Via Prague

I joined an online hospitality club a while back, on the advice of my Czech friend Karel. He was hosting a group of students from Budapest. We all went out on the town in Prague, and spent a pleasant evening talking and partaking of sirs Pilsner, Gambrinus, et al. The students told us we were welcome to stay with them in Budapest anytime. Encouraged by this contact, I signed up.
My first contact came from a guy in Romania, who offered to share 'mouth candy kisses' if he could stay at my place while he was in Prague. Notwithstanding the rather worrying concept of 'mouth candy kisses,' the idea was nixed by Hana, my flatmate. Romanians aren't received too well over here. She was probably afraid he'd move his whole family in.
But there have been benefits too. For my stay in Paris next month, a French couple has offered to put me up for a few days, and even show me around.
Now consider this curious message I got this morning, from Tonnie, a So Cal girl currently working in China.

Hello,
Karel from Roztoky recommended you to me, because he already has people
staying at his house. I know 4 people is a lot, so whatever you can do
will help. We are currently in China, teaching English, but our boss
is ridiculous. We are all leaving Sunday night and flying to Prague.
Since our boss is holding money from us, we dont have any money; only to
get to Prague. I know it's short notice, but we can stay in a hostel for
a couple of nights. One of them said we can stay for free. and help us
look for a job. If you know of any jobs or can help with sleeping
arrangements, that would be awesome. Thanks for your time.
Tonnie

I've been considering moving to China ... hmm, well. I emailed Tonnie today and told her to contact me when she and her entourage get to Prague and I'll see what I can do. She'll have to pass the Hana test, but I think it will be OK for a couple nights. Our flat has plenty of floor space, and a couch in the kitchen. Plus, it's winter and I don't like the idea of anyone, especially a countryman, being out in the cold. And I figure it's karma -- I've got to answer for the free bed in Paris.
What do you think of the story in China, about her boss not paying? I've talked to other teachers who've worked in China, most had good experiences. I guess it depends on the company. Earlier this year in Japan one of its biggest language schools shut its doors abruptly. All the foreign teachers couldn't get paid, and were basically left in a foreign country stranded. I can count my blessings. Would never happen in America, you say? Well, I guess we'd have to ask one of the Mexican migrant workers, or the Asians working in the kitchens.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share the post.