Even using a walking stick for balance isn't enough to follow Mentawais. The kids walk on logs as soon as they do their first steps. All houses are elevated to prevent flooding during the monsoon. The only access is by climbing on a steep usually slippery log. After a few days of intense struggle, I finally understood that I had no choice but to walk barefoot.
Feet can grip more than shoes on muddy logs.
I was set to start walking barefoot. First Day Barefoot Today my Mentawai family decided to pick durian from trees close by the house. With only a short jungle walk, It was the perfect opportunity for me to leave my shoes at home. I followed a group of women, old men and children in the rainforest. It took only a few steps for me to feel totally naked.