I bought these shoes last spring in Moscow visiting my cousin (Hi, Beth!).  Moscow was lovely.  I had a wonderful time seeing the city and while there on a rainy day I bought a great pair of shoes.  I didn't even try them on.  I just bought a size 41.  I know, I know--big feet, I am after all 5'11 (or what... 180 cm) and they fit like a charm.

They looked good with jeans, skirts and leggings.  It's too bad because they are dead now. Good-bye shoes.  (Parting is such sweet sorrow.)

[caption id="attachment_1322" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Good-bye Shoes"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1322" title="Poor shoes 2" src="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/10-26-09_1720.jpg" alt="Good-bye Shoes" width="500" height="375" />[/caption]

Today they took on water. And dirt was coming in the crack.  Somehow though it wasn't until one of my feet was wet that I realized what poor shape my shoes were in.

But they are dead now. Very dead.  So I threw them out this afternoon.  I am going to miss them. I know I didn't pay more than $5 for these shoes at an outdoor market in Moscow but I'd really grown attached to them.  I liked the sculls. I liked how easy and comfy they were.  I liked what good traveling companions they were in Eastern Europe this summer. I liked that they made me smile when I was putting them on.  Now they are no more.  Good-bye tennis shoes.  I miss you already.

Finally, I am pretty sure that you'll still be in my garbage can at work tomorrow morning when I get to school (since the garbage never seems to go out at night). I want you to know, it will be a test of my will not to extract you and pretend that I can rescue you.  Even though I know I cannot.  You've seen your best days.

Maybe one day I'll be able to find another pair of shoes like you.

[caption id="attachment_1321" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="The last days of my shoes"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1321" title="Poor Shoe " src="http://www.karolinkabulgaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/10-26-09_1719.jpg" alt="The last days of my shoes" width="500" height="375" />[/caption]