From: Bill Kirkpatrick
Subject: My first mall
Date: Fri, 18 Apr 1997 13:53:16 -0400 (EDT)

 I finally got the nerve to go to the local mall (Columbia Mall)
barefoot for the first time last evening. We had parent/teacher
conferences that ended at 6:30 and decided on having supper at the
mall since it was so late and it was only about a mile from the
school. I wore my Barefoot Sandals (tm) and had no encounters with
anyone. In fact, my wife didn't even know I had them on until we
were almost ready to leave! I'd always been curious as to how the mall
floor would feel. Now I know. It's a well kept ceramic tile that was
quite comfortable. Being a dark color, it appeared clean, but it
wasn't! My soles were nice and black as we left, but since it had
just rained and there were puddles all over outside, most of the 
dirt had been washed off by the time we got to the car.

There is a notice on a sign as you enter the mall that states, along
with all the other rules of conduct, "Shirt and shoes required when
walking in the mall." So I guess if I'm sitting down it's OK, but not
OK when I start walking around???? This is probably based on the old
liability issue ("You might step on something and hurt yourself").

I did pass by a couple of older ladies of Japanese heritage who were
sitting on a bench. One of them had slipped her shoes off. I hope she
saw me and got the idea that she didn't need the shoes at all.

-----------------------------------------------------
Bill Kirkpatrick        0ooo.  Just say "NO" to shoes!
Columbia, MD    .ooo0   (   )  http://www.barefooters.org
                (   )    ) /  news:alt.lifestyle.barefoot
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