I loved walking aimlessly when I was travelling in Europe. Sometimes I was taking in the sights on my own, scrolls of words running through my mind as the wordsmith in me conjured up yet another imaginary conversation or tale. Sometimes, I could just be spacing out while I studied the tree, the sky, and the people and wondered what their stories were. When I wasn't taking my solitary walks, exploring a new place or old familiar grounds with a partner-in-crime gave me equal satisfaction.
About two years ago, a friend of mine continued her walking hobby in Singapore. She would alight a couple of bus stops before her destination and walk. Inspired by her, I decided to keep up with walking even in Singapore and to make an effort to discover little gems that we have otherwise turned a blind eye to.
This has slowly become second nature for me. Last Saturday, I had some time before dinner with a friend. Instead of staying another hour in a cafe with no book and a laptop with a flat battery, I chose to take a slow and leisurely walk from Tanjong Katong road to Joo Chiat road. I am an adopted Eastie having studied in schools that are located in the East side of Singapore, so I'm familiar with some of the landmarks in the area, but I have never, never taken a serious look at the environment or the people who dwell in the area. You'll be surprised how much more you see when you start to slow down and walk... I feel free, creative and happy. It is as simple as that.
If you are up for a challenge, and will like to become a 'heavyweight' walker, take a leaf from SG Walking Routes . My friend and I covered a route from the blog before, with quite a bit of adaptation.
Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegarrd, said, "Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it."
So if you have a chance this week, start small. Take a walk in your neighbourhood instead of driving or taking a bus. If you are feeling more adventurous, venture into a town that you aren't familiar with, and just walk. Make pit-stops at cafes, bars or even your friends' void decks and...surprise them.
"I have walked all the way to see you." That would have made a wicked line.
About two years ago, a friend of mine continued her walking hobby in Singapore. She would alight a couple of bus stops before her destination and walk. Inspired by her, I decided to keep up with walking even in Singapore and to make an effort to discover little gems that we have otherwise turned a blind eye to.
This has slowly become second nature for me. Last Saturday, I had some time before dinner with a friend. Instead of staying another hour in a cafe with no book and a laptop with a flat battery, I chose to take a slow and leisurely walk from Tanjong Katong road to Joo Chiat road. I am an adopted Eastie having studied in schools that are located in the East side of Singapore, so I'm familiar with some of the landmarks in the area, but I have never, never taken a serious look at the environment or the people who dwell in the area. You'll be surprised how much more you see when you start to slow down and walk... I feel free, creative and happy. It is as simple as that.
If you are up for a challenge, and will like to become a 'heavyweight' walker, take a leaf from SG Walking Routes . My friend and I covered a route from the blog before, with quite a bit of adaptation.
Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegarrd, said, "Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it."
So if you have a chance this week, start small. Take a walk in your neighbourhood instead of driving or taking a bus. If you are feeling more adventurous, venture into a town that you aren't familiar with, and just walk. Make pit-stops at cafes, bars or even your friends' void decks and...surprise them.
"I have walked all the way to see you." That would have made a wicked line.
0 comments:
Post a Comment