The Royal Mile at Edinburgh is full of street artists and some can attract quite a crowd. I also saw two people greeting each-other where one told the other, “Hi you professionally overqualified street beggar.” And then they affectionately went on to hug each-other! I wonder what makes these people tick? Why do they do it? Are they really glorified street beggars? What do you think? I obviously understnd very little of it, only sure that they make the place quite colorful and vibrant.
PS. I am back now.
welcome, Waiting for more stories. The one above is interesting. At least can see it thru’ your camera.
Chitra, yes have to write more. 😀
Mriduladi, the street culture and people living this kinda lifestyle varies from city to city.. so my observations are of US cities only-
When I was on the eastcoast, in old cities like Baltimore/ Philadelphia/Washington DC, you would see mostly people in dire needs living on the street.. driven by drugs & circumstances. Some would do interesting stuff to earn it, most would just beg. On the west coast (SFO, Seattle, Portland), its quite different.. there’s a smaller percentage who do out of need (lost jobs, can’t afford to pay rent, can’t live with parents, retired armymen with mental conditions), but many who do it as a choice, breaking free of social & societal norms, doing things their way..
This last category is likely the kind of group you saw in Edinburg.
What makes them tick is a very good Q.. my best guesses are: drugs, quest for understanding life their own way, a partner who has similar likes..
Divya many thanks for your perspective. As I said I had no clue.
Braveheart…lollz
a bit sense of humor is necessary for these things..
I know Tarun 😀