Tis the season for those that come around between 6-8pm to 'scan' who is home or not. We had a German lad with B permit (from Kt. TG- not exactly close by to Cham) by us tonight looking for money. Dont be afraid to ask for their aufenhaltsbewilligung because the plastic encased card looks mega suspicious! If you are planning on going away for the holidays, please take precautions!

Eh?

You mean we should ask beggars for ID??

I find a simple "Nein" does the trick?

I always ask for ID. (typical Swiss )

Would you have given him money if he wasn't a foreigner?

this is the season of giving, but that should be done all year if you do that, anyway.

in terms of people coming to my building and asking for money, hasn't happened yet, knock on my head. i wouldn't like that but i'd probably give him some food. i always just explain that moneys tight and food is better and that seems to do the trick

the chica who is outside my coop knows i always give some of whatever food i buy- she'll get some. at the end of the year i get presents from my students, this past year two bottles of champagne(!!!!) and i gave one to her while i was walking home because it didn't feel right having two bottles when she had none. she seems happy with the situation we have and even when i give nothing she still likes to chat a bit. she asked me today if i had any extra shoes. i wear a size 35 and have two pairs to give away but she's a 39, if anyone wears a 39 and wants to part with some shoes, lemme know

I do have some size 39 shoes (or rather, size 8 1/2 or 9 from the U.S.) to give away. Some of them have heels, though not very high. About how old is she? Let me know if you think she'd like some. I could put them in the Post to you. Also, let me know what size she wears, if she needs clothes.

sweet! that's great. i think she'll take them all, her mixing of patterns and fabrics tell me that she's open to experimenting fashion-wise. i have a bag of clothes to give her tomorrow but i'm sure she'll have others to give to. you are a gem- if i had time i'd hightail it up to you (i have the ag) just to meet cha- we'll save that for later- thanks so much, that's really lovely of you!