I usually like the Christian Science Monitor newspaper for its indepth, leave-no-stone-unturned journalism.  But a piece that appeared in there recently left me scratching my head, just way too many unanswered questions.  Click here to read.  There is a link in the article that did give a scant bit more information, but, sheesh....the concept is noble. The article is about an informal network of "hosts", people who are willing to take in travelers for the night in exchange for a donation or a gift.  I love the idea, the idea is to cut out the gross hotels with their crappy comforters and questionable towels and instead rely on the kindness of strangers like what used to be found along the old Roman roads.  BUT, and I hate to sound cynical, doesn't it seem like there are just too many risks/pitfalls involved?  Especially for the hosts...Ugh....just a total stranger shows up and you take them in?  The author of the article shares their beginnings in the "network" over 30 years ago...even then, times were safer....I'm sorry, I just think there are too many nutty, dangerous weirdos out there for this to work, noble of a concept as it is.....anyone else disagree? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts....