Six in the morning, a group of five people walk an empty road in Mysore. Its mid April, bright enough, the sun will be out soon and so will the heat and sweat. The roads are undulating, a series of crests and troughs. The group currently takes on a gentle uphill slope. A retired University Professor, the leader of the pack, wise, grey haired walking the royal gait, hands crossed behind the back. A young girl, second in line, with a short hair cut, ferocious scowl ready to trip up any of the three behind. A scrawny boy, in the middle of the pack, with close cropped hair and the wit to make a room light up. The youngest in the group, a little girl, falls in right behind, her short quick steps scampering to keep in stride with the leader. A huffing round kid, drags himself at the end of the pack, sneezing and eyes blurred with allergies yet scanning the ground wary of toads. Ever so often there is a sudden rush, a break in the ranks, as a pebble rolling down the road is mistaken for the dreaded amphibian hurtling to grab hold of the precious pair of clumsy ankles.
The walk with Grandpa was a great way to experience Mysore as a kid every summer. On weekdays it was a walk to the park or an excursion on foot to the Mysore zoo or a simple get away for an alternative to Nana's breakfast. I for one never looked for alternatives to Nana's breakfast.I indulged in a double breakfast holiday routine many a time. Its not too tough to guess which of the five was me. On Sundays the walks lead into the city to the St.Philomena's Cathedral for mass and then on the way back, a trip to the butcher shops would guarantee that my prayers for the lunch were heard.
My love for the walk has subsisted since and has fed off some great experiences. A walk in the school farm with a small gang of rebellious boys and girls. A walk along the beach every turtle season for years together at nights, with bag full of goodies. A walk from T-Nagar to Besant Nagar through Kotturpuram along the Adyar. (wow I seriously had no Idea where I was!) A walk (more like a run in the swamps, )I took out of college with a few friends on one of those days I cared two hoots about any kind of authority. A rare accidental walk through silent valley on a memorable road trip. I miss the daily walks with Ramola and Nikita (my pet Labrador retrievers) around Besant Nagar as little pups, and more recently at the Village.After a long summer day of work on my way for a Frisbee game, I just had a sudden urge to turn around and walk, and a walk I took from 96th to downtown Manhattan.
Have a sense of direction, or walk with some one who knows the locale. Having great company always makes for memorable walks. Walks are best enjoyed in self silence. Even with great company along you will notice that you will have the urge to keep to your self for a few moments ever so often and every one respects that. Don't hesitate to ask for directions. No point getting lost. Listen to the surroundings. Even deciding to walk the crowded city streets with no agenda can be relaxing. A photo walk is not a walk, I have realized that since I picked up the camera and a new hobby. No iPod nonsense plugging your head. Be alert and aware of were you are (yes intoxicated walks home are not counted)..
cheers,
Ajay
The walk with Grandpa was a great way to experience Mysore as a kid every summer. On weekdays it was a walk to the park or an excursion on foot to the Mysore zoo or a simple get away for an alternative to Nana's breakfast. I for one never looked for alternatives to Nana's breakfast.I indulged in a double breakfast holiday routine many a time. Its not too tough to guess which of the five was me. On Sundays the walks lead into the city to the St.Philomena's Cathedral for mass and then on the way back, a trip to the butcher shops would guarantee that my prayers for the lunch were heard.
My love for the walk has subsisted since and has fed off some great experiences. A walk in the school farm with a small gang of rebellious boys and girls. A walk along the beach every turtle season for years together at nights, with bag full of goodies. A walk from T-Nagar to Besant Nagar through Kotturpuram along the Adyar. (wow I seriously had no Idea where I was!) A walk (more like a run in the swamps, )I took out of college with a few friends on one of those days I cared two hoots about any kind of authority. A rare accidental walk through silent valley on a memorable road trip. I miss the daily walks with Ramola and Nikita (my pet Labrador retrievers) around Besant Nagar as little pups, and more recently at the Village.After a long summer day of work on my way for a Frisbee game, I just had a sudden urge to turn around and walk, and a walk I took from 96th to downtown Manhattan.
Have a sense of direction, or walk with some one who knows the locale. Having great company always makes for memorable walks. Walks are best enjoyed in self silence. Even with great company along you will notice that you will have the urge to keep to your self for a few moments ever so often and every one respects that. Don't hesitate to ask for directions. No point getting lost. Listen to the surroundings. Even deciding to walk the crowded city streets with no agenda can be relaxing. A photo walk is not a walk, I have realized that since I picked up the camera and a new hobby. No iPod nonsense plugging your head. Be alert and aware of were you are (yes intoxicated walks home are not counted)..
cheers,
Ajay
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