Colonial Lake, Charleston, where I walked anytime something was bothering me
Something you might be surprised to know about me is that I hate running, despite entering races constantly. I run because I know I should, but I walk because I enjoy it. I enjoy the scenery and it’s my favorite part about visiting a new city.
The lovely window boxes in front of houses near The Battery, Charleston
When I lived in Charleston, I would walk everywhere I could since parking is hard to come by. Even if it was on the opposite side of town, I would leave with enough time to walk, although it often meant showing up drenched in sweat. My version of exercise was to walk down to The Battery or to Colonial Lake, taking photos of window boxes and gates along the way.
Alexander Calder sculpture in front of a Sydney office building
In Sydney, I would get off of the bus a few stops early and walk the rest of the way, through Chinatown, past Town Hall and into Circular Quay, where I worked. When Christine and Joey came to visit, I made them walk all over town because I never realized how far the distance is. I would say, “It’s not much further.” And they would say, “Your version of not much further or really not that much further?”
The claustrophobia-inducing archways of Diocletian’s Palace, Split
When I was visiting Split, Croatia, I got lost within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace because there are no real roads within it. You just have to keep making turns and see where it takes you. Sometimes the path would randomly open up into a town square and finally into the Riva, the riviera.
The uphill walk to Hampstead Heath, London
On my quick jaunt to London, I walked from my hostel in the Swiss Cottage neighborhood up to Hampstead Heath, a grand park outside of the city. It felt like another word apart from the bustling metropolis only a few Tube stops away and is still home to deer, foxes and rabbits.
Walks are something I miss now that I’m living in the suburbs. I’ve walked every path in the surrounding neighborhoods and done as much exploring as I can. I’m looking forward to getting lost on purpose in Europe next month.
You are so right about the joy of walking, Caroline. Living in a suburb is killing me. Cant wait to go to Europe where every walk is a Photo Walk :)
Oh that’s so funny: I am exactly the same way! You get to SEE so much more when you’re on foot, walking, and not running. Yes, I agree with you–I also run for the health benefits. But walking with a camera in hand–you see a new side of whatever city or place you’re in that you miss when you’re on a car/bike/moped. That’s hilarious that you also show up “drenched in sweat” haha I do, too!
Yes, I completely agree with Caroline.
Long walks allow us to fully contemplate what we see and indulge in the beauty of places we visit.
For instance, when I was visiting London I would refuse to get on tube and walk on foot instead. By walking you get to see all the quirks you’d otherwise miss out on. :)