It is indeed just a matter of saying, "i am going to do this!" and then DO it. Some prefer busy shopping malls (ie anonymity in a crowd) and others (like myself) start in an area and place they would not normally go and where there are just a very few people.
My starting choice was at a Motorway (similar to US freeway) service station to fill up with petrol. Knees were knocking I can tell you
but when nodody notices (and that really surprised me! 
), you wonder what all the fuss was about! 
Yes - just go for it but in the manner and location of your own choosing, depending on what you are most comfortable with. The bottom line as noted above is to look confident (difficult the first time I know) but after you have done it and analysed it in your head, you will come to the conclusion that the only real problem is between your ears!
You are doing nothing wrong, just something a bit different!Good luck in your ventures - let us know how it goes! You will have loads of encouragement here!
