2. There are a lot of homeless people here. At first glance I didn't think it was worse than in New York City. But the more I think about, I think it might be worse here, if not just as bad. One problem is, I haven't seen a single homeless shelter. Do they have them here? If there's no place for them to go and seek food and a place to stay, then they just end up on the streets. It's really sad. Differences I've noticed are that here, they often employ props/other things into their...well, can I call it an act? I hesitate to call it that. Homelessness is a huge can of worms and I don't really want to go into it now, but I feel sympathy for them while at the same time, feeling bad for sympathizing when I don't even know if it's real. The money these people ask for often goes to buying booze and drugs anyway, so I don't want to enable. Once I was cornered for money and I gave a woman some coins. Bad, Sam! I can't do it anymore. If I give something to one person, then I have to give to all...and I don't even know where my money is really going, anyway. Anyway, here dogs often accompany the homeless. I even saw a small child today. But here, I feel that they are more eager to approach you. In my experience in the States, the homeless usually just keep to themselves on the streets and are a presence. But here, they are not shy about approaching you and begging for money and following you. They're so persistent, and I really hate it. Especially the gypsies that I've encountered around the 4th arrondissement. They beg and cry and it's terrible. It makes me both sad and upset.
3. Equally as persistent are the street vendors. At the huge flea market that we went to the other day, there were a ton under the bridge trying to shove products in people's faces. Some were even physically taking people by the arm and trying to walk with them while selling something. I think that's too much. Whatever the case, I've been told by many people that if someone asks me if I speak English, I'm supposed to say "no" and keep walking. Or just not respond at all. That's how they get you--it's not always hard to pick us out and tell that we're Americans. Or at the very least, not French.
Anyway, these are just some things I've noticed. I'm curious to hear what you guys think about it all.
Good observations!
ReplyDeleteYou have to keep in mind, with the persistence of Vendors and Homeless people, that you're American. Which is at least one reason that they're persistent.
PS the blog is awesome.