Türkische Bettlerinnen, und Bibelverkäufer

There's a certain type of beggar in Germany, that I thought was limited to Berlin (being the only place I've seen this type of beggar). They look just like a regular, middle-class Turkish woman, only they come up to you with paper in hand and ask you for money (or to buy something) for their baby. They're often carrying the baby, and the paper is written in various languages in case they come across someone who doesn't understand them.

The oddest part is that they have nice clothing, and purses, and new baby carriages and everything! They're far from the denizens of the Downtown East Side. I want to know what's really going on with them. I almost want to ask why they're doing this; but that's a little patronizing, and I guarantee you that they wont give a shit, and simply move on.

Regardless, I had two of them come up to me today (I thought they were asking for directions). The first one surprised me, as I didn't know they were in Freiburg; the second one I just walked past with a simple "es tut mir leid" (sorry, but a real sorry, not the fake "excuse me" sorry that we Canadians use). Not to sound cold, but if you dress better than I do, then I just don't give a shit. If you're legit, then sell your purse, or your makeup to buy things for your kid.

Of course I don't know the full story, so all I have are reactionary thoughts.

Then I get this guy phoning me from the lobby asking me if I speak Italian 'cause my name's Italian. I told him no, and it sounded like it blew his mind. What he was doing was wanting to talk to people about bibles in Italian, and he said he was phoning all the Italians. I told him the same thing I told both Turkish beggar-ladies and wished him a good evening.

Sometimes people rig the door downstairs so that it's open, and they can easily come back in, but I'm always the jerk that makes sure it locks, for the very reason of bible-salesmen running around the building. We had Jehovah's Witnesses in here a month ago, and they woke me up at the door so they could speak to my French room-mate.

Bible salesmen... As if Christianity wasn't wide-spread enough! I mean, I'm not gonna turn this into a rant against Christianity, simply to say that you won, man! I'd sooner lend an ear to a Pagan preacher; At least you know that guy's gotta work hard! But Christians? Nah, sorry. Everyone in Germany's within walking distances to, around, 8 churches, why do they need door-to-door salesmen? The bells that wake me up every morning do a hell of a better job.

Regardless, I was glad that all the shops were open today; I now have food... Delicious food.

Tschüß!