1. Life is pretty pretty if you take the time to notice.
When I'm driving (and I am, usually), I don't get to look around. I get to watch for cyclists, pedestrians, other cars, red lights, parking stalls, rogue little children running after rogue bouncy balls. But walking, I get to notice the unusual texture of the bark of a tree, fun Christmas lawn decorations, the view of Waikiki from the top of a steep hill. I get to say hello to retirees walking dogs and practice ignoring the preaching man waving his hands in my face. While walking, I can stare at a rainbow all the way home to see when it will disappear.
A trek to the the market with my kids on foot is nice, too. We can talk more, we connect better, we enjoy the scenery together (or make fun of it) because I'm not stressing out about the movement of traffic or making the light or whether or not there will be parking when I get to our destination. I worry about cars banging us when we cross the street or climb over that horrid bridge, but it's different.
2a.Walking for exercise is very different from walking for transportation.
I thought walking for exercise was boring and unpleasant, walking for transportation is worse! The walk is pretty, don't get me wrong, and even urban decay has its attraction, but sometimes I just don't want to walk up those bajillion steps. Sometimes? Most times! If I have to trudge up that damn bridge one more time, I think I'll scream. Or pee my pants.
2b. Walking for transportation is similar to and different from riding a bicycle.
Walking around your neighborhood is a good way to feel a part of the community, a lot like cycling does. You can also totally tell when you're walking uphill, even just a little.
3. There's freedom in walking and bussing.
I love the feeling of having everything in my backpack, that I'm prepared for any eventuality, that I'm ready to go. It reminds me of my youth (since I didn't own a car until I was 22). It's nothing to walk into random stores on a given street, get off the bus wherever especially if you have a bus pass, or sit in a patch of sunshine to read. Here's a few things I learned back then that I've to remember lately:
- Always pack napkins or tissues. Boogers can suddenly creep up on you at any time.
- Use the bathroom before you leave because you just never know.
- Comfortable footwear. Yes.
- Bring a book.
- Make sure your Walkman has batteries or bring extras. Or you could just make sure your iPod/cell phone is charged.
I used my brother's truck for a few days, and for a few days I nobody wanted to fuck with me. Very few people cut me off and I was never worried that people couldn't see me. Big truck.
4b. Your own vehicle can be your enemy.
The large hood of a big truck will blind you when it drizzles at sunrise.
5. Walking makes you tired.
Did you know that?
