by BairnyBoy » Sun Aug 11, 2013 4:17 pm
Never had too much of a problem with aggressive beggars and I usually stick a bit of cash in a held out cup or whatever.
I really like the bloke who sits at the bus stop on Argyle Street, just down from the Trongate before you get to where Glassford Road is. He's just outside of McDonalds, next to the Tesco there (the bit where the bank machine is between the wall and bus stop and people have to push through to get by). I usually chuck a quid or two into his cup. He draws pictures. No idea if they're any good, never stopped to chat to him, he's just 'on my route'.
I've never been keen on the ones who wander the streets and come up to tell you stories. The "a couple of quid for a cup of tea" or the "need bus fare" ones do my head in. I had a manky looking bastard catch me out as I crossed a road on Union street, heading down to the riverfront. I was crossing in a crowd but I made the mistake of making eye-contact with this bastard, and I knew fine well that I was in for it just for being stupid enough to look him in the face. Skinny, scruffy, junky coupon - he was the epitome of the Glasgow beggar. I felt a bit sorry for the guy but he really, really pushed it.
He must have followed me for the rest of the block, I had no change or any dosh on me at all. I kept trying to explain that to him and he was walking next to me as if we were best mates. I got a bit pissed off when he grabbed my arm and stopped. Instead of giving him money, I gave him the last of a packet of fags I was carrying - maybe four in it - and he finally buggered off.
"He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger." - Confucius