I Saved $2.75

Today I saved $2.75.

I usually go to my office by car; however, today I gave the car to my son, Ankur, who had to reach his University at 8 a.m. The bus ride to his University is close to two hours, whereas, my office being just 8 kms away, it takes much less. Since the weather was quite cold (about -15 degrees Celsius), my wife asked me to give the car to Ankur, and instead go to office by bus. While going to her office, she dropped me at the bus stop. My office is about 5 KMs from that point. Instead of taking the bus, I decided to walk to my office.

The weather was cold, but it did not feel so cold as the sun was shining. I had some difficulty walking on the snow-covered, frozen sidewalks (footpaths), which were quite slippery. I had to walk a bit slow to avoid falling. After walking about two kilometres, the sidewalks became snow-cleared, and I could walk easily. The journey took about 50 minutes, and I saved $2.75, the cost of a bus ticket. Besides that, I got free exercise and lots of morning fresh air. Instead of feeling tired, I felt refreshed on reaching my office.

During lunch time, I usually walk to a shopping centre to do my banking or buy some grocery. The shopping centre is about a kilometre away. I am bit surprised to find an old lady, about 70 years old, walking the route every day, no matter whether it is raining or snowing. My uncle once told me that he walked a distance of about 8 kilometres every day for several years in hot as well as cold (and very cold) weather of Toronto. Regular walking made him strong. He is now 74 years old and in perfect health.

I remember another incident from 1980. I used to work in DCM Data Products in New Delhi, and my friend, Anil Kumar used to work close by. We were entitled to go by Taxi and claim the fare from the office when were asked to go for official work outside the office. Most employees used to go by TSR (Three-wheelers Scooter Rickshaw) and claim Taxi fare to make some pocket money. One day, Anil Kumar told me that when he is asked by his office to go to close by places on official duty, he walks and claims the Taxi fare!

Walking is good for health. Keep walking.