how one views themselves and their role in the world. Any pearls of wisdom that you would like to share?

Nothing is impossible... All your dreams can come true you just have to BELIEVE... BELIEF IS KEY!!!!!!

Family Man Sizwe making the most of the Snow with Kiara

Have you found romance whilst travelling?  How has it changed you and what have you learnt from this experience?  I would love to hear from you.

My Bucket List - Why every person should have one!

I am a dreaming doer

Last night I had friends over for supper, as the conversation went on we hit the subject of travel.  After a few sentences I realized that it was not top of their list of things to do in this lifetime.  “Mmmm… travel” he muttered “it’s nice, we’ll consider it”.  Nice can be used to describe a sub-standard meal when you are really trying to be polite, but to call travel nice is an insult to an experience that can stretch you, change the way you view yourself and the world.  This left me with 1 question.   Has this person been exposed to travel opportunities?   From his unenthusiastic answer I figured he had enjoyed very little travel growing up, given our South African history;   Group Areas Act and not being allowed to visit any area except the ones you were colour coded to, I could understand where he was coming from. 

How do we as South Africans of colour get into the habit of travelling when the most travel we are  accustomed to is going back home to KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo  or the Eastern Cape?

I started with a bucket list of places and experiences that I wanted to have in my life. I wanted to interact with more people, to understand their cultures and find out what makes them who they are.  To have real interactions that go beyond my assumption and to challenge the rational that has kept me from doing things.

 I started with the area I live in what had I not seen yet?  I wanted to LIVE and know my city, whether my friends wanted to come along for the ride or not I was ready.  I went about ticking them off and adding New things as well.

 I Don’t wear Labels I do Me and Travel.

Lets venture into this sea of uncertainty before we hit that bucket

J If there are must see places you have been to please share them with us in the Comments section. 

Gauteng/Mpumalanga

1. Learn how to dive:  I live in Jo'burg learning how to dive seemed like a foreign conecpt where would I learn with no ocean?
 

Done! I qualified in February, chilling with my buddies and instructor.

2. Take Yoga to Soweto and Diepsloot: Ekasi Yoga - this was the toughest challenge for the year, I particularly love yoga because it’s my coping mechanism and I am proof of how well it works. 15 years on and I am still doing it every day so why not share this joy with everyone?    There were venue issues, rude boys and other small things but overall well worth it. The interesting this was it was this project that led to me seeing and meeting some high-profile people like Obama.  This is a ongoing project like our page and keep up with what is going on if you are interested. 

3. See More Places I have not seen yet:

In no particular order but these are just some of the places I have not seen in the Gauteng, Mpumalanga areas.

Magaliesberg- just 45 minutes away from Jo’burg, I’m yet to discover this place of beauty.  Done! read my post about it.

Bronkhorstspruit & Dullstroom – famous for its trout and the Buddhist temple, I need to make my pilgrimage to Dullstroom.  It’s less than 2 hours out of Jo’burg so why I have not been there leaves me dumb-founded as well.  

Bela Bela- Passed it on my way to Limpopo several times but I have never turned in.  I have no reason except that the name implies it could be beautiful.

4. Share a meal with someone New: Over the past year I have met over 30 new people I would not have met in my daily life.  2013 started on a rough note and with this I remembered the saying “if you feel like you are drowning, do something for someone else”   I then opened my couch to strangers for a day or two using the Couchsurfing Network. AMAZING people! Each one, I have learnt something from, some have been zainy, some have been salt of the earth but I have laughed with each one, shared a moment of confusion and been that somebody for another somebody. Ongoing 

At the towers, did the freefall in the tower... Intense

5. Do more “crazy” stunts: Hi My Name is Michelle, I’m an adrenalin junky. Self-confessed, I get pleasure from falling off of places. Moses Mhabhida Staduim, Soweto Towers both have been ticked off my list. Now I just have to do Bloukrans and Macau. Still gathering the courage

6. There are many places I still want to see in KwaZulu-Natal, I visit often but I stick to the side where I have family members now I need to fulfill some old promises that I made to people on the South side. 

South Coast: from Margate to Port Edward, I am yet to see the Wild Coast. 

Kosi Bay: I’ve never gone into Mozambique through that side.  I like seeing places from a different angle.

Aliwal Shoal: I want to dive with the sharks there.

6. Value, Cherish, Love & Let go: I have learnt the value of being thankful for the people who have shown you love, kindness and sincerity. It is important to let people know you care, sometimes they need to hear it.  This year I been saying a lot of goodbyes, to a lot of people I might not have necessarily wanted to say goodbye to but when it is time, it is time.  Towards the end of April 2013 I had to fly to Durban, the day before something felt heavily amiss I thought I was going to die, I thought something is so wrong but what is it? At 7am in the morning,  2 days after I was feeling like death was on its way, it arrived my yoga guru Ingrid had moved onto the next life.  Thank you, I love you and you have shown me Kindness, resilience and love.  These words take nothing away from you, say them more often. 

Eastern Cape - Coffee bay en route to hole in the wall

7. Eastern & Western Cape

Transkei: I want to go to Bulungu backpackers and stay there with the community and live the slow life. Take in the beauty of this rugged coast line.

Garden Route:  I want to see Knysna, Plettenberg , I have seen the pictures, heard people wax lyrical about these places.  I want to experience them for myself.   I also heard there are some amazing spots for Bungee jumping and you know how I feel about jumping.

Kenton-on sea

Kenton-on sea: Google it!

Grahamstown: Purely for the art festival.

Ceres: Morning live once did a broadcast from there and I was in love, reminds me of farm living and freshly baked pot bread.

Sedgefield: The slowest town in South Africa, I want to see how slow I can go.

Mosselbay: Sounds cool, so I must go.

7. Northern Cape:

I want to white water raft down the Orange River, see the flowers in bloom in Namaqua land.  Sit in the Karoo and just let time pass.

8. Have my own TV travel show: it has not arrived yet but I did act in Abangani as a nurse.

9. Travel SADC: I want to see the whole of Southern Africa; meet the people, dance, watch amazing sunrises, do yoga at Lake Malawi and be at peace. 

We dancing on Mandela Bridge at Midnight with Poch now see why I want to see him again.

10. Visit Poch In America: Possibly one of the coolest people I have ever met! This guy knows how to have a good time! His just that guy.

11. Go back to Asia: I am Asian, it might sound delusional but I am. Love the people, love the beauty it’s a must experience.

12. Visit Cuba with my pops: Now this would be super awesome they say at least once in your life you must travel with your parent.  My dad loves the road as much as I do, it would be really cool to go to Cuba with him.  

13. Visit Yemen:  You might be thinking "She dun’ lost her mind" but google Yemen and see how beautiful it is the architecture alone is amazing!

14. Visit Turkey: with my eldest sister Marion, because I know we would have fun and I would most probably give her grey hair with my zainy ways but overall we would have the time of our lives.

15. Get lost in Morocco: I just want to get lost there, it seems like an interesting place to be lost in and I don’t mind being lost.

16. Visit Lagos for Carnival: I received the coolest Nigerian Mix tape, which really inspired me to want to head for the Carnival in December.   2014, I’ll be shaking it on the streets of Niger.

17. Visit Tunisia: we have all seen them lose their minds at the soccer stadium but after Luna shared some pictures with me and her stories from there.  I was ready to pack my bags and go.

Keep on checking the list out as it grows every week...

What  do you have on your bucket list? I would love to know.

I would appreciate any feedback on places to see, eat at and just breathe in the beauty. Just leave a message in the comment box.  Thank you

Beyond borders - Travel Mozambique

 


Inhaca Island, Maputo

I cannot remember a time I did not have a passport.  My first out of South Africa trip was in 1998, a road trip to Zambia with my folks.  Once I had made my maiden voyage, I was in love with the African continent what a beautiful and diverse place.

Now whilst Zambia is a bit far out to do over the festive season that’s if you only have a week off. Mozambique though is right on our doorstep and a fantastic choice for New Years. From Jo’burg it’s a 5 hour trip depending on the amount of congestion on the roads on bus it’s an 8 hour trip.

The first time we decided that we would visit Mozambique (Moz) we were at coffee bay, after a day of learning how to surf we decided that we were brave enough to head to Mozambique to celebrate New Year’s.  We sealed the deal with excited giggles and a toast to our new found Freedom.  

With no prior experience about planning an out of South Africa trip, we took to the internet, nothing cousin Google cannot help with.

Tasked with planning the trip, finally she could rest and let her hair down.

Planning the trip: 

We decided one person would be solely responsible for the planning of the trip. This is a lot of responsibility and you need to plan ahead if you are travelling with people as not everyone lives on the wild side. Communication is key as you have to be clear on the budget, expectation and reality of where you are going.

#RoadtripTravelTip: Make sure that each person is responsible for something from the having a medical kit to road snacks.  Everyone has a role to play.

Transport:  Getting out of South Africa was very easy we decided that we would take a Greyhound to Maputo.  This meant that we didn’t have to worry about car insurance and the additional safety requirements required by the Mozambican road officials.  The trip was safe and very festive the passenger’s where 95% Mozambican and a lot of chit-chat takes place, therefore if you  have any high hopes of getting some peaceful sleep on the bus forget it.

#RoadTripTravelTip: The bus does not always leave on time we were 2hours behind schedule, we intern missed our transfer to the backpackers. When you hit the border buy a starter-pack and airtime if you do not have roaming. It will at least allow you to call ahead and let them know you are running late. 

Cost of Greyhound Bus Currently: R700- R800 return trip

Getting around in Moz

Maputo was a great city to walk around in we, we walked everywhere in fact we covered 25 000 foot steps on average per day.  We were staying at Fatima’s backpackers in Julius Nyere street, a central location.

They also have zippy tuk-tuks if you are not up to walking, these are generally cheap and a good way to get around. After a long lazy lunch this was the best option to get back to our lodge.

#MozTravelTip:  knowing some Portuguese is an added benefit when you want to purchase take-away’s, negotiate prices at the market.

Paradise, no cellphone,just palm trees, coconuts and lots of goodness.

Accommodation

If you are not looking for any fuss and frills then backpackers are a great option. We booked a whole room for ourselves so we were not sharing with anyone else. We had no en-suite only communal bathrooms if you find this uncomfortable best you book into a hotel.

#MozTravelTip:  It gets hot, keep hydrated and try out the Laurentina, a local beer that really does a good job of quenching one’s thirst.

We also found out that we were only allowed 1 bath a day due to water restrictions at the time so if you cannot live without bathing twice a day you might find yourself in a rather sticky situation.

#BackpackersLooTip: Carry you own sanitizing wet wipes to wipe the toilet seat and some air freshener goes a long way if you are afraid of others knowing your business.

Communal Bathrooms

There is no set standard for communal bathrooms, some are awesome and some are just down right special and that’s putting it mildly. In Moz they were clean and sufficient but depending on the other travellers and how tidy they are you can encounter some interesting scenarios.  This I why there really should be a guide for all travellers on a basic standard of behaviour for communal toilets and bathrooms.  I had a really crazy encounter when we stayed at an Island resort; they had these outside showers that had a tiny latch and a shower curtain to keep the rest of the world out.  I was butt naked, covered in soap suds as I stepped in to the water I turned to look towards the door, only to find a large burly man standing in the doorway staring at me.  I had not closed my shower curtain only latched the outer door which clearly was not enough as I found myself starring into this strangers eyes.

I let out a scream but he just stood there staring.  I have never in my life felt as exposed as I felt at that moment.  What do you hide? What do you do?  When he finally came out of his daze he slammed the door shut and disappeared.  To this day I cannot tell you what his face looked like because shock will do that to you, all I know was that he was big, white and just as surprised as I was.

Nothing like a coconut cocktail - drinks island style

What to do in Mozambique

-          Rent a bout out for the day and visit one of the islands the rubber ducks are generally cheap to rent out and get the job done.

-          Go snorkeling; there are some amazing things to see under the water.

-          Meet people, the locals can be lots of fun.

-     learn how to Kizomba a sensual dance that definitely turns the heat up.

-          Eat lots and lots of Seafood.

-          I had some of the best caprinha’s I have ever had.

-          Have fun you are in a place where no one knows you let your hair down and have some fun.

Travel outside of your Comfort zone its possible.

7 Rules for Communal Bathrooms

Don’t you hate it when you are travelling and you are dying to have a shower only to arrive and find that the space is a mess and instead of feeling clean you are left feeling as if you should bathe in Dettol disinfectant solution.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you are sharing such spaces with other travellers.

1.       Be clean and tidy, do not leave you hair all over the sink, wash your shoes in the basin and leave all the soil lingering around the basin.

2.       Can we be extra careful when we share space with others? Use your slops just for showering, don’t use the same slops you walk the streets with in the showers.

3.       Can some Americans please refrain from brushing their teeth in the Kitchen sink!  We use that sink to wash the dishes.  I have only ever encountered Americans doing this, I don’t know if it’s the norm back home but in South Africa it considered onbeskof (loosely translated in means highly unbecoming/crude)


Trash is not cool, the bins in the bathroom should only be used for tissues and other bathroom related trash.



4.       If you tinkle on the seat kindly wipe it off. Nothing worse than running to the toilet and as you are about to place your bottom on the seat you notice urine. At that point your bladder is on fire and you cursing the stars for people who do not check after they are done on the pot.

5.       If it’s yellow let it mellow but if it’s bordering on looking like an African sunset set please just flush it away.

6.       Make sure that you flush properly; I don’t want to know what you had for supper yesterday.

7.       Leave it tidy and clean or at least as you found it.

Do you have any communal disaster stories to share or really helpful tips, do share them with us.