Global travel collecting

[Chuck]

Congratulations on finishing school! It's quite a bit of work and time.

My suggestion if I may- don't buy commercially, use that money to go there. You're young enough to learn to handle the hardships and maximize collecting efforts. Why buy one when you can catch ten?

[mothman27]

Congratulations on finishing school! It's quite a bit of work and time.

My suggestion if I may- don't buy commercially, use that money to go there. You're young enough to learn to handle the hardships and maximize collecting efforts. Why buy one when you can catch ten?

It certainly would be awesome to collect some myself but I'm honestly not sure all that would entail. A few questions someone here may be able to answer:
1. I'm sure there are certain South American countries more friendly to collecting (not Brazil, lol), what are the best options?
2. How does one go about finding a collecting spot in a foreign country and a local connection?
3. What kind of import/export permits/paperwork would a collecting trip require. Do you ship your specimens back or carry them with you?
4. Is it better to travel with collecting equipment, or ship it there, or buy/make it there? I'm thinking of bait traps, lights and nets.
5. How safe would it be to embark on such a trip as a single individual?
6. For something like Agrias, how likely is it that you would even collect any while there?
The idea of collecting in Aouth America sounds great but obviously, I have endless logistical questions.

[Trehopr1]

Hello Tim !

Your questions are INDEED well founded. I do not agree with the relative "ease" that some members bandy-about when it comes to doing a foreign trip these days !

This is NOT the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s when travel abroad was VERY different. The world has changed exponentially in the 2000s. Dare I even mention how security has changed since 9/11/2001. Tie in customs with that statement as well. The costs overall from Air flights to lodging as well as any vehicle travel needed/involved is hefty ANY way you look at it.

I could go on and on and it is simply a logistical mess if you ask me ! The only country that I can even think of in South America which welcomes collectors is French Guiana. There are some folks here that have been there and have learned what places offer such packages and accommodations. They could further tell you what sort of documents you might need to leave with your specimens or how you might get them into the US. Our forum owner Olivier and forum member Paul k are two that I know offhand to ask.

Aside from French Guiana I don't know of ANY other Central or South American country which offers anything of the like. Many are just plain unsafe due to the drug trade, kidnappings of foreigners, robbery, or general unrest due to unsavory politics at work.

Maybe, having friends or family actually living in some foreign country may help you at least get there or at the very least make you feel safer because they know the area they live in. However, it still doesn't explain away how you would get bait traps, a generator, or even any access to the "wild places" where real collecting can still be found.

The bottom line is unless you can make contact with someone experienced OR a travel service offering such excursions (who can make all of the necessary arrangements); then don't try doing it yourself....

This is 2024 and the world is far removed from what it once was.

I would also add that if you buy commercially (like most of us do) you will probably wind up with far better looking specimens than anything you might run into trying to collect it yourself ---- if you ever even find it at all !

[wollastoni]

Well I have to disagree.
A lot of countries are said to be VERY dangerous and once there, if you have the good guides, it is not so dangerous. Having the good guides is key.
I have spent time in Chicago, Paris, London... and I am sure it was easier to lose my life there that in New Guinea or South America.

I have the feeling our generation have "lost" the quest of adventures. People are afraid of everything now.

Some countries are nearly impossible to collect in (Brazil). Some are easy (French Guiana). Some are more difficult but with a good guide you can go (Colombia, Peru, ...).

Tim, my answers to your question.

1/ French Guiana is the easiest. Then Peru & Colombia.
2/ You have to ask people who have been there. On Insectnet, in your national entomological association, in insect fairs...
3/ Each country have a specific regulation
4/ I bring all material for butterflies (nets, killing jars, traps). For moths, people rent equipement on place.
5/ It is always better to find a collecting buddy. On Insectnet, in your national entomological association, in insect fairs...
6 / Agrias are not so hard to bait trap. You will get some.

And I agree with Chuck, these travels in tropical areas will mark your life for ever.

[Trehopr1]

Well, just keep in mind that unless you have an "honest" guide or very good friend who works for YOUR best interests AND aligns all the proper "ducks in a row" (i.e. good lodging, meals, transportation, documents/permits,); then you will be ALL ON YOUR OWN.

You will be in a foreign country and faced with a foreign language and nuances you WON'T
understand ! You will be single, loaded down with baggage, gullible to smooth talkers, and hopelessly frustrated by problems which you will feel are out of your control.

French Guiana sounds like a place I'd like to visit myself. I have no doubt there are sources and outlets for safe travel and collecting there. But, just getting there is expensive as it will likely require two flights. Also, anything you do on the ground once you arrive WILL cost you because you are viewed as a tourist. You don't know what is normally charged for things so they can pretty much ask what they want and you're in a spot. Again, don't carry a lot of money on you and don't find yourself in situations where you are alone and vulnerable !

Travel, and indeed "views of adventure" are NOT to be taken lightly these days. Thoughts of trips to well-known drug producing countries like Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia should be high on the list of "no-go's" for all around safety sake, and security issues.

Above all, thoroughly research any trip/adventure ideas to see if taking a $4000 or $5,000 trip abroad will TRULY be worth what you are able to bring back.

You may arrive at a bad time of the season, target species may not be encountered or found, it could rain on you virtually the whole time, or some of the goods you bring back could acquire mold or get broken along the way.

These are all fair and reasonable things to consider....

Honestly, staying stateside and doing things here is a far better bet all around. European collectors don't have quite the same concerns that WE do. They have "umpteen" hosted insect fairs where they simply stop in and buy practically anything they are looking for without the need to travel --- except maybe to the neighboring country.

Also, we (as a country) are not necessarily looked upon favorably by some countries where our politics or cross border interdictions to lawlessness impact the "bad guys" or those influenced by them. This is why there is A LIST of travel warnings put out by the US government to safeguard any aspiring interests in questionable countries.

[Jshuey]

Hi Tim,

It’s been a while and welcome Back. And congratulations!!!!

First, I personally can’t imagine just building a collection made up of purchased specimens. Yep – I purchase bugs from places I can’t get to, but I treasure the bugs I’ve caught myself. If I had a couple of thousand bucks to spend on bugs, it’s not even close how the experience of being in the field compares to opening a dealer’s shipment. It’s life enrichening versus transactional.

And don’t be intimidated by inflated stories of danger. You can choose to be scared of life, or you can choose to embrace life. Big cities in Latin America can be dangerous in every country. And some places – like Venezuela – I’d be very cautious about. Just follow basic rules of safety – but most importantly, don’t act and look like a victim. Cheap watch, wallet always in your front pocket, conservative clothing, stay out of bars, and so on. Basically, be one with the country you are visiting. And speak basic local languages – enough to get by at minimum. (Google translate is great by the way – but not always available). Join a facebook expat community for a few countries, just to see what expats are chatting about. Interestingly, usually not about crime (even in Ecuador as of late). Or you can watch Fox news or Newsmax, and live your life in fear. If that describes you – then stay out of the tropics! You will see danger at every turn.

At a basic level, people in Latin America are very warm and friendly. Much more so that in the US. And I base this on almost 50 trips though rural Central America, the Caribbean and Brasil. You just need to be respectful of culture and traditions. As long as you don’t act like a wealthy, entitled, ignorant gringo, then you will be fine.

It certainly would be awesome to collect some myself but I'm honestly not sure all that would entail. A few questions someone here may be able to answer:
1. I'm sure there are certain South American countries more friendly to collecting (not Brazil, lol), what are the best options?
It’s more about permits than anything else nowadays. FG of course is great – but hard to get to from the US. And there are guides with solid reviews out there for Peru. But with 6 months advance planning, you can get permits to many countries – you just have to know how. (The Skeptical Moth web site is a great place to start). And no country is impossible – I pulled off a Brazil Permit a few years back, but it took a few years of advance prep to lay the ground-work.

If you want a easy entry to the tropics, try Puerto Rico – no permit or import paperwork required.

2. How does one go about finding a collecting spot in a foreign country and a local connection?
This is what the Lep groups are all about. Go to a Tropical Leps Soc meeting and meet some people. Same for the Lep Soc. There are people here in the US that have permits and are looking for “volunteers” in the field, especially if you are covering your own expenses.

As to finding easy spots to collect – If I'm headed someplace new, I use all the hotel and home rental sites to find accommodation, and then Google earth to see how they are situated relative to habitats. You can almost always find some reasonable tourist places next to forest. Hill-top homes with a “view” are great for light sheets. You just need to verify that the owners are ok with it (never had one say no to me yet).

3. What kind of import/export permits/paperwork would a collecting trip require. Do you ship your specimens back or carry them with you?
3-177 forms filled out and filed in advance – with a permit of course. I carry them personally, because either way, they are probably going to get inspected, and as long as you have the paperwork in hand, it remans in your control.

4. Is it better to travel with collecting equipment, or ship it there, or buy/make it there? I'm thinking of bait traps, lights and nets.
Carry it. If you ship, you will be charged duty – which I did once and was stunned. If you need to, it’s cheaper to check an extra bag. But I can get everything I need into a 60-inch roll-along that weighs under 50 pounds (plus a carry on back-pack). 60-inches because my telescoping net handle fits inside it. Take all “essential gear” with you. If you try and make it, you are losing valuable collecting time! There is never enough time for the field! I get panicky when I'm doing something stupid while surrounded by bugs flying everywhere. Every second counts!

FYI - I generally buy new “used” field clothing at a second-hand store for serious trips. Rinse the clothing out at the end of the trip and leave it behind. It may or may not get a third life in the local community. This frees up weight and space for the trip home. And remember, you can purchase almost any supply you need once you are in country.

5. How safe would it be to embark on such a trip as a single individual?
Been there – done it – still alive. Mexico, Brasil and Belize. Honestly, I always feel safer in these counties than I do in the rural SE US. But if you do your first trip solo, then I would scope of hotels that are surrounded by enough forest to satisfy your needs and stick close by.

I personally suggest finding someone to split costs with, so that you can rent a car, share a room, split guide costs, and feel safe together. Your first trip to the tropics is intense and new, and I’d want someone responsible along with me, just to take the adrenaline edge off! Remember, it’s not just people you need to be wary of. Snakes come to mind (Although that threat is also overstated by most people). It takes a while to get comfortable enough to go solo.

6. For something like Agrias, how likely is it that you would even collect any while there?
You can never go to the tropics with a “must collect” list. If you do, it will break your heart. But if you take 5-10 bait traps and use them well in the hopes of getting Agrias, you will for certain get owl butterflies, Prepona, Memphis, Archeoprepona, Morpho, Catenephele, and so much more. And that is why it is such a thrill. You honestly never know what you will see next. Assuming you are there in the rainy season, you should come home with 3-500 species after a week! (or more!)

John

[Jshuey]

As a follow-up, It's not all that expensive to get to the tropics from the US. If you split the costs with someone, I bet you can do a week for about $1,200 to Central America with good advance planning. I just did a 11 day vacation in Panama for 2 people, for around $3k (including airfare for 2) - and that was eating well (lots of seafood), staying in nice places my wife found acceptable, doing tourist things, renting a car, etc. A nice place in the canal zone, completely surrounded by rain forest (and a golf course ) was $50/night, breakfast included. Trails though the forest, and permission to collect. And if I had been on my own and able to collect dawn to dusk, lots of logging roads a few m iles away that would have been outstanding. Bug me, and me and I can point you towards a permit. (It was super dry and collecting was marginal - but that's a reflection of our narrow travel window).

Belize is easy as well - and English speaking! Again - AirBnbs in the bush would be the way to go. If you are just collecting, all you need is a kitchen, bathroom, beds and electricity - right? Hot shower - hit and miss! Eat local and you may spend 15 bucks a day (rice and beans, stew chicken, and beans and rice!). The odds of hitting Agrias are low, but you never know (two species, and I can point you to spots for both). It's all about planning ahead, getting your permit lined up ($100US), and then just getting there!

Puerto Rico - can be equally cheap. We are pondering a trip to the south coast beaches right now.

You just have to take the first step and do it! It will give you memories that last a lifetime!

John

[Paul K]

I can only agree with John’s posts!
If you don’t go collecting in tropics you don’t live your life.

[Paul K]

My advice is if you don’t use local organizers like Amazon insects in Peru or Amazon Lodge in French Guiana who will take care of you right at the airport, rent the car at the airport of your destination.
You’ll feel comfortable, safe and have shelter just in case you end up having no place to sleep. You will also be mobile to search for good collecting spots and you won’t be exposed to potential predators, local people are usually friendly but you don’t want to end up face to face with the bad guy in the forest. Keep your eyes open and stay alert.

[Chuck]

This discussion on Agrias has evolved into an important topic on global travel collecting, I hope it's split out on its own.

John Shuey's initial post on the topic is loaded with gold, and I'd advise any potential traveler to parse every sentence.

Global travel has never been easier. There are airfields virtually everywhere, thanks to WW2; the only country I can think of that doesn't have air service is Tokelau. You can book lodging almost anywhere directly; you can use satellite imagery to examine the immediate area. You can book a beat up rental vehicle in PNG from Joliet.

When and where to target particular taxa is at your fingertips; no more digging through piles of paper publications, no more letter writing just send email.

Note though, and to answer the OP question, targeting a specific taxon that's generally rare will be done at the cost of ignoring virtually everything else...and that everything else is where the real joy is; it's in finding species that are not commercially viable yet eye opening. As John said, don't go with a list- just go.

Now, I'm having trouble thinking of ANYTHING that's not more easily learned than when done with someone who's done it. The success rate of collecting in a foreign country is highly influenced by having a guide, be it a fellow collector and/or a local guide. This is not to say just showing up alone won't be wonderful- I've done it many times. But then I adapt to cultures quickly and make friends readily, so it's only days until I've hooked up with everyone I need.

I bring what I need- my favorite clothing, nets, envelopes, etc. When I leave, the nets, extra envelopes, ID guides, boots stay behind with young, aspiring commercial collectors. And guess who I call first when I get back in country, or an associate is going to visit that country.

On danger: there are two sources of danger with a common denominator: YOU.

Yes, there are places to avoid. In USA, the red/blue voting map is a good start- stay out of red areas. The good thing is that there aren't many insects of interest in the red areas. These areas are largely urban areas, and the same rule applies elsewhere- avoid. This is, of course, dependent on the area. And I think John already stated: stay out of bars, strip joints, social demonstrations; and nothing good ever happens after 10pm.

"The LIST" referred to is largely a joke. It's compiled by bureaucrats who've never even been to those countries. This list has elevated concerns for countries including Costa Rica, Germany, France, Belgium, etc. Go read the AUS warnings about USA, it's always good for entertainment. As for the "no go" countries like Afghanistan, if you don't know that you shouldn't go, what's there the say...

No, you don't want to run into a cocaine production facility in FARC territory in Colombia. Nor do you want to stumble across an illicit pot field in NY, a meth lab in rural KY, or a human coyote in southern AZ. That's where local guides can both avoid and extract from situations.

But so far as criminals go, the key denominator is YOU. Criminals evaluate risk vs reward, they aren't stupid. So don't increase their reward. Some tourists are an easy mark- gullible, scared, and influenced with the simplest suggestion. Being loud, flashy, and rich increases the reward. But so too does being arrogant, loud, and rude- that increases the SOCIAL reward for punishing cultural violations.

The non-human danger is environmental. Those who are outdoor oriented are at an advantage, even if the jungle is foreign to them. There are dangers- snakes, cliffs, things in the sea, storms. For those who are pansies, they're in for a world of hurt- better to take a cruise ship. Every day NYSDEC publishes a list of rescues in the Adirondack mountains, and my buddies and I laugh our butts off- every one is the same "from NYC area with inadequate clothing." Wait...these are the same mountains we hike, year-round. So really, it's not the environment, it's the individual...some people should just stay inside. But for those who have a bit of outdoor experience, and some common sense, the real dangers of the environment will be recognized and avoided.

One thing that really hasn't been brought up is patience. Developing countries are not on a schedule. If they get around to your permit today, or next Tuesday, is immaterial to them. If you're in a hurry, and start demanding, you'll have problems. If your ride shows up three hours late, well there's tomorrow- unless you're on a schedule. Expect delays, expect a two hour project to take five days. Be patient, and don't get upset. If you plan to jet to Panama for five days and think you'll achieve much, you'll be sorely disappointed. Further to that, most developing country people work on RELATIONSHIPS, and that takes time to develop.

Tropical collecting isn't about bringing home a dollar amount. From the worst perspective, if you're 25 and skip the trip and invest that $5000 for 40 years, it will be worth $51,500. Screw that. Save money elsewhere- don't buy Starbucks every day. An overseas collecting trip IS an investment- not in bugs, in YOU. "The Ugly American Tourist" - don't be that person. Get out, and see the world, experience other cultures, eat other foods, see different environments. SURE you may be scared, and you probably will get frustrated by the lack of speed/progress- this is building relationships and character. It's building a better you. If, like most Americans (and Canadians and Europeans) if you're afraid of spiders and guns and sharks, maybe you won't be when you're done. You'll learn to appreciate the miracle of the flush toilet. You'll learn that indeed you can get by without electricity. And likely you'll sneer at the tourist that complains about having to sit in the airplane center seat for 90 minutes, because you'll know that inconvenience is trivial.

You want to watch TV the rest of your life, stay home. Mow your little lawn, buy your bugs online. Or get out, and build a better you.

[kevinkk]

es, there are places to avoid. In USA, the red/blue voting map is a good start- stay out of red areas. The good thing is that there aren't many insects of interest in the red areas. These areas are largely urban areas, and the same rule applies elsewhere- avoid. This is, of course, dependent on the area. And I think John already stated: stay out of bars, strip joints, social demonstrations; and nothing good ever happens after 10pm.

I've been robbed twice in Oregon. In the field. I wouldn't set foot any where near Portland, or any other population center.

That being said, I do have wonderful memories of my trip to the Dominican Republic back in the 80's, it was a group organized by a Florida travel agency, advertised in the Lepidopterist's Society.

[adamcotton]

This discussion on Agrias has evolved into an important topic on global travel collecting, I hope it's split out on its own.

I eventually managed to do as requested!

Adam.

[Chuck]

Thanks Adam, you're the best!

Let me reflect on age. I know a lot of collectors who, like me, planned to go "there" sometime "later." And they never got there. The reason is because by the time the travel became convenient they'd lost the ability.

International travel is brutally expensive (comparatively) when one is young. One trip could be 10% of 20% of the annual salary. And, being young generally brings some level of naivety- however, the young often learn fast.

Then life gets in the way.

Once you have a significant other/ spouse the challenges start: "why do you want to leave me? We could use the money for a house."

Then children. You going to leave the kids for two or three weeks? Leave them for the wife to care for? As a single father, my last three trips to Solomon Islands involved ZERO field work- I went there, did work work, and rushed back. Talk about a shame. This period of your life lasts 20-25 years. When you're done you will not be the same person as before.

All along, costs increase. House. Two cars. Insurance. Family vacations.

Now, with some free time, and some money, I suppose I could go overseas again. But guess what, I don't have the stamina to pull off the extended lack of sleep and physical abuse of field work for sustained periods. My friends in the Pacific clamor for me to come back, free lodging! And I'm sure I'd enjoy the trip, but sure as heck I'd not be the explorer I once was.

Go when you're young.

[livingplanet3]

Very interesting to read about these various experiences, perspectives and comments - a lot of useful information in this thread, for anyone considering a collecting trip to the tropics. I myself have only ever traveled outside the US twice; both trips were to Australia, lasted around 6 weeks each time, and included a lot of road travel, but didn't actually involve insect collecting. That was around 25 years ago, and with the life changes that have come since that time, it's a bit hard for me to imagine making such long and involved excursions again. But, time will tell. If I do eventually visit a place such as Peru or French Guiana, it will certainly be much more focused on the experience itself, than bringing back any specimens. I already have far more specimens than I had ever intended to acquire, and I'm sure there are others on this forum who can say the same.

[Chuck]

Very interesting to read about these various experiences, perspectives and comments - a lot of useful information in this thread, for anyone considering a collecting trip to the tropics.

Really, a lot is applicable to USA as well. Aside from the permit & import element involved with international, the same risks and challenges exist. Then again, the permit issue DOES raise its head in USA with MILLIONS of acres of National Parks, National Monuments, State Parks, wildlife refuges, and even Native American reservations.

Jason D., at Cornell stated "your collection is your legacy" I'm not sure what good a bought and paid legacy is. Having valued a couple collections for donation purposes, I grow intimate with the collector through their personally captured specimens- I know where they went on vacation in 1976, I know when they got serious about collecting, I know which years during which they were at their peak. Some people collect refrigerator magnets to mark their travels but those go in the trash; an insect collection lives on, keeping the memory of that researcher alive.

Kevin, how in god's name does someone get robbed while conducting field work? What did you do, stumble into a pot field?

[kevinkk]

Kevin, how in god's name does someone get robbed while conducting field work? What did you do, stumble into a pot field

Chuck, to be fair, I wasn't robbed at gunpoint. Although I've "lost" a kayak and other equipment, it was sneak thieves that saw an opportunity.
This is an interesting thread, and I see that others have French Guiana as a likely destination, albeit the flight issue. Live and learn, in all
respects.
Our parks- yes they need to be protected from mass exodus of biology, I was asked to leave a state park in Calif. after setting up camp, I did notice
that just outside the park, there were no rules and the same bugs were about.

[Trehopr1]

Hello Tim,,

Well, now that you have heard from both "sides of the aisle" on this topic you will find your path somewhere in the middle ---- I hope.

There has been some good suggestions made here of how NOT TO LOOK LIKE A TOURIST and of how to stay "below the radar" of general attention. It has been said that it TAKES PATIENCE waiting likely (months) to get those approval permits. This is all common sense reasoning and yet it's still worth mentioning.

If you should someday find yourself ready for adventure I will always say make that first or second trip using a service/travel company OR seasoned collector/guide to see to all the arrangements of air flights, ground transportation, lodging, and period of stay. Maybe pricier this way but, YOU WILL GAIN experience yourself in the process and other trips can be finessed to your liking and at lesser expense.

I traveled in the early 1990s on two different group trips sponsored by the eminent lepidopterist Tom Emmel. Both of my trips (Ecuador, Bolivia) were absolutely wonderful in every respect; and totally carefree as Dr Emmel saw to it that everything ran smoothly. I took a third trip to the Dominican Republic with a seasoned collector and things also went smoothly and carefree. On all three trips I could focus my entire self just on being there and collecting.

A certain "devil may care" attitude seems to be easily embraced by experienced collectors OR those who are more the leader type than followers.... Many more of us are followers and we naturally want things easy and relatively trouble-free for the courtesy of us paying for the privilege !

Nothing wrong with that. We cannot all be leaders....

Should you decide on a place to go research the subject thoroughly. Weigh your options. I will still say that VERY LITTLE comes cheaply these days when traveling. If you are going to Central or South America it will likely require both a domestic flight and an international flight ($$).The rental of vehicles does not come cheaply anywhere ($) --- and the vehicle had better be a relatively new one or you may be driving a "lemon" which could break down on you.

You will want decent lodging so you are not sleeping with bed bugs or fleas (by going the frugal route). You don't want to wind up sleeping in your car or reading a road map to find your way anywhere because internet service is not very good in most places down there unless you are in the city.

Am I cautious/skeptical about international travel ?

You bet I am when going to places "UNUSUAL" for typical travel are what the intentions are.

Not everyone will necessarily agree (always) about topics brought up here. However, it does make for lively conversations and hopefully those most interested will learn something from ALL concerned.

✓ I just don't much appreciate individuals who summarily "brush off", scoff at, or belittle the wise thoughtful remarks put forth by some of us. An ALL KNOWING attitude is elitist, rude, and insulting !

You're also not "gaining any friends" when you place emojis like this alongside members posts as if laughing heartily at what they have to say....

Agree to disagree.... and move on WITHOUT YOUR attitude !

Very best Tim in whatever endeavors you choose to follow.

[Chuck]

Although I've "lost" a kayak and other equipment, it was sneak thieves that saw an opportunity.

Ah yes, the opportunistic petty thieves. Overall, I would say that petty theft (particularly from foreigners) has a level of cultural acceptance in many places. Certainly in parts of, or most of, Latin America.

Sometimes it's not viewed as theft, at least culturally. In Polynesia, there exists a cultural concept of communal property. It's a constant problem for some, as if your brother needs a chainsaw and you have one he'll just come and take it. There is no real "bring it back when you're done" you have to first figure out who has your chainsaw, and then go get it. Same goes for food- if your cousin is hungry and you're not home, he just helps himself. This is not theft.

It's worse in Melanesia because what we might call theft or even graft is culturally enforced. Typically, an extended family might have one working professional. If a brother or cousin asks for money, they have to give them money! If the money earner is sitting at the pub, a family member can "demand" that he buy him a few beers too. This is very strongly culturally enforced, despite being a huge divide between Melanesian and western culture. The "victims" shrug their shoulders and say there's nothing they can do but fork over the money or goods- the only way to avoid it is to physically avoid certain family members...they would NEVER EVER dare to refuse even the worst family members.

In Solomon Islands, a bunch of American Habitat for Humanity guys arrived to build houses. Free, of course. Like any good people who had been culturally briefed, they knew you NEVER wear shoes into a house. So after their first day at work building a house for the community, they returned to the guest house and removed their work boots, leaving them on the porch. The next morning all of their boots were gone. In a similar conundrum, you cannot wear shoes inside the Hagia Sofia mosque in Istanbul...but if you put them in the rack outside, they're likely to be stolen.

In a large part of the world, if an item is unattended it's fair game.

The next level up is threats and demands. For example, claiming to be the chief and demanding that the foreigner pay money for being on his land. This is so common it's laughable. The real problem is that the pansies pay up, creating a problem for everyone else.

One cannot avoid being a tourist, per se. It's not uncommon that I've been the only white guy for 200 miles- it's pretty hard to hide that I'm Palagi. I prefer foreigner over tourist, because that is what one is- foreign. As such, opportunists and criminals have a head start because they've readily identified someone who might be an easy target. But what they're really hoping for is a fool, a pushover. Being a foreigner doesn't mean one has to be a victim, but some are just inclined to be that way.

In most of the world, although petty crime is rampant, violent crime is not. This is particularly true for rural areas, just like USA. The people are friendly and kind. If the foreigner is also kind, and expresses interest in the locals and their culture, it opens a whole new world of opportunities. People will come out in droves to be your guide, to find things you need, to bring you food. And over time, once integrated into these societies you can leave your boots outside at night.

[papiliotheona]

Who deleted a ton of posts in this thread and why??

[wollastoni]

AFAIK no post have been deleted. The "Agrias butterflies" topic have been split in two : one about Agrias, one about Global travel collecting, as the latter topic deserved its own topic.

The Agrias topic is here : viewtopic.php?p=9851#p9851