Thanks to Ann-Christine, host of Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #161, we’re looking at feet and shoes this week! And there’s no better place than Morocco to begin.
In Fes, we were in awe at men in tanning vats wearing heavy, protective rubber boots (in photo above) as well as those who wore nothing at all on their feet as they traversed the pits or sank into caustic dye to color their leather pelts.
All in a day’s work, we suppose.
But enter the stalls of Marrakech or Tangier, and you may be amazed as we were at rows and rows of babouche slippers (usually worn by men) piled into bins or arranged on the walls.
For women and children, the color spectrum opened up as slippers came adorned or plain and ready for trying on.
The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance. The wise man grows it under his feet.
James Oppenheim
But it was the men who worked with no shoes who truly made us stop and stare. With only their bare feet, they powered up their homemade lathes to turn spindles, shape wooden pieces for toys, or craft mementos for tourists to take home.
One craftsman especially caught our attention not only for his continual work in cramped conditions but also for his congenial, contented nature. He sat cross-legged (each day, every day he told us) in a small, alcove of a workshop. Using only his feet and hands, he crafted some of the most artful combs we’d ever seen out of pieces of horn.
A patient craftsman fashions combs out of horn and shell in Morocco.
Let your dreams outgrow the shoes of your expectations.
Ryunosuke Satoro
In India, we lined up for a long-awaited view of the Taj Mahal. But one thing caught our attention. Those who wanted to tour the grounds around the building were required to remove their shoes. And so, in that sea of footwear, were details of the crowds that day — from sizes to shapes to textures and price. Oh, the stories these shoes could tell!
Outside a restaurant in Jaipur, two men made a living charming cobras right beside their feet — and we were happy to keep our distance while watching!
A woman can carry a bag, but it is the shoe that carries the woman.
Christian Louboutin
And finally, back in the States, a woman in Asheville, North Carolina, pushes a baby in a buggy up a steep sidewalk in — what else? — red high-heeled shoes! After all, style’s important!
For more entries in this week’s Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, head to Ann-Christine’s post to check out shoes and feet from around the world.
In the meantime, watch where you’re walking. And take steps that get you where you want to be.
Rusha & Bert
philosophy through photography
Love your lovely clicks!
Your narrartion is too good, enjoyed reading your experience.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much! It was fun looking for feet among my photos!!!
philosophy through photography
Welcome my friends .
Yeah
It’s funny and interesting too to look for unusual clicks
Amy
Those slippers line in Marrakech are fabulous, Rusha. Thank you for the tour!
How she could walk with the red shes while pushing a carriage is beyond me.
Oh, the Places We See
I loved both the Marrakech slippers and that girl. So much to see when you look down occasionally!!!
Wind Kisses
I love all these photos, and love your adventures, more. My guess is some of those craftsmen never wear shoes at all. Interesting, isn’t it? My favorite photo is the one in Jaipur. Then again. shout out to that girl in the red platforms pushing the stroller. We all have our gifts, don’t we? Donna
Oh, the Places We See
I love that Jaipur photo as well. And although I snapped the picture of the girl in red heels hurriedly, I think you get a sense of what she was dealing with!!! A gift indeed!
WanderingCanadians
Great selection of pictures for this challenge. I have no idea how that woman can walk in those red platform shoes! Up a hill no less!
Oh, the Places We See
I’m with you. Defies imagination!!! Fortunately no one’s making me do that!!!
JohnRH
Ha! Great series. I trust they sweep the walks well at the Taj. Obviously, I don’t wear women’s shoes, but those reds at the end look like ankle twisters!! 😱
Oh, the Places We See
You’re right about the ankle twisters but sweeping at Taj Mahal? Not during visiting hours I would bet. Way too crowded!
Tina Schell
OK Rusha, I thought the men working in their bare feet, especially around caustic surfaces, were crazy. But personally I think wearing the footwear on the woman in your final image is even crazier! What the heck is she (or are others like her) thinking?! Wonderful post filled with amazing footwear and feet. Well done!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I’m thinking the men and that young mother aren’t thinking much — or at least not clearly!!!
Leya
Wonderful and varied post! I do love the craftsmen working barrefoot – and those red shoes! I must chime in with the other commenters…how on earth do you walk in them?
Oh, the Places We See
I have no idea. At my age, I’m struggling with flip flops!!!
Leya
🙂
Anne Sandler
Great photos and commentary. Love those red shoes. Don’t know how she walks in them!
Oh, the Places We See
I’m with you. The red shoes are beyond belief!!!
Sue
Great selection!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much, Sue!
Sue
😊
Pat
What a wonderful post. You drew me in and I loved seeing all the workers in far-away places.
Oh, the Places We See
We love watching people work whoever we go! It’s the heart of any economy. Thanks fir your positive comment!!
Toonsarah
Aha, we both thought of Moroccan slippers for this challenge 🙂 But then went in different directions – how fun! I love your Indian photos and the craftsmen in Morocco too. But those red shoes in the US are the most amazing – I can’t imagine walking in them 😆
Oh, the Places We See
And I can’t imagine pushing a stroller up a hill in those shoes!!! I may start looking at shoes more often after this!!!
Anonymous
Wow, Those red shoes!!!
Oh, the Places We See
So glad I don’t have to wear them!!!!
Anonymous
Wow! Those red shoes!!!!!