On: “I have an idea worth minus a million.”

[mos1]

Demanding that the factory seal be intact is standard practice for traveling in the developing world. You definitely weren't paranoid.

In areas that don't have bottled water from a brand I recognize, I drink nothing but fermented beverages (I've brushed my teeth with beer).

I'd use brand-name ice cubes, if they were packaged in a known, trustworthy manner.

[billybob → mos1]

Carbonated drinks are also safe - the acid kills pathogens.

You can also easily carry water purification stuff - a bottle of polarpure lasts many many uses, and there are stirring wands that use UV light to kill germs. You may need to do a bit of research about what kills what, though.

[HeyLaughingBoy → billybob]

Carbonated drinks are also safe - the acid kills pathogens

What acid? There's no hydrogen in CO2.

[rmc → billybob]

Another way to purify water is to boil for for a few minutes.

[rmc → mos1]

Yes, bottled water or bust is the standard mantra in the developing world.

I rememeber one of our party trying to order a Margarita with no ice in a restaurant in Zambia once.