The old woman who lived in a shoe.

Day 37...
OK, in this case it's not a shoe but a makeshift shelter of some sort, made out of cardboard boxes,plastic bags and loads of tattered old luggage. And 'she' here is a 'he'. I am talking about the homeless man that lives across the street from my school. I first noticed him about 3 weeks ago, while I was looking out of the window,people watching. I noticed this huge pile of rubbish just by a clothing store opposite. I remember thinking to myself "oh they do have to clear out that mess." Suddenly, the pile moved and I thought "Oh my God! Rats!" Then I saw a hand reach for some food.
From that day onwards, I would always look out that window just waiting until I could see who lived underneath that huge pile of rubbish. Today he emerged from his 'home'and my heart sank. He went about quietly tidying his little home. Swapping old cardboard boxes for new ones from the stores' garbage bin. Changing his clothes and so on. I am really intrigued by him. What's his story? Why did he choose that particular location (it's not particularly hidden?) How come he has so many clothes? Has he just recently been made homeless? Why hasn't the store tried to move him? The station closest to me is always filled with 8-10men sleeping right by the platform. And we all just go about our daily business. Not sure if both are cases of 'live and let live' or just us pretending there isn't a problem here.
Just my observation of the not-so-belle part of Paris. I could be wrong. Any insights are welcome.

The French do love protesting. Been here a month and already I have witnessed two demonstrations! I asked one protester what the problem was this time. Apparently, Monsieur Sarkozy has tightened the education budget and the schools are really short of resources - especially teaching staff. Teachers from the primary to the university level came out in support. I hope Elysee Palace was watching.

Bisous!