And go ahead and give out small things if you feel like it...pens pencils candy etc...Its just plain silly advice ..to say that you will encourage begging by people who already are very poor, in order for them to stop asking for stuff...I say spread the wealth a bit...as if its going to break your bank...If thats the case then maybe one should not be out travelling in the first place...Oh, and in Laos.. many schools would appreciate older used donated laptops...:bsmilie: