We are having an unusually warm October in Beijing, with temps in the high 70's all last week and forecast for remaining in the 70's this coming week. This means, among other things, that I still wear my sandals everyday.
Unfortunately, since everyone else in the community has already donned their long underwear (October 1 is the prescribed date for that), this is aberrant — almost deviant — bordering on downright subversive behavior. When I walk down the street, get on an elevator, or even walk into my office, everyone immediately stares at my feet (no one even pretends not to), and audible gasps!
"Leng bu leng?" "Are your feet cold?" I respond that no, my feet are not cold, but in saying that I am aware that no one believes me because anyone with a brain knows that feet that are not properly wrapped up after October 1 will simply shrivel up and die. When I was in the office on Friday, with a crowd of people standing around staring at my feet, I just announced that I did not intend to stop wearing sandals until the daytime temperatures dropped below 10 (50). They were not amused.
Last year I wrote about wearing my sandals in eary in April (horrors!!) and the similar reaction I got then. On that occasion I penned a theme song for my sandal wearing (to be sung to the tune of the old Sunday School favorite "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus"). I think it's appropriate to re-post it here:
I have decided to wear my sandals; (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.
The sun before me, the stares behind me; (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.
Though grannies scold me, still I will wear them; (3x)
No turning back, not turning back.
Though colleagues snicker, I will ignore them; (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.
I have decided to wear my sandals; (3x)
No turning back, not turning back.