Vaguely missing the hygiene of Canada,
I was shocked to return to youth hostels where dozens of women rushed in at all hours of the day and night, never once removing
their street shoes as they approached their bunk beds.
Many Chinese home follow the Japanese
custom of removing their shoes as soon as you enter, and wearing slippers just for the interior house.
This sensibly freshens the air of
the home, and protects the carpets from wear and tear.