The Kiwis have a flexible approach to footwear. Very flexible in some cases. And I'm not talking about the dreaded sandals and socks combo as that is the preserve of Englishman of a certain age and the French. No, what I'm talking about is a general 'anything goes' attitude to footwear. Even in December, their early summer, with temperature nudging mid-twenties I have seen people sporting anything from heavy leather boots to Converse boots to.... well bare feet. Going commando in the feet department is perfectly acceptable in NZ and it's not uncommon for people to wander around town centres or supermarkets with nothing on their feet. The thought of doing that in the UK makes me shudder. Firstly it's far too cold, even in the summer. Secondly there are far too many potential traps for the unsuspecting wanderer; broken glass, discarded kebab adornments and of course dog sh... Oh, the thought of putting a well manicured naked foot into a pile of warm, squidgy.... you get the picture.
But perhaps the most popular piece of footwear is the humble flip-flop. They are worn by almost everyone from beach goers to businessmen, young and old. And what a great common denominator they are - everyone can afford a pair and there is relatively nothing to distinguish one make from another. But as I'm writing this I'm sure Gucci are knocking out their designer version for those who are stupid enough to fork out the extra money for a logo and a self-satisfied expression
I've never seen the point of flip-flops really. Any bit of footwear that relies on the wearer having a big toe surely marks them out as being far too needy? As for grown men wearing them in town? Outrageous and as a punishment anyone found wearing them beyond the confines of the beach should have their aforementioned big toe removed. That'll teach them. I even saw one unfortunate sole sporting a pair on the way up a mountainside. I kid you not. OK so they may have been a good idea on the walk across the car park to the start of the walk but I wonder what state the individuals feet would've been in after two hours of walking downhill?
But I have a confession to make. It's hard for me to admit bit I bought a pair of beach sandles today. Sorry. I don't want to try and justify the purchase other than to say that I was sick of having to remove tons of sand from my running shoes every morning - these are doubling up as beach wear at the moment - so some open toed footwear seemed to be the way to go. I'm blaming the heat. And maybe the proximity to the sea. Or both. I don't know. So there you have it.
Purchase of questionable footwear aside, it's been a great day here in Marlborough. Starting with a game of pétanque over breakfast, we then took a walk up a local range of hills, went on a wine tasting, picked some cherries and finally ended the day with a dip in the pool. Not bad for the 23rd December.
My new footwear really came into their own at the poolside - just popped them off when I got there as they were just as easy to slip on when I'd finished. Maybe that's the way to go? Would anyone object to flip-flops in the office? No? Sweet as!
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