Random thoughts

I get shouted and followed A LOT by kids, mostly boys. But I feel safe. It's just a little irksome getting followed and asked for money constantly. However, I accept that I will not be left alone and privacy? What's that?! Most of the time they are just curious.

And I find if you talk to them and actually find out about them, sometimes they will stop asking for money and want to just talk. They realise that people are actually interested in them. My go to topic is always football. You can see the excitement on their faces when I mention  Arsenal or Man United (not that I know anything, but I ensure I know enough) A lot of these kids are really REALLY poor and just showing a bit of kindness (not money) it makes them feel good and then I find they genuinely want to just hang out.

I had these two boys following me. I let them. I was going for food. I got to the restaurant gates and they stopped. I then asked them 'well are you coming in or not'? They didnt know what to do but sheepishly came in with me. I downright won't give money or anything else. Some people actually think giving pens and sweets is better but it still creates begging behaviour.  I do question if inviting them to eat with me creates the same behaviour - depends how you look at it. I just dont want them to  think if they follow a tourist around that they may get a perk eventually. But then I think they may never get this kind of chance again and also I would like company sometimes rather than eat alone. The restaurant staff tried to shoo them away but I told them that they were with me. The staff shut up right away. In all the meal came up to about $5 which is pretty expensive.
The kids were really sweet. Their parents live 2 days walk away. They are so young  yet live alone, shine shoes and do other odds and sods for a little money. They do go to school and their English is pretty good so thats good. I hope they stay in school. Anyway I got a good meal in them. Not sure how often that happens.

I have my art supplies with me so I held an impromtu art lesson at a beautiful spot and we just drew pictures for the afternoon.

Very impressive house and car drawing