A lot of people seem to be commenting on his shoelessness. He wonders if it's good or bad that that's the oddest thing about his arrival.

"Ah, I am not too worried. The kedans seem to be avoiding me unless they try to sell me something."

Which is still so odd for someone who is unused to commercialism.

Still, he moves out of the main avenue of traffic and smiles at the young woman.

"I suppose many people don't arrive here without shoes?"