Benefits of walking
Shillongites are rediscovering the joys associated with walking and how. But it has not been an easy choice.
Walking has become more of a necessity for the residents and not a choice. We have been forced into it. The reason is not health concerns but the daily traffic congestions and the frustrations associated with it.
After all, how long can you actually wait in traffic? You have to be somewhere and on time. You may have to run an errand or there could be an emergency. So walking is a good alternative.
Walking does have significant advantages. Apart from the health benefits, it saves you time and lowers your blood pressure which goes up every time a cabbie leaves you with no option.
On most occasions, the cabbies decide where you want to go and at other times, they charge astronomical fares. “PB?” you ask a taxi driver and he responds with “Kachari”. If you ask them about “Laimu”, he is likely to reply with “Barik”.
Most of the SPTS buses or whatever numbers of them are left ply on two safe routes – Rynjah-Motphran-Rynjah or Motphran-Mawblei-Motphran – leaving people in other parts of the town high and dry.
So continue rediscovering the joy of walking and remember: “It is not talking but walking that will bring us to Heaven.”
Wintry days
No sooner did September arrive than colder winds began to blow in Shillong, indicating that perhaps the city has begun its winter spell for this year.
The breeze is slightly chilly of late and the day has become shorter.
But just like every year, winter in Shillong is more than just a change in the temperature, it is a feeling.
With winter come festivals, fashionable garments, picnics ad outings — the list is lengthy.
You’ll find that a section of people in this city is fond of winters and for many upbeat reasons.
Shillongites wait for winter days to clad themselves in overcoats, sweaters, jackets, stylish hats, mufflers etc. Once winter sets in, Shillong will be strewn with people donning their winter wear.
Besides this, one of the most happening festivals — Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas and New Year, all visit us on wintry days.
Undeniably, there is a sense of festivity associated with winter.