Two Right Feet?

I discovered a strange thing last night. I've been through a few pairs of flip-flops since I got here. The ones that I brought with me (all the way from Malaysia!) eventually deteriorated and fell apart. After a few busy and barefoot days, I bought myself a new fabric-covered pair. They were lovely, but not meant to get wet, and quickly fell apart. Not surprisingly, they actually got caught on my bicycle when I was trying to dismount one day last week, and that's when one of them ripped in two. Uninterested in walking barefoot again, I discovered an open store while walking [barefoot] to dinner, and bought myself new rubber flip-flops. This was about a week ago.

I was pleased with the new flip-flops, but my left foot was getting badly rubbed by the strap and was pretty nicely ripped open by the next day. In an effort to let my foot heal, I gave up wearing any shoes for the following week. I would just carry them around with me in case I should feel the need to wear them at some point. Last night, I felt my scabs had turned into nice enough calluses that I should be ready to wear the sandals. They were alright for a while, but eventually started rubbing on my foot a bit, so I kicked them off at the bar. My roommates were there, and Gord asked, "What, are you going to try wearing them on the opposite feet to see if they fit better?" Not a bad idea!

So I slipped the uncomfortable left flip-flop onto my right foot, and discovered that the strap fit perfectly. Naturally, the sandal is cut to the shape of the left foot, but the strap is meant for a right foot. So my sandals are 3/4 right and 1/4 left. Brilliant. Only in a developing country would you get stuck with flip-flops like these. I did go back to the store today to hint around about asking for a new shoe, but the woman working there wasn't going to budge. She pretty much just barked at me. Alas, I will survive until I get to the mainland, and then I will find myself a properly comfortable pair.

Off now for a bike ride. Take care!