Gallimaufry#72

Just a gallimaufry of photos 📷

If only we took a moment to look up 

Batu Caves

Batu Caves is one of Malaysia's biggest tourist attractions. It is the site of a Hindu temple and shrine, consisting of a series of caves.

Tourists making the long, challenging climb of 272 steps up to the Batu Caves

Thai lunch

Pad Mama Kee Mao Thale

Khao Pad Sapparod

Pad Grapow

Dawn from my airplane window

We were heading to our restaurant for lunch when something dangling over the power lines above the viaduct caught my eye. When the curious object came into view, I realized that it was a pair of sneakers! Our Italian guide explained that it was an act of shoefiti (shoe + graffiti) and apparently, it is a global phenomenon although I've never seen it in my corner of the world.

There are many theories surrounding this act of shoe-tossing and according to Snopes, suggestions include :

•  It's the work of gangs marking the boundaries of their territory. 
•  Bullies take them off defenseless kids, then sling them up out of reach as the ultimate taunt. 
•  Gang members create an informal memorial at the spot where a friend lost his life. 
•  Crack dealers festoon wires to advertise their presence in the neighborhood.
•  The shoes increase wire visibility for low-flying aircraft. 
•  Overly puffed-up boys who have just lost their virginity or otherwise passed a sexual milestone look to signal the event to others.
•  Graduating seniors mark this transition in their lives by leaving something of themselves behind;   namely, their shoes.
•  Kids do it just because it's fun. 👟

Have you seen shoefiti in your corner of the world, and do you know what it means?