Shoes

Tula has been a whirlwind of activities. Hospitals, out-patient clinics, camps for autistic children and countless interviews with some of Russia's most prestigious doctors. Sunday we decided to take a rest and sight-see. Like mentioned in the previous post, we visited an outdoor market right before closing time and did a cute little piece on shoes.

Women couldn't be more grateful for democracy because of the influx of shoes it has brought to the country. Shoes are like diamonds here - some are ostentatious and gaudy, others are sophisticated and proper and still others are wild and whimsical. Women salivate over each other's high pumps and stiletto boots. They pass judgment not on each others haircuts and apparel (like we do in the U.S.) but foot and shoe etiquette. It's all about dressing to impress from the knee-cap down. But, because I'm a sneaker connoisseur I'm not tempted in the least. Handbags, shoes and jewelry do not exist in my world though I seem to spend just as much money on sneakers as everything else combined. Still it was fun to people watch others with the fetish.