Money, money, money . . .

   So before I start belting out ABBA lyrics, I'll write down some musings from work today:

   I feel so conflicted about cash. It has such high value in our society, yet it's just PAPER. People say you need it for security, but how can you rely on something that can be destroyed by a single tear, flame, or one good cycle in the washing machine?
   Money itself is not valuable. It's the value we put into it that makes it of value to us. It's value is man made- illusion.
   Even people who believe money is not the most important thing to them (including myself) believe that on some level it's necessary for things to function. But really . . . was money here when the world began to play it's game? It's such a recent, but powerful phenomenon.
   I love traveling, but I constantly get feedback that it's an expensive endeavor. But, even on "expensive" trips (like my one to Europe earlier this year) I managed to keep costs to a minimum, yet have an amazing time, everyday. Maybe quick fix vacations, though, are expensive because they are meant to be . . . meant to keep you on a system of punishments and rewards. "Hey, I've been working 50 weeks of the year doing something to earn money so I can blow it all now on these two weeks that are supposed to be pure relaxation and bliss- so, what's the easiest, most typical thing I can do?". . .
   Maybe, if you want to stay in the system, you DO need money, even if it's not a lot of money. But what if you want out?
   There's still so much to think about. There is still so much to experience.

   So, in my not-so-sure about money state, I looked up websites that catered to people looking to reach out and give without using money as a tool. So here's some stuff I liked:

WWOOF: World Wide Opportunities in Organic Farming http://www.wwoof.org/
   Work on organic farms around the world and you can stay there for free, meals included. You help the farm, they teach you sustainable farming. Awesome. I really want to do this soon . . . and by soon, I'm thinking SOON.

Couch Surfing http://www.couchsurfing.org/
   I've never tried it, but I think I definitely will one day. You basically contact people who offer their couch up to travellers for free. No strings attached.

Hitch Hike! I found a great article on hitch hiking a few years ago . . . I'll try and see if I can find it again.

Free Campsites http://freecampsites.net/
   Offers a directory of campsites you can stay at for free or very little cost.

Dumpster Diving and Freeganism http://freegan.info/
   Dumpster Diving is so much fun! I've done a bit this summer and it's been a blast as well as very fruitful. Our local Trader Joes throws sooooo much stuff out that is perfectly fine- I've gotten packages of veggies, melons, bananas, pre-packaged foods, salads, dips, flowers . . . it's pretty insane how much is thrown away that is perfectly good for consumption.

Freecyle http://www.freecycle.org/
   Awesome, awesome site.

Might add more soon . . . but these are all fun and useful sites I've found over the years that I definitely check quite often.