India on bare soles

Barefoot Traveller · Oct 5th, 2004, 10:43

I wonder how many of you enjoy the pleasures of travelling barefoot?
I'm not talking about a weekend trip but the serious stuff: Travelling
for several month without even carrying any shoes, staying bare
everywhere… things like that!
Having left Europe for good I'm enjoying my life in India, staying
barefoot all-year-round, wherever I go, whatever I do. For me, being
barefoot isn't just a fashion statement: It's a lifestyle, a way to
express myself… And of course an amazing sensual experience: Walking
barefoot I'm far more "in touch". Conditions are perfect down here as
long as your soles are used to the heat of the summer.
LIVING barefoot is a great experience, but what I love even more is
TRAVELLING barefoot! I'm travelling a lot and I've virtually explored
every nook and corner of India on my bare soles! It's an exciting
experience to roam around without any footwear in my backpack,
trusting in my leather-like soles toughened over many years. It's
exciting to be constantly in touch, to FEEL the country, to experience
every change in temperature or texture of the ground! It's SO
communicative: Every now and then somebody asks me "why are you
wearing no shoes?", and here in India, the reactions are almost always
positive if I explain the advantages of a barefoot lifestyle.
Especially in the South where something like a "barefoot culture"
still exists.
And by the way: Even if quite a few people in the West are gravely
concerned about "health risks", especially if it comes to barefoot
travelling in countries like India – I can assure you I've not faced a
single problem throughout the years! I've been travelling barefoot
since my schooldays and there's nothing my soles didn't get exposed
too but I haven't caught ANY of those countless diseases which fill
the pages of guidebooks and travel-related Web forums! I suppose once
the soles have turned into a sort of "living leather" the risk of
catching something through hand-contact are by far more serious, but
even then I'm trusting in my natural immune system and am not tempted
at all to wear gloves!
I've left footprints in dozen's of countries. Exploring the Pyramids
of Gizeh on my bare soles, the Bazaars of Damascus, the Himalayas…
Experiences I'll never forget! I know I'm not the only barefoot
traveller - I've met some of you out there, on the roads. But only
every now and then… The web might be a good place to hook up! Let's
get in touch, let's share our experiences! Make this a meeting-point
for our "tribe"!

seventies'hippy · Oct 5th, 2004, 14:31

Oh Yes, I too know the joys of travelling barefoot,,,,,,,
I guess originally it wasn't planned, but when you wear a size 11 sandal and they fall to bits in India they're hard to replace.
I did many years in the 70's-80's barefoot,culminating in a 3yr stint. At this time I was very down n'out, not only no footwear but no nothing apart from a couple of lunghi's and a bedroll blanket now and again,,,,,
I too went everywhere barefoot from rocky himalayan walks to hot kerela beaches, It wasn't an issue, never thought about it, sure even though your feet get like leather it still gets pretty hot at times, but theres alwys one side of the road with some shadow ao somesort to walk on,Those few degrees make it all bareable.
Of course India, then more than now, was very accomadating for people without shoes, as most of the population where like that.
The biggest plus is that you are in touch with nature, you are touching earth all of the time. and to me that seems so Natural, we' were'nt boon with hoofs,,,,,,,,,,
These days though I've softened up, It's sports sandals, & that's all you need unless you're going way of the recognised tracks,,,,,,,
Happy Travelling

Ruprecht · Oct 6th, 2004, 01:00

Wow, kindred spirits! I walk everywhere barefoot.... in fact, I have never worn shoes! I went on an expedition to Nepal and even climbed Mount Everest without shoes!

/sarcasm

(Sounds like good money-saving advice

)

Nick-H · Oct 6th, 2004, 01:14

You can get blood poisoning anywhere, but if was to go barefoot I's start toughening up my skin somewhere where the pavement isn't used as a toilet.

And, at least shoes facilitate leaving some of the dust and dirt outside: if you visit my house barefoot, please wash your feet before coming in.

iyou · Oct 6th, 2004, 02:53

I'm sure I saw the exact same message from OP a couple months ago on LPTT. A nice idea, but someone in that forum pointed out how unexcited Indians would be to see a tourist running around barefoot. The point of wearing foot protection in India is so that you can keep your feet reasonably clean. Then when you enter someone's home, or a temple, you can remove your shoes at the door and come in with clean feet. Not like a filthy naga sadhu. Anyway. Whatever. Do whatever you like.

cyberhippie · Oct 6th, 2004, 03:04

And as on the TT we're drawing all sorts of conclusions and being a tad judgemental!!
The guy has just decided to go barefoot for goodness sake, no big impact on anybodies life or morals.
Lets face it if he can manage those tarmac roads in India he's got to be serious!!
As for Indian sensibilities being offended well one would have to wash their feet before entering a local home but don't you think this guy may know that??
As well as that being barefoot in India isn't uncommon so there must be way of abiding by the traditions.
India where better to be a bit alternative, as tourist we are! Whether we like it or not!!
Live and let live!!

harmony · Oct 6th, 2004, 03:27

he is sending spam to my email address because i have it posted for people to write to me privately.

he is no kindred spirit

seventies'hippy · Oct 6th, 2004, 03:56

Hey People.
At that time in my life I wouldn't have wanted to come into your house, sleep in your bed, watch your TV, or sit on your toilet,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bom Shankar

anjuna mark · Oct 6th, 2004, 05:51

There are serious health issues with walking barefoot in the tropics.
[To 70’s hippy; ME TOO! I wear size 11 and forced to walk bare foot for years since I could never find open shoes that fit.]
In India, people habitually spit on the street. Tuberculosis lurks there. Also, there are open toilets, and people go in the fields. Feces get tracked around. Human feces is the most dangerous for other humans.
There are some serious and nasty parasites that bore into your feet from below as well.
There is a high infant mortality rate amongst the poor there. Those that survive have immune systems that are very hardy. Don’t be fooled by the healthy; you may not be as tough as them.
Probably this bit won’t concern you so much, but most Indian people will have utterly no respect for you [remember, I speak from experience here]. The coolies will think you’re hilarious and love you.
The tarmac gets very hot in the sun; very very hot. I mean; HOT.
OK, go for it and enjoy.
Regards, Mark

neraknerak · Jun 20th, 2008, 00:44

What do you recommend to do if it is very hot out but have to be barefoot (like at a holy site)

? wear socks?

capt_mahajan · Jun 20th, 2008, 00:50

neraknerak, umm, the thread is four years old, almost.

It happens. And sometimes interesting threads get revived this way.

Now where is that sink thread...

Ruprecht · Jun 20th, 2008, 11:33

Old thread... forgot all about IM until I got an email alert. Glad you're all still alive in here.

capt_mahajan · Jun 20th, 2008, 11:51

Ruprecht, welcome back

Quote:

Glad you're all still alive in here

So am I.

Nick-H · Jun 21st, 2008, 00:33

Forgot?

About IM?

Good Grief!

wonderwomanusa · Jun 22nd, 2008, 01:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by neraknerak

What do you recommend to do if it is very hot out but have to be barefoot (like at a holy site)

? wear socks?

Yes, wear socks. It's the shoes that are forbidden.

Oct 5th, 2004, 10:43	#1
Barefoot Traveller Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: India Posts: 2	India on bare soles I wonder how many of you enjoy the pleasures of travelling barefoot? I'm not talking about a weekend trip but the serious stuff: Travelling for several month without even carrying any shoes, staying bare everywhere… things like that! Having left Europe for good I'm enjoying my life in India, staying barefoot all-year-round, wherever I go, whatever I do. For me, being barefoot isn't just a fashion statement: It's a lifestyle, a way to express myself… And of course an amazing sensual experience: Walking barefoot I'm far more "in touch". Conditions are perfect down here as long as your soles are used to the heat of the summer. LIVING barefoot is a great experience, but what I love even more is TRAVELLING barefoot! I'm travelling a lot and I've virtually explored every nook and corner of India on my bare soles! It's an exciting experience to roam around without any footwear in my backpack, trusting in my leather-like soles toughened over many years. It's exciting to be constantly in touch, to FEEL the country, to experience every change in temperature or texture of the ground! It's SO communicative: Every now and then somebody asks me "why are you wearing no shoes?", and here in India, the reactions are almost always positive if I explain the advantages of a barefoot lifestyle. Especially in the South where something like a "barefoot culture" still exists. And by the way: Even if quite a few people in the West are gravely concerned about "health risks", especially if it comes to barefoot travelling in countries like India – I can assure you I've not faced a single problem throughout the years! I've been travelling barefoot since my schooldays and there's nothing my soles didn't get exposed too but I haven't caught ANY of those countless diseases which fill the pages of guidebooks and travel-related Web forums! I suppose once the soles have turned into a sort of "living leather" the risk of catching something through hand-contact are by far more serious, but even then I'm trusting in my natural immune system and am not tempted at all to wear gloves! I've left footprints in dozen's of countries. Exploring the Pyramids of Gizeh on my bare soles, the Bazaars of Damascus, the Himalayas… Experiences I'll never forget! I know I'm not the only barefoot traveller - I've met some of you out there, on the roads. But only every now and then… The web might be a good place to hook up! Let's get in touch, let's share our experiences! Make this a meeting-point for our "tribe"!

Oct 6th, 2004, 02:53	#5
iyou Maha Guru Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon USA Posts: 502	I'm sure I saw the exact same message from OP a couple months ago on LPTT. A nice idea, but someone in that forum pointed out how unexcited Indians would be to see a tourist running around barefoot. The point of wearing foot protection in India is so that you can keep your feet reasonably clean. Then when you enter someone's home, or a temple, you can remove your shoes at the door and come in with clean feet. Not like a filthy naga sadhu. Anyway. Whatever. Do whatever you like. __________________ . . . --May a moody baby doom a yam.

Oct 6th, 2004, 03:27	#7
harmony Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: san francisco, california Posts: 30	barefoot traveler is a spammer!!! he is sending spam to my email address because i have it posted for people to write to me privately. he is no kindred spirit

Jun 20th, 2008, 00:44	#10
neraknerak Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5	Barefoot What do you recommend to do if it is very hot out but have to be barefoot (like at a holy site) ? wear socks?

Jun 20th, 2008, 11:33	#12
Ruprecht Bush-loving Suspected Terrorist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Portsmouth, England Posts: 220	Old thread... forgot all about IM until I got an email alert. Glad you're all still alive in here. __________________ Travelling Across Juridical Borders.

Oct 5th, 2004, 14:31	#2
seventies'hippy Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: UK Posts: 2,127	Oh Yes, I too know the joys of travelling barefoot,,,,,,, I guess originally it wasn't planned, but when you wear a size 11 sandal and they fall to bits in India they're hard to replace. I did many years in the 70's-80's barefoot,culminating in a 3yr stint. At this time I was very down n'out, not only no footwear but no nothing apart from a couple of lunghi's and a bedroll blanket now and again,,,,, I too went everywhere barefoot from rocky himalayan walks to hot kerela beaches, It wasn't an issue, never thought about it, sure even though your feet get like leather it still gets pretty hot at times, but theres alwys one side of the road with some shadow ao somesort to walk on,Those few degrees make it all bareable. Of course India, then more than now, was very accomadating for people without shoes, as most of the population where like that. The biggest plus is that you are in touch with nature, you are touching earth all of the time. and to me that seems so Natural, we' were'nt boon with hoofs,,,,,,,,,, These days though I've softened up, It's sports sandals, & that's all you need unless you're going way of the recognised tracks,,,,,,, Happy Travelling

Oct 6th, 2004, 01:00	#3
Ruprecht Bush-loving Suspected Terrorist Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Portsmouth, England Posts: 220	Wow, kindred spirits! I walk everywhere barefoot.... in fact, I have never worn shoes! I went on an expedition to Nepal and even climbed Mount Everest without shoes! /sarcasm (Sounds like good money-saving advice )

Oct 6th, 2004, 01:14	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,663	You can get blood poisoning anywhere, but if was to go barefoot I's start toughening up my skin somewhere where the pavement isn't used as a toilet. And, at least shoes facilitate leaving some of the dust and dirt outside: if you visit my house barefoot, please wash your feet before coming in.

Oct 6th, 2004, 03:04	#6
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,012	And as on the TT we're drawing all sorts of conclusions and being a tad judgemental!! The guy has just decided to go barefoot for goodness sake, no big impact on anybodies life or morals. Lets face it if he can manage those tarmac roads in India he's got to be serious!! As for Indian sensibilities being offended well one would have to wash their feet before entering a local home but don't you think this guy may know that?? As well as that being barefoot in India isn't uncommon so there must be way of abiding by the traditions. India where better to be a bit alternative, as tourist we are! Whether we like it or not!! Live and let live!!

Oct 6th, 2004, 03:56	#8
seventies'hippy Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: UK Posts: 2,127	Hey People. At that time in my life I wouldn't have wanted to come into your house, sleep in your bed, watch your TV, or sit on your toilet,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Bom Shankar

Oct 6th, 2004, 05:51	#9
anjuna mark anjuna mark Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: unknown Posts: 70	There are serious health issues with walking barefoot in the tropics. [To 70’s hippy; ME TOO! I wear size 11 and forced to walk bare foot for years since I could never find open shoes that fit.] In India, people habitually spit on the street. Tuberculosis lurks there. Also, there are open toilets, and people go in the fields. Feces get tracked around. Human feces is the most dangerous for other humans. There are some serious and nasty parasites that bore into your feet from below as well. There is a high infant mortality rate amongst the poor there. Those that survive have immune systems that are very hardy. Don’t be fooled by the healthy; you may not be as tough as them. Probably this bit won’t concern you so much, but most Indian people will have utterly no respect for you [remember, I speak from experience here]. The coolies will think you’re hilarious and love you. The tarmac gets very hot in the sun; very very hot. I mean; HOT. OK, go for it and enjoy. Regards, Mark

Jun 20th, 2008, 00:50	#11
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 10,509	neraknerak, umm, the thread is four years old, almost. It happens. And sometimes interesting threads get revived this way. Now where is that sink thread...

Jun 21st, 2008, 00:33	#14
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,663	Forgot? About IM? Good Grief! __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

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