It was quite surprising to be accosted by a straggly looking European guy yesterday,who looked as though he had gone to Glastonbury 25 years ago and only just extricated himself from the scene man.He looked as though he hadn't eaten or bathed in a while,and I was quite taken aback when he asked for some "spondooli man".Now you will understand that their is grinding poverty in this country,what with no social security system in place,and the recent history.However,although I was prepared for this,I certainly didn't expect to encounter a situation like this.
I had heard that there were westerners who had fallen upon hard times,but it still came as a surprise.My thoughts were mixed,as the guy had probably blown all his capital on drugs in the past,and he reminded me of the story of Scottish football supporters who went to Argentina in 1978,and are still there.I was prepared to engage the bloke in conversation,but he became a tad agressive,so I left him to his demons.You would like to be sympathetic,but when you see homeless kids on the street at every turn,it's hard to be.In fact it actually made me quite angry when I thought about it,but then my "fair,liberal and a soft touch!"side came out,and I realised I knew nothing of the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate.
I would imagine that this is a fairly rare occurrence,although I have seen adverts in local publications warning of a particular reprobate.
So,if you still haven't seen me in 5 years time,you'll know what has happened.Just picture me looking like Catweazle(a bearded old man who lived in a cave,for you younger readers out there)Ta ta for now.