Same thing like in Indonesia. Last time i went to Lake Toba we stopped for dinner at some highlands place. As soon as i stepped out of the bus this little boy carrying a dirty newspaper ran right up to me and “polished” my shoes with 2 strokes then stood up and held his hand out for payment. Thank God for the tour guide who saw him and shooed him away. He then said, don’t EVER give them money. There’s plenty more behind the building. One is sent out to test the waters. If you fall for one, the others will swarm you.

Anyway, I’ve never given a cent to beggars. Although i once fell for the “my motorcycle is broke and i need money to fix it” excuse once. I kinda knew it but my kind soul couldn’t resist then. Only once did i do that. Never again.

Yeah..those begging “nuns” and “monks” pesky at times, especially when u’re in the coffee shop enjoying ur breakfast and they come up with the bowl begging…was so tempted to drop into it a packet of noodles but usually just wave them away like flies.

The even worse one’s are those who solicit for funds for some temple renovations…those people are so persistent that I blantantly lied and told them, “excuse me, I’m a Muslim convert, you force me again, I report you to police” (the joy of living in this Muslim County haahhaaha) and they just walk off saying sorry and they must have been wondering..what in the world is this muslim convert eating a fried noodles with pork liver and such hahahahaha