Increase in Gypsies?

[Clioman2]

has the number of these increased this year or is it my imagination? We got back to the UK on Tuesday but during our stay in Calis were a little put out at the number of them. In addition to the usual couple of rose sellers there were women squatting on each of the wooden pedestrian bridges holding babies and begging. We were also approached whilst dining by two young boys holding their hands out and whining rather than talking. The number of rose sellers looks to have tripled since last June too and to have three approach you in ten minutes is a bit annoying. These people arrived in a group most nights and the only time we saw adult males they were drunk and carrying cans of beer. They had one of the women approach a shop with a bag of shopping that we assumed they were claiming to have bought earlier. The shopkeeper soon saw her off and pointed her to the mini-market across the road. She didn't have much luck there either. One of the drunks got a little niggly but after the first shopkeeper calmed him down he and his mate jumped on a moped and scooted off. Yes I know we all have a living to make but do they all have to descend on Calis?

[Crabbit]

Hi Clioman
Welcome to CBF    

[Clioman2]

Cheers Crabbit, had a cracking time as usual during our two weeks. We've been coming since 1996 and have seen a few changes but it's still our favourite in Turkey. We managed to track down Falcon, the famed restaurant puller-inner, to his new Estate Agents across from Josephs. Hope it's a success for him.

[kanga]

no theres a few in belfast ,so the interviews say

[puma]

these people!! as you call them, have to make a living anyway they can. it is not for us to criticize them their way of life they are turkish gypsies

[Crabbit]

quote:Originally posted by puma

 it is not for us to criticize them their way of life

Does that depend on whether they use Deodorant or not  

[Scunner]

It can irritate some I guess when you are out for a meal and they come wave after wave. Doesn't bother me, I developed a very effective "NO" expression some time ago

Some responsibility must lie with the restaurant owners. Some (Bella Mamma's may be one) don't allow them in. This at least gives you the choice.

[rwr]

I agree with the above post.If you get this on a regular basis you do tend to turn off to it.Its not just Turkey you get this but many other countries. The worst I have  experienced was in Portugal where they use mothers and new born babies to get your attention.I must admit it depends what they are trying to sell you that makes a difference.
If they are selling dvds I have noticed they tend to do ok. Also the young girls selling red roses.I cannot say the same for the carpet sellers though. They are as we we all know just trying to earn a living so but can be a big irritant as said previously.

[jennyjo]

There does seem to be an increase of the 'rose sellers' but also young boys begging. One night while we were sat in the Harem at a front table one of the young boys attempted to snatch my bag off the table, my partner was quick and moved it and the boy ran off.  The next night while we were sat in Mangal restaurant we saw the same boy running down the road and a few minutes later being dragged back up the road by a policeman, the lad was crying and I did feel for him, he only looked about 8!! So watch your bags!!

[Crabbit]

quote:Originally posted by jennyjo

 the lad was crying and I did feel for him, he only looked about 8!!

Whether 8 or 18 a thief is still a thief and no matter which country they are in they should do to them what they do in Saudi Arabia.  
Feel sorry for them !!! not bloody likely