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Where my feet take me

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This is a chapter from my latest book called Breezes of Tobago.

I got up early. I brush my teeth. I had a good bowel movement and I emptied my bladder. There are no bathroom stops along the way and the plan is to walk from Crown Point to Scarborough. I put on my favourite shorts and jersey, comfortable socks and my shoes that have already covered some distance. My smartphone is fully charged and I plan to take photos along the way. Walking is a great form of exercise and great for mental health and well being. Walking has been a good friend to me over the years. I do not run because my body is not strong enough for running. Walking is a great way to explore a country. The smells, sights and sounds. If I am lucky I will pass by a mango stall or other fruit. Maybe even a fruit tree or two that is available to the public. Sometimes I even break off pieces of plants to carry home for my mom to plant.

My friend Chatty tells me that walking is an honest, gentle partnership with the body that values presence over speed. It invites awareness of the world—the smells, sounds, people, and small details—while supporting both physical and mental well-being. Free from competition and pressure, walking meets you where you are, making it a sustainable, dignified way to explore places, care for yourself, and move through life with curiosity and respect.

I like that Bon Accord has a stretch of pavement. I like the beautiful houses and nice resorts as well. The route is also a busy taxi route so if walking becomes too much for me, I could take a taxi or maybe even it starts to rain. There are periods of empty land with grazing cattle. The Tobago Plantation landscape is well manicured and the lake adds to the beauty although home to caimans. The egrets and blue herons prance around looking for a meal. I pass the Lowlands mall where there is a food court and shopping and even a cinema. Closer to Scarborough the road begins to climb.

It took me about two and half hours to arrive at the capital. The breezes help to dry the sweat from my body and clothes and keep me cool. I can see the fast ferry and a big cruise liner docked. The Esplanade is a good spot to rest off and there are public washrooms there. If you are lucky you may get to see someone playing the steelpan. I treated myself to some homemade Soursop ice cream. When I am in Scarborough and it is closer to lunch time I can get food at Renas roti or Jats or even Subway. I have even had doubles on the evenings. Further up the road is the library that I have never been inside and then the botanical gardens. From Scarborough you can even walk to Fort George for a birds eye view. Guided by the breeze and trusting my feet, this was the end of my walk and the quiet victory of having gone the distance echoed through my soul.
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