Walking is an excellent antidote to boredom, obesity, the simple annoyances of daily life.
This morning I embarked on my first power walk in Athens. Armed with my iPod and water, I went left from the front door (usually we go right to the trolley stop or the shops). Soon I was immersed in a mess of cars, buildings, broken sidewalks. But I persevered. Avoiding being run over by motorcycles I made my way to a park. Success I thought. Yet, not so good.
The park must've been built on a ridge because it is all steps and up hills (or down hills), no grass but clay; trees however abound. I went up and down for a little while. Soon I found myself back on the streets, so I returned the way I had come and walked around and around St. Lazarus Square. Populated by cafes on all sides, I walked a few times around, trying not to run into the mostly-older people sitting and sipping coffee. Finally I gave in and sat down myself. It was getting too warm.
This afternoon I went to a meeting and then walked on a pedestrian mall for a while before sitting down again to sip cold coffee and read. It was fairly pleasant. Then I walked down a very wide, busy avenue with no real destination. My feet warm and achy I decided to return home.
I wish there were wide, flat areas to do my power walk. I suppose the ups and downs are good aerobically speaking but...
Back home I felt animated, lighter. It helped that the last song I heard on my iPod was "Don't worry, be happy."
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