Intrique at the Town Square

Germans pay some hefty taxes to make sure their countrymen are cared for with health insurance, unemployment money, and maternity leaves. Yet, some people don't bother taking advantage of these assistances. Of course, they most likely aren't contributing any taxes anyway. Their main enjoyment seems to come from drinking a lot of alcohol. Although I shan't generalize, as this is certainly not always true.

They snub most of society's rules and have, what may or may not be, an aversion to the typical comforts in life - a bed, proper cups and such. I am fascinated by these society shunners and I can't help but watch them when I'm in their vicinity.

The Marktplatz is the best spot to observe. And not just because there is a Starbucks there. But who are we kidding, it's because there's a Starbucks there.

And as I walk towards my house of addiction to feed my chai latte needs, one of my favorite homeless people is sitting in front of the grocery market, Kaiser's, next door. That happens to be the place to hang out if you're street livin'. He squats by the wall with his beer bottles and heavily tattooed hands and face and chats inebreiatedly with the shoppers. I find it interesting and sobering (ironically?) that he's three sheets to the wind at 3 in the afternoon. Maybe four or 5 sheets, though. I also appreciate that the Aacheners aren't apprehensive of these Penner. They stop and say hello, make conversation. When I had Mocha, (you remember my favorite geriatric puppy?) he was enamored of her and complimented her shiny coat. At least, I'm pretty sure that's what he was talking about. Drunk German is one I'm not all that good at.

My second favorite town-societal-rule-shunner to watch is the Talker. He's a 30- or 40-something who wears a ponytail and a leather jacket. He likes to ask for money, which isn't all that surprising. I am intriqued by him simply because he talks so much. Most often it's with people I can't seem to see. But he gets on really well with them and is always jovial.

Now that spring is abounding in Aachen, they all have new puppies. Beautiful furry little things that run around the square with their leashes dragging behind them. We rule followers stand on the sidelines looking at the puppies playing and their owners swinging their beer bottles happily in the air. But our lunch break is over and we don't join in.