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Looking Like a Hobbit

I've just realised that one of the cool things about not wearing shoes is that it makes you look a little like a hobbit.

I've been watching the LOTR commentaries recently thanks to James' suggestion and they're really excellent (cast commentary for starters). But seeing all these hobbits with their feet running about the landscape of middle earth reminded me of my own journeys barefoot. I'm finally a hobbit!

Me, barefooting round Prague

Exactly like it says on the tin.
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My Well Worn Feet

My feet after an evening walking barefoot round Prague
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Barefoot Festival

It's nearly time for Greenbelt all over again. I can't quite believe it and I'm certainly not nearly ready to go. But all in good time of course.

I'm currently debating whether to take any shoes or not. I'm definitly going to be barefoot for a good deal of the time (and I'm getting a t-shirt printed for the occasion), but can I risk not having any shoes at all. The weather is definitly a lot more changable now so it could turn very wet and nasty.

Hmm... tempting...

Uncomfortable Shoes

At this conference (IAU XXVI) I'm wearing shoes as I think I orght to look smart. Or at least a little smart (actually I'm very smart with my 'births/marriges/deaths' suit working well for me). But the shoes I have (a kind donation from an old housemate Mike) aren't that comfortable. Even when sitting down with my feet on the floor, the sole of my ankle is in a little pain. Silly really.

But the anoying side affect is that it's now got a little uncomfortable to walk even sans shoes - which I take off as soon as the conference ends in the evening. Still, I'm not letting that hinder me and did a good trek to a not so local super market yesterday getting some excelent strange looks.

Stealth Stair Climbing

This is one awesome feature of climing stairs in bare feet, especially if they are stone. Normally climbing in shoes results in a continual foot tapping sound as you climb. But in bare feet that sound vanishes and, assuming you keep the knees bent and move subtly, results in a silent assent.

Thus the options for sneeking up on some other unsuspecting climber is opened up. I've had fun trying to go up two floors past someone in the middle without them noticing. Tricky but a good feeling when acchieved.

Decent seems slightly harder to keep quiet as every time you have the weight of your body landing on each step. When I get the technique I'll post it.

More Barefooting Round Prague

Last night I went for a massive late night wonder round Prague with a friend I made at the Youth Hostel (I've been staying at the A-Plus Hotel & Hostel - which is a little out of the way but otherwise just excellent [and right on the Red 'C' subway line, so very accessable]) .

We walked for miles (over 3 hours) from 10:30 around the center taking in the sights, back streets, the end of a silent film, the castle, the Jewish quarter, a open air photographic exhibition and more. I was in my shoes for the first part, but they're not exactly comfortable (the only pair I had seeing as how the AirFrance had lost my luggage) so when we reached the castle I decided to de-shoe and return to normality. A relief I can tell you.

This was the first time I've walked around properly at night (I'd briefly walked a little way in Brighton) and I was surprised at my confidence in doing so. It's surprisingly easy to pick out the glass to avoid and the smooth cobbled streets of Prague make it very accessable.

I should also point out that after 10 at night is the time to see Prague's old center. The grockles have all returned to their plush hotels leaving their grockle traps empty and the crouds have dissapated leaving a city quiet and empty for you to explore. The only activity is a few people on evening stroles and the street cleaners (who do an excellent job). The castle was simply dessolate, yet still open to visitors to wander through, amazing!!

Barefooting Round Prague

I§m in Prague this week for a conference (IAU). After Airfrance lost my baggage, and only having a clear plastic bag of belonggings I decided to fogo the shoes once more and walked Prague au naturel. It§a a great city for this as the streets are cobbled and smothed by centuries of wear. Glass is a bit of a problem but can be easily avoided. Try it, you might like it!

Blackened Feet

After wuite a bit of walking round outside this afternoon I've developed a really healthy patiner on my feet - they are throughily blackened from use. A lovely feeling. I'll have to take a shot and upload.

Health and Safety

Some arse in the ISVR department of the building I work in keeps shouting at me saying that I'm not allowed to walk around in bare feet. "It's against health and safety".

Like I actually give a shit?

I do this at my own risk and I'm not about to sue anyone.

Is Summer Over?

What's going on. Here I am in barefeet and today it's actually quite, well, cold almost. Surly summer can't have ended so abruptly. It's normally warm till at least the start of the new Uni term in October.

I'll keep up with the lack of shoes for the time being, but I'm slightly concerned that the brittish weather might beat me back to my old shoe-wearing days.

At least I can keep up with my beard and being a geek.
Nick

The Barefoot Bearded Geek

That's me in a nutshell. At least for the time being.

I've been barefoot for well over a month now and I've had a beard for much longer (getting on for a year), and as for being a geek - well I'm not sure I ever wasn't.