Chapter 14In Hawaii, the rule was to leave all shoes outside the doorway. It showed respect for the home as well as the housekeeper. Those who didn't remove their shoes eventually dyed the floors and carpets red from the island's iron-rich soil. With strong trade winds, the red dust could waft in on the air and also be carried in on clothing. Sara easily slipped out of her sandals. She had dressed casually, having quickly acclimated to the island style everyday wearing of knee-shorts and trendy tee tops.
Thanh van Thuy's house contained not a speck of red dirt considering the jalousies were cranked wide open allowing trade winds access. The house was surrounded by fruit trees which might deflect any windblown grit. The wood finishes on the furniture shined. What looked to be new yellow ba
