Daily Disruption

“I want to walk where the paths know my feet”  I read this in a story about an Afghan woman being urged to leave her home village, and it resonated!

Rob Gordon says our routines are an important part of our procovery.  This past year I’ve established routes for walking to and from work.  In the morning I go via Latimer Square and St Asaph Street.  I come home through Cathedral Square, New Regent Street, and Poplar Crescent beside the river.  Some of these are paths I’ve trodden for decades, and I know my ancestors trod them too.  There’s comfort and security on these familiar paths, many of which were forbidden for months, or even years, after the earthquakes.

Over the last week there’s been an increase in obstacles and detours on my chosen way.  On Kilmore Street, Oxford Terrace, Gloucester Street. Armagh Street, and Manchester Street  I now need to negotiate my way around new wire fences and past more ‘Footpath closed’ signs.  I know that roads and infrastructure need repair, but the continual disruption makes me angry and frustrated.  There’s a website where motorists can find out which roads are closed today, but I’m not aware of such a facility for pedestrians.  When will it ever end?

“Whichever way I plan to go
it seems that someone will say “No!”