Willingly walking around in the snow in bare feet might make some people question a person’s mental status.
Unless, of course, you’re in New Zealand.
I have yet to see a “no shirt, no shoes, no service” sign over here. Kiwis will walk down the busiest street in the country, in and out of stores, in and out of restaurants, and in all types of weather without any footwear.
It’s not disgusting, nor is it something to shake your head at. It’s part of the culture over here. That’s not to say that I don’t get a bit surprised by it from time to time – such as last week when I noticed a small, barefoot child who was otherwise warmly dressed walking next to her mother in the snow in Dunedin. But I like I said, it’s part of the culture here, and as we continued to walk down the street, I saw 2 other people sans shoes. And don’t forget some of the most famous barefooted characters in New Zealand…
So don’t be surprised or raise your eyebrows or look disgusted when you see someone walking barefoot in a department store. It’s just another part of living in New Zealand.
A couple of weeks ago I went with my family to Whakapapa ski field; the girls went skiing, whilst I wandered around barefoot the whole time. Barefoot in the snow? No problem, as long as you don’t stand in the same spot for two long – just keep moving!
That’s a funny fact about the kiwis! So do you know why they like to go barefoot in the cold? I understand in the summer but no way trudging in snow! I’m sure you did a double take the first time!
Laura
Took me ages to get used to it and even now I insist my children walk to school with their shoes on, even though I know they’ll be off the second they get to school.
You have to do a post about going everywhere in your slippers, pajamas and robe, next.
I love being barefoot. LOVE it. I wish being barefoot in public were acceptable here! 🙂 Except in public bathrooms — eww.
If Hobbits do it, it can’t be wrong. That being said I may have to consider a pedicure budget 😉
I hate shoes, this would be awesome for me – if it wasn’t so dang cold!
We do like our barefeet. There is noway I would be shoeless at the snow!