The homeless millionaire.

Stonedpilot · 06-07-2017 11:37pm #1

So recently spoke to a homeless millionaire. He spoke to me for hours on a lake walk. Hes an elderly German man who loves Ireland so lives here. He spends all his time living in hotels and b and b's as thats what he likes proudly telling me he does not rent own or posess any home. "Im a homess millionaire" he said jovially.He was highly intelligent and speaks several languages (how he made his money actually language courses). His story was fascinating (albeit a bit sad, dead wife and son) and I know people might say ah he was lying but he came across as very sincere and brutally honest and a man in his late 70's really has no reason to lie to a total stranger I mean he couldnt benefit either way. He laughed at peoples obsession for property and had some amazing insights into life. I learned from the man anyway. He was good natured and realized the absurdity of gathering possessions so he spends it on hotels b and b's instead. Each to their own.
Cool to meet a homeless millionaire!.

endacl · 06-07-2017 11:41pm

I met a hatless billionaire once. Worth a fortune, but didn't own a hat. Weird. Each to their own, I suppose...

DontThankMe · 06-07-2017 11:42pm

Better off renting a camper van and driving around cos it's less expensive but I guess he doesn't need to worry about money cos he is a homeless millionaire.

washman3 · 06-07-2017 11:48pm

Obviously he once had an obsession for 'gathering' himself, since he became a millionaire. Now that he has lost his 2 closest relatives he has 'seen the light' and decided to spend it. His story seems rather unusual though. In Ireland those who have an obsession for gathering, largely subjecting themselves to poverty in many cases, pass it on to a relative who in turn will p##s it all against a wall.

Stonedpilot · 06-07-2017 11:49pm

DontThankMe wrote: »

Better off renting a camper van and driving around cos it's less expensive but I guess he doesn't need to worry about money cos he is a homeless millionaire.

Has the money to pay no family as such and knows he will be dead within few years so hotels it is. Must cost a fortune but worse ways to spend it.

Come to think of it didnt Keanu Reeves live in hotels for years too?.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000 · 06-07-2017 11:50pm

Stonedpilot wrote: »

So recently spoke to a homeless millionaire. He spoke to me for hours on a lake walk. Hes an elderly German man who loves Ireland so lives here. He spends all his time living in hotels and b and b's as thats what he likes proudly telling me he does not rent own or posess any home. "Im a homess millionaire" he said jovially.He was highly intelligent and speaks several languages (how he made his money actually language courses). His story was fascinating (albeit a bit sad, dead wife and son) and I know people might say ah he was lying but he came across as very sincere and brutally honest and a man in his late 70's really has no reason to lie to a total stranger I mean he couldnt benefit either way. He laughed at peoples obsession for property and had some amazing insights into life. I learned from the man anyway. He was good natured and realized the absurdity of gathering possessions so he spends it on hotels b and b's instead. Each to their own.
Cool to meet a homeless millionaire!.

I don't believe him.

06-07-2017 11:58pm

Stonedpilot wrote: »

I know people might say ah he was lying

/thread

He's homeless, man. I once shared a dorm with a Welsh guy in a Czech hostel who regaled me with stories of his life at the top of a corporate empire. When he went to take a poop, my Canadian room-mate told me how this ex-Captain of Industry had previously told the Canadian he was in the SAS and how he was almost killed in the Gulf War.

I don't know why people say this shit OP. It's probably because of a totally understandable need to escape from the far more real hole they have dug themselves into. Some people just aren't comfortable in their own skin. There are some pretty sad cases of it amongst those who are on the streets, and frankly, even on this website. I'm not saying any names, but we all know.

Stonedpilot · 07-07-2017 12:02am

Hunky Monster wrote: »

I don't believe him.

You dont have to. Like I said he was elderly and he enjoyed telling someone his story and came across as sincere, very polite and grounded. Important to note he wasnt bragging or anything (nice man).

Quite a few rich folk spend long time time in hotels though common in The U.A.E.

freshpopcorn · 07-07-2017 12:07am

He's a bit like the Major from Fawlty towers!

Cheerful Spring · 07-07-2017 12:08am

Stonedpilot wrote: »

So recently spoke to a homeless millionaire. He spoke to me for hours on a lake walk. Hes an elderly German man who loves Ireland so lives here. He spends all his time living in hotels and b and b's as thats what he likes proudly telling me he does not rent own or posess any home. "Im a homess millionaire" he said jovially.He was highly intelligent and speaks several languages (how he made his money actually language courses). His story was fascinating (albeit a bit sad, dead wife and son) and I know people might say ah he was lying but he came across as very sincere and brutally honest and a man in his late 70's really has no reason to lie to a total stranger I mean he couldnt benefit either way. He laughed at peoples obsession for property and had some amazing insights into life. I learned from the man anyway. He was good natured and realized the absurdity of gathering possessions so he spends it on hotels b and b's instead. Each to their own.
Cool to meet a homeless millionaire!.

He's right. Why do people care about having a big house? End of the day it provides the same cover as a smaller house. Car same thing. And lets be honest again when you dead whos going to give a crap you owned a big house down the road or drove 017 car nobody. Enjoy your life, less stress, and travel the world and go meet people nights out.

07-07-2017 12:09am

Stonedpilot wrote: »

Come to think of it didnt Keanu Reeves live in hotels for years too?.

Are you saying what I think you're saying?

OP, was this person Keanu Reeves possibly playing his greatest role yet? Did he end any sentences with "bogus, dude"?

Stonedpilot · 07-07-2017 12:23am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Are you saying what I think you're saying?

OP, was this person Keanu Reeves possibly playing his greatest role yet? Did he end any sentences with "bogus, dude"?

Serious props to the make up team for turing him into a very convincing old German man!

Also that thick German accent Keanu well done mate. Heres me thinking hes a wooden sterile hack who couldnt act who got VERY lucky!.

Yourself isit · 07-07-2017 12:23am

Stonedpilot wrote: »

Has the money to pay no family as such and knows he will be dead within few years so hotels it is. Must cost a fortune but worse ways to spend it.

Come to think of it didnt Keanu Reeves live in hotels for years too?.

Plenty of people have lived in hotels. It was common in Hollywood.

Stonedpilot · 07-07-2017 12:24am

Yourself isit wrote: »

Plenty of people have lived in hotels. It was common in Hollywood.

Not in Ireland it aint. Thats why its unusual.

Yourself isit · 07-07-2017 12:25am

freshpopcorn wrote: »

He's a bit like the Major from Fawlty towers!

Used to be more common.

andekwarhola · 07-07-2017 12:25am

We may have different takes on what 'homeless' means.

Yourself isit · 07-07-2017 12:26am

Stonedpilot wrote: »

Not in Ireland it aint. Thats why its unusual.

So what. He isn't Irish. No reason to not believe this.

A hotel room is a serviced studio apartment. Or more if you get a decent room.

The Chelsea hotel in New York was famous for its residents. Long term residents. They wouldn't be homeless of course.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Chelsea

osarusan · 07-07-2017 12:37am

Always annoying to hear some millionaire waffle on about how after all money isn't that important in their life, it's just the simple things that count, blah blah blah...when really they'd stab their granny in the back to close a deal.

Yourself isit · 07-07-2017 12:49am

Tesla spent more than 40 years in different new York hotels. Died in one.

Outlaw Pete · 07-07-2017 12:52am

Damn, thought this was a discussion about a new TV show where a millionaire goes homeless and the first person to give him €5............. he surprises the next day (whilst wearing a suit and tie) and gives them a briefcase with €50,000 cash inside....... but only because I gave a homeless guy a €5 last week. That chap who plays the beat up old guitar and sings Beatles tunes on Henry St and North Earl St most days/

Stonedpilot · 07-07-2017 1:25am

osarusan wrote: »

Always annoying to hear some millionaire waffle on about how after all money isn't that important in their life, it's just the simple things that count, blah blah blah...when really they'd stab their granny in the back to close a deal.

Erm Where did I say he waffled on money not being important?!?!. He said no such thing!.
He said he doesnt need a home as such. He still has roof over his head.

kneemos · 07-07-2017 1:41am

If you're a millionaire in your twilight years money ain't important. The guy probably spent his life amassing it and feels regretful.

Also why is there some sort of bird squaking its head off at two thirty in the morning.

jimmycrackcorm · 07-07-2017 2:14am

Having a home is not about owning property. People on social housing don't own their property.
He's not homeless at all. He chooses to make his home temporarily wherever he sees fit.
Homeless people don't have a choice. Choice is the difference.

Thespoofer · 07-07-2017 3:10am

' Oh,..Think twice,...it's just another day for you and me in paradise,...'

Creol1 · 07-07-2017 4:30am

freshpopcorn wrote: »

He's a bit like the Major from Fawlty towers!

Major Gowan wouldn't appreciate being compared to a German!

Mena Mitty · 07-07-2017 4:58am

Creol1 wrote: »

Major Gowan wouldn't appreciate being compared to a German!

He was a great man to keep a secret all the same.

Richard Hillman · 07-07-2017 6:11am

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

/thread

He's homeless, man. I once shared a dorm with a Welsh guy in a Czech hostel who regaled me with stories of his life at the top of a corporate empire. When he went to take a poop, my Canadian room-mate told me how this ex-Captain of Industry had previously told the Canadian he was in the SAS and how he was almost killed in the Gulf War.

I don't know why people say this shit OP. It's probably because of a totally understandable need to escape from the far more real hole they have dug themselves into. Some people just aren't comfortable in their own skin. There are some pretty sad cases of it amongst those who are on the streets, and frankly, even on this website. I'm not saying any names, but we all know.

Probably just having a bit of fun. I was once "Gaz from Chelmsford" on holiday for a bit. Had the accent down to a tee. I also played League of Ireland football. I am fat now so wouldn't get away with it. I am thinking about venturing into management.

It's great to see how long you can play for before the mask slips.

07-07-2017 6:20am

Richard Hillman wrote: »

Probably just having a bit of fun. I was once "Gaz from Chelmsford" on holiday for a bit. Had the accent down to a tee. I also played League of Ireland football. I am fat now so wouldn't get away with it. I am thinking about venturing into management.

It's great to see how long you can play for before the mask slips.

Sounds exhausting
When I go on holidays I like to be myself

Leave that mask wearing for the office :-)

Jawgap · 07-07-2017 6:30am

Stonedpilot wrote: »

So recently spoke to a homeless millionaire. He spoke to me for hours on a lake walk. Hes an elderly German man who loves Ireland so lives here. He spends all his time living in hotels and b and b's as thats what he likes proudly telling me he does not rent own or posess any home. "Im a homess millionaire" he said jovially.He was highly intelligent and speaks several languages (how he made his money actually language courses). His story was fascinating (albeit a bit sad, dead wife and son) and I know people might say ah he was lying but he came across as very sincere and brutally honest and a man in his late 70's really has no reason to lie to a total stranger I mean he couldnt benefit either way. He laughed at peoples obsession for property and had some amazing insights into life. I learned from the man anyway. He was good natured and realized the absurdity of gathering possessions so he spends it on hotels b and b's instead. Each to their own.
Cool to meet a homeless millionaire!.

"One thanks = amen"

:D:D

Why doesn't he take his money, and his obvious skills and do a "Chuck Feeney" - give it away to efficient, worthy causes rather than the hospitality industry? I know you probably don't know the answer to that question, but take, for example, the crowd I work for. The company was founded by three guys from a fairly rough part of Bristol and as part of our job we're allowed spend time (and some company money/resources) on certain types of community empowerment projects.

Estrellita · 07-07-2017 6:49am

Cheerful Spring wrote: »

He's right. Why do people care about having a big house? End of the day it provides the same cover as a smaller house. Car same thing. And lets be honest again when you dead whos going to give a crap you owned a big house down the road or drove 017 car nobody.

What a load of cobblers. Your post is tinged with bitterness and assumptions about other people, your perspective is skewed.

Living in a 'big House' > Living in a cat box

Driving a less than reliable older car < Driving a reliable newer car

Enjoy your life, less stress, and travel the world and go meet people nights out.

Yes, because everyone wants what you want.

07-07-2017 7:29am

Cheerful Spring wrote: »

He's right. Why do people care about having a big house? End of the day it provides the same cover as a smaller house. Car same thing. And lets be honest again when you dead whos going to give a crap you owned a big house down the road or drove 017 car nobody. Enjoy your life, less stress, and travel the world and go meet people nights out.

You equate wanting more newer comfortable houses, cars etc. with just doing so for status. But while there is certainly an element of vulgarity in certain purchases, you can filter out the flash from the larger numbers who simply want newer and bigger for comfort, amenity, utility etc. Travelling the world and going out is fine, but so too is wanting a newer crossover car or a house with a big garden for kids.

07-07-2017 8:54am

There is an individual in Galway - most locals would know of him. He regularly cycles in, gets drunk, and can be seen dancing around the streets of Galway. In reality - he is potentially extremely rich. Supposedly he owns land that is worth millions, so the story goes. Yet he refuses to and enjoys his life.

IrishLad90 · 07-07-2017 8:58am

While I do like to believe that this is a nice story he may have mistaken you as 'a woman of the night'

07-07-2017 9:48am

Theres a man here in Dublin, who also, lives in a hotel. Its one of the top hotels. before that he resided at the Four Seasons.

Strange life...

GhostyMcGhost · 07-07-2017 9:51am

endacl wrote: »

I met a hatless billionaire once. Worth a fortune, but didn't own a hat. Weird. Each to their own, I suppose...

I met a few heartless millionaires. Kinda the same thing...

topper75 · 07-07-2017 10:16am

Jawgap wrote: »

.... The company was founded by three guys from a fairly rough part of Bristol and as part of our job we're allowed spend time (and some company money/resources) on certain types of community empowerment projects.

So what are these communities able to do or authorized to do as a result of your intervention?

Is that 'empowered' word now meaningless guff these days?

Deleted User wrote: »

There is an individual in Galway - most locals would know of him. He regularly cycles in, gets drunk, and can be seen dancing around the streets of Galway. In reality - he is potentially extremely rich. Supposedly he owns land that is worth millions, so the story goes. Yet he refuses to and enjoys his life.

It's a lot more than an individual. There were a considerable amount of trust fund hippies wandering about that town when I lived there.

JohnCleary · 07-07-2017 10:30am

Deleted User wrote: »

There is an individual in Galway - most locals would know of him. He regularly cycles in, gets drunk, and can be seen dancing around the streets of Galway. In reality - he is potentially extremely rich. Supposedly he owns land that is worth millions, so the story goes. Yet he refuses to and enjoys his life.

That's b0llix and nothing more than a fairy story... would be cool if it were true though!

greencap · 07-07-2017 10:42am

Jake1 wrote: »

Theres a man here in Dublin, who also, lives in a hotel. Its one of the top hotels. before that he resided at the Four Seasons.

Strange life...

T'is dead money.

(hides and watches)

Yourself isit · 07-07-2017 11:12am

greencap wrote: »

T'is dead money.

(hides and watches)

Clearly it is not saving anything. The original German guy is possibly a multi millionaire and had no descendents so he can play down his money for years. If he's running low he can bite a place in leitrim

Jawgap · 07-07-2017 11:25am

topper75 wrote: »

So what are these communities able to do or authorized to do as a result of your intervention?

Is that 'empowered' word now meaningless guff these days?

It's a lot more than an individual. There were a considerable amount of trust fund hippies wandering about that town when I lived there.

Not really, the projects we get to work on get a lot of support from us (some financial, some of it in-kind). So, for example, the advocacy group I work with gets help with preparing and maintaining its books by our finance people - it means the volunteers can be out working with people instead of spending an inordinate amount of time with accounts or preparing bids etc for funding.

If they need advice, for example legal advice on issues they are dealing with, we can help - or if we can't help we know people who can and we 'browbeat' them into providing some time/effort for free.......on behalf of the people the group tries to help, we carry out advocacy work - sometimes when people are not doing well and they run up against 'official Ireland' they just need someone who knows the system and who will not be put off by the bureaucracy

....a couple of our IT gremlins help out with a homework club, and I know at least one other person who took advantage of the scheme to help out with a breakfast club. .....

......not exactly world-changing but if the lads who own the company wanted to they could just make a donation to assuage whatever social conscience they might have.....or they can do as they are doing and encourage the people they can influence to also make a contribution.

annascott · 07-07-2017 11:53am

living in hotels is all very well, but where would you keep your stuff? He can hardly be carrying all seasons clothes everywhere he goes.
Unless he is so wealthy that he just discards his clothes, shoes etc and buys new in each place. Seems a bit odd though.

seamus · 07-07-2017 12:15pm

DontThankMe wrote: »

Better off renting a camper van and driving around cos it's less expensive but I guess he doesn't need to worry about money cos he is a homeless millionaire.

Campers can be lonely though. You have less chance for random interactions with people driving around in a camper than you would say if you took busses everywhere and stayed in hotels and B&Bs.

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

He's not homeless at all. He chooses to make his home temporarily wherever he sees fit.
Homeless people don't have a choice. Choice is the difference.

In the strictest sense, anyone who doesn't have permanent accommodation is classed as "homeless". How and why they're in that situation is not important.
The number of people who choose this lifestyle is small, but they are considered homeless nonetheless.

Jake1 wrote: »

Theres a man here in Dublin, who also, lives in a hotel. Its one of the top hotels. before that he resided at the Four Seasons.

Strange life...

Strange life, but not *that* uncommon among very wealthy people who travel a lot. A hotel is expensive compared to say an apartment, but everything is done for you. You don't have to worry about furniture, cleaning, shopping, cooking, taxes, utilities, etc.
If you were to rent an apartment on the basis that you would walk in and have a team of servants managing it for you and a company who you paid a single fee for everything, it'd be expensive and probably not as luxurious as a hotel.

How much would it cost to rent a fully-furnished, fully-serviced penthouse apartment in Dublin with a cook, cleaner, concierge & servant available 24/7?

begbysback · 07-07-2017 12:19pm

Yourself isit wrote: »

Clearly it is not saving anything. The original German guy is possibly a multi millionaire and had no descendents so he can play down his money for years. If he's running low he can bite a place in leitrim

Would that not break his teeth?

07-07-2017 1:51pm

JohnCleary wrote: »

That's b0llix and nothing more than a fairy story... would be cool if it were true though!

Not bollox at all. If you're from around Galway, you'd know him as the Anti-Santa.

topper75 · 07-07-2017 1:59pm

Jawgap wrote: »

Not really, the projects we get to work on get a lot of support from us (some financial, some of it in-kind)..

OK so I guess they are empowered to some extent in that they can do stuff they wouldn't otherwise be able to do. You gave a robust defence!

I just get irritated when words such as empowered are thrown around to the point where they lose original meaning and vigour. See awesome. Large multinationals and their buzzword culture are often to blame.

Hats off for the work.

Jelle1880 · 07-07-2017 2:01pm

If I was a millionaire I would think about living in a hotel or multiple hotels too.

24/7 service, people that clean your room, food delivery, often in the center of a city,...

Permabear · 07-07-2017 2:09pm

This post has been deleted.

Permabear · 07-07-2017 2:14pm

This post has been deleted.

Pelvis · 07-07-2017 2:14pm

Cheerful Spring wrote: »

He's right. Why do people care about having a big house? End of the day it provides the same cover as a smaller house. Car same thing. And lets be honest again when you dead whos going to give a crap you owned a big house down the road or drove 017 car nobody. Enjoy your life, less stress, and travel the world and go meet people nights out.

Come back to us when you're 70, penniless, and have to pay rent.

seamus · 07-07-2017 2:20pm

Permabear wrote: »

This post had been deleted.

3 rented homes, did you rent them yourself or were you couch surfing?

If you're in private rented accommodation, you're not homeless.

I'm going by the statistical definitions. Private rented accommodation is permanent accommodation, in that it is intended for someone to live there on a long term, even if your lease is only 3 months.

Whereas hotels and hostels are not intended for permanent accommodation, even though someone who is homeless may end up living there long term.

conorhal · 07-07-2017 2:25pm

Cheerful Spring wrote: »

He's right. Why do people care about having a big house? End of the day it provides the same cover as a smaller house. Car same thing. And lets be honest again when you dead whos going to give a crap you owned a big house down the road or drove 017 car nobody. Enjoy your life, less stress, and travel the world and go meet people nights out.

That's all well and good if you're a millionaire, his concern is where next to stay, not, will I have a roof over my head tomorrow? Which is a far more pressing concern to the 'not millionaires' of this world and a pretty stressful situation to be in. There's nothing wrong with wanting that security, which that guy has. Not that I'd ever want his life, is sounds pretty lonely to be that rootless without family or community and only randomers to talk to.
To be destined to be found dead in a hotel room by housekeeping some morning seems like a sad epitaph.
.

The homeless millionaire.

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