Legalities
 

In the interests of appreciating a cultural awareness, I would like to point out that we (as a community in this forum) have used the word Bribe quite conversationally.

I do not pretend to have holistic knowledge here, but any UK or USA citizen committing an act of Bribery anywhere in the world is committing an act of crime punishable in their country by fine and imprisonment. Furthermore anyone anywhere bribing someone in UK / USA is exposing themselves to imprisonment and / or a fine.

Clearly there are complications of understanding but it needs to be understood, that a Bribe is a serious offence.

Please note that the conversations had above allude to people encouraging / educating others on committing bribery. if you are a UK or USA citizen, this officially has consequences.

I don't make the rules, I practice and like to think that I follow that grand Colonial tradition whereby payment is made for a service rendered, and on occasion in order to secure services, some people's energy must be rewarded. I think of it as lubricating a seized engine.

Regretfully, the muppets in charge in USA and the UK see otherwise... Now

Sometimes all it takes is a little homework and a few emails before you set off .....

A few years ago I travelled to India. Everyone on the forums said 'take pens for the kids .....' After a quick bit of research I tracked down details of a small village school on my route, and found an email address for them. A few exchanges of emails and it was sorted - I would visit and leave pens, paper and colouring pencils with them for the children to use.

It was early in the trip and the space taken was not a problem. I was welcomed like a VIP at the school and introduced to one of the classes where I spent over an hour talking to a group of very polite and friendly children about the UK, my family, my bike and my trip. And I left with a sense of satisfaction that, in return for my enjoyment of their country, I was leaving something behind that would actually be of use and make a difference to the local community.

Otherwise, I always have something in my bags that would be of interest and make a suitable 'thank you' gift for those who genuinely help me on a trip bier

That would have been me ;-)

I'd suggest going to your local or nearby tourist shops and having a look at what they have on offer. Key rings, Kiwis ect, I also take a bunch of my local Automobile Association stickers, works a treat ;-)

Cheers Dave