so always try to make sure about no sitting that my sole might face someone, but I have noticed that many locals do this practice, however they take their shoes off first.

Diamond is it only when the shoe sole is pointing at you or the foot too?

Gypsy, i have also not managed to grip the eating and not taking anything with my left hand. However my family don't seem to have this custom and I have noticed my boss taking food and eating with his left hand. So I try not to feel to bad about it.