Project 365 – Day 36

Much of everyday life in the Atlanta area is spent driving.  Too much.  I suppose it is the trade off we make for suburban life.  I am reminded of my many visits to European metropolitan areas around London, Edinburgh, Prague, and Dublin where walking is so much more the norm.  This is also the case in the heart of domestic cities like San Francisco and New York.  It would be unusual for their sidewalks to be totally void of pedestrians like the one below, particularly near the end of the late afternoon work day like this one.

I am grateful for our roads and cars, for the convenient access we have to most anything we want or need with a short drive.  I do envy, however, both those that live in walking cities and those in very small towns with ready access to sidewalk transportation and quiet wooded trails.  Walking raises the heart rate yet refreshes the soul.  It opens one’s mind and one’s senses.  It burns anxiety and slays calories.  And studies show it increases creativity (Stanford Study).  I love to walk and hike, most notably in the mountains or on trails.  Even walking on my favorite trails and routes near home or work are rejuvenating.  But I admit, I long to someday live in a place where walking is the norm the everyday commute or trip to the store.

Afternoon Drive

Fuji X-T1, 56mm f/1.2, 1/300 sec @ f/11, ISO400

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