Barefoot Interview #9: Chile's Renato

There are many different people from all over the world who like going barefoot. Some people like doing it as a hobby. On the other hand, other people who go barefoot as a tradition or as a part of their culture. Apparently, there are many who like going barefoot are unable to share their stories. So, this will be a long interviewing series and talking to people who are from all over and let them speak about their barefooting. So, welcome the newest barefoot interviewee, Renato. Renato is (currently) a 68 year old medical doctor who's both born and resides in Puerto Montt, Chile. Here is what Renato had to say about being barefoot.

What inspired you to go barefoot? 

During my childhood, in the 50s, here it was the usual way for children.

What are some of the reasons you like going barefoot?

The pleasure of touching the ground.

Name some places you like going barefoot.

Non paved country roads, the wooden hill behind my home, the desert of northern Chile.

Where would you like to try and go barefoot that you haven't done so?

The trail from northern Sri Lanka to Kataragama.

Why do you think people should go barefoot more often besides at home and the beach?

Because it is healthy and shoes are not a necessity.

Give us a story of a time you went barefoot and had a lot of fun doing it.

In 1973, I spent some months wandering by northern Chile’s desert, with almost no luggage, earning my life in different ways and absolutely free.

Why do you think some stores have banned going barefoot?

I think it is a peculiarity of USA land, it doesn't happen in any other country.

If possible, please share any of your barefooting experiences.

In 2004, I walked 780 Km.(484 Mls.) of Camino de Santiago in Spain, this story appears in the Gallery of SBL web page. BAREFOOT GALLERY – EL CAMINO (SPAIN) – BY MACHI

Since going barefoot is healthy, why do you think people deny it? 

Because of the social pressure of fashion.

Finish this analogy: Someone who does not want to go barefoot is like...

Someone who uses earplugs in order to not hear birds singing and children laughing.

What would you say to someone who thinks going barefoot is gross?

That something is ill in his mind, it is not healthy nor normal to live in fear.

Conclusion.

I do thank Renato for taking the time and answering these questions and as well as supporting that going barefoot is actually a good and healthy thing. Tune in next time when someone else in another country talks about their likes on barefooting. Remember, speak your mind and comment down below.