On Walking by Shristi Bhattarai || Grade 12, Compulsory English || Language Development Unit 11, Hobbies

UNIT-11 HOBBIES

On Walking

-Shristi Bhattarai

 

Before you read

a. What is your best hobby?

My best hobby is making videos and post on social sites.

b. How do you fulfil your hobby?

I fulfill my hobby making educational vidoes and uploading them on my YouTube channel.

 A text about the advantages of walking…

Walking has always been one of my favorite activities. To me it is the beginning of travel. The movement, the rhythm, the undulation of the senses and of the body that it initiates- I enjoy the very physical sensation of walking. When I was younger, I used to love proving how quickly and untiringly I could walk for long distances. I especially loved walking on roads that were unpaved and uneven, like the paths around my mamaghar. But back then, it was easy enough to find paths like that even in Kathmandu. Some of my most vivid memories involve running down the slopes behind my house. You would begin by taking the smallest steps to balance yourself, then without even realizing it you would have broken into a run until you completely lost control over your body. You would reach the bottom in such a state of thrill. I’m sure it can never be replicated, even by a ride on the most beautiful and sophisticated roller-coaster.

As I grew older my adventures took on different shades and nuances. Walking became a more social activity. In my teens, I began walking home from school with my friends. Mostly we walked when we had stayed back for some after-school activity and the buses had left, so it served as a sort of minor rebellion. Staying back after school in itself made us feel grown-up, but it was our decision to take the long route home that made it seem like a protest. During those walks, rebels against our regimented routine, we could be free-willed masters of our time. We wanted to find our own way-so we’d take shortcuts.

When I left school, my life changed drastically as I moved to a different country. And there again I walked as a way of exploring this new world. On hot summer days when the temperature climbed to forty degrees, I would walk leisurely, from school to home, this time alone. Sometimes I’d walk along a quiet residential street, with fences creeping with jasmine vines, until I reached the main road with the funny set of shops: A wedding-cake shop; a rather dilapidated second-hand clothes shop that at one time must have had ambitions of being something more glamorous; a barber shop. Institutions once, they had slowly begun to lose their sheen and were on their way to being replaced by fancier stores and boutiques. On other days I’d walk down the more exciting Norton Street lined with cafes and restaurants, and later a beautiful mall designed in imitation of an Italian piazza. Though these walks were more an expression of listlessness and confusion than conscious design, they helped me to navigate not only the place where I was to spend the next few years of my life, but also the renewed circumstances of my life and the changes that would inevitably stamp themselves on my psyche. Amid all kinds of pressures, I felt to fit in and adapt, walking was both an escape and a search for a pace and a rhythm that felt most natural to me.

Australian streets were far quieter and organized when compared to the cacophonous streets of Kathmandu. Yet in time, I grew to love the solitude they offered. Across the big Parramatta Road from Leichhardt, where the buildings of my high school stood, was the completely nondescript Petersham, where I lived with my family on a street that faced the dreary backsides of shops along Parramatta Road. Dismal as it was, it had its treasures. A tiny park no one visited was a minute down the road, and once you turned the corner to another park, with a huge rock at one end. Perhaps it didn’t offer much in terms of access or glamour, but it was a good place between the harsh and noisy highway and the more comfortable. It was a good place to hide, a buffer zone suburb. As I walked uphill towards the train station the street seemed to dip into the horizon and suddenly come to an end it made quite a sight at twilight, against the backdrop of a darkening blue sky.

I walked the streets of Sydney in the cool morning, the blistering noon, at sunset, and even at dawn, on my way home from certain unforgotten night outs that lie listlessly in the trunk of my memory with no obvious purpose. I frequently walked for an hour along Parramatta Road to get to Sydney University. The sights I found there were so different from those I had once been accustomed to, but slowly they took the place of the familiar and my birthplace became a memory, too far and too distant to have a distinct shape. And along this long, seemingly irreversible and frequently disturbing journey only a few things remained constant: the earth and the sky, the trees, water. For a long time in this journey, they really were my only friends and companions, the only entities with whom I would share the secrets of my heart. Or was it rather the painful lack of secrets because it had been emptied of everything it had once known and loved? Walking became a conversation I had with the world—the physical world around me and the natural world that peeked from beneath paved roads and behind skyscrapers. It was my body’s way of reminding itself of its naturalness and beauty when the mind had become home to doubts and distress.

Even though culturally my journey had been westwards, towards those places that people generally associate with material wealth and comfort, I felt that I had journeyed to a desert, to emptiness, where there was no footing to be had, and walking was perhaps the healthiest way to seek that lost footing. The further I moved from the tumult of my hometown, the more solitary my walks became. In the last years before I returned to Kathmandu, I was in the United States with a definite purpose: To get a degree. Unlike the previous transitions in my life, I had chosen this one myself. But simply because you make an intentional decision does not mean that everything that follows conforms to your designs or expectations. The years I spent in Minneapolis were perhaps the most solitary of my life: Solitary in the sense that through experiences so new and unexpected that I barely had language to understand them, let alone communicate them with someone. I took long walks there. In retrospect I feel like walking became life: Solitary in the sense that I went unexpected that I barely had communication with someone almost an achievement in itself as the ostensible purpose for what had ended up there dwindled away. I lived and walked in neighborhoods that were beautiful for their sloping streets and proximity to water in a city mostly flat except when it had risen to cup one of its hundred lakes. There was snow on the ground for almost half of the year. As soon as the snow began to melt, I broke in a new pair of shoes accompany me on my walks. On Sundays, when I left for my walk rather early in the morning there’d be hardly anyone on the streets. And the beautiful buildings that had been erected few centuries ago in service of trade along the Mississippi river seemed to lie waste or awaiting a revival. Sometimes a deer that had lost its way would be grazing in the middle of the park by the river. This was during spring and autumn. During the frigid winters I walked on a treadmill on the top floor of my apartment building gazing that the pale blue sky and the eagles that flew in circles repeatedly.

Even though I was a stranger to that city and I never stopped feeling a sense of hesitation before walking into the doors of its buildings and houses, I felt as if the place itself was known to me. I wondered about the people who had lived here before the city was built and felt that their spirits were still around in the weeds that grew in the shallow end of the lake, and in the old trees that had been left undisturbed for centuries. Every time I was driven along highways and saw the vast uninhabited tracts of land beside it, I was reminded that like every other place on earth this place too is ancient, with the shape and texture of the land bearing witness to its age. In that sense, how far could I really be from home? My head hurt to think of options and possibilities I’d inevitably have to weigh once I left but my body had made itself at home there, like everywhere else I had lived.

Our world is so populated with brilliant and imaginative ideas, beautiful songs, things to look at, things to be in awe of and to revere, beauty and pleasure in all forms and guises, that we often forget that the layers of beauty we perceive in our everyday lives are built on something not of our making–this earth, and beyond its space, of which it is a part. Walking makes us aware obliquely- of space, of that invisible and intangible thing without which no object can exist, cohere and have meaning. The space between two footsteps makes it possible for us to move, and as we walk, even when we are keeping step on with ourselves, a million others walk with us, maintaining the imperceptible relationship with space, which is governed by laws which we only have the minutest clue about.

I have always known, since the first time I left home, that I’d love every place I’d visit, maybe not the people, or the culture, but itself the trees, the way the land meets the sky, the life it leads beneath the quotidian, its inhabitants and to which whether we are aware of it or not, inextricably and fundamentally bound. Walking brought me close places, made me notice the things around me, bound me to the places that became my home because ultimately no matter where I went the air that brushed against me and the light that poured into my eyes each morning, the sounds of birds and insects, or machines were the same everywhere. It may sound ironic but walking kept me close to my roots and gave me a sense of grounding, because no matter which part of the world I happened to be in, when I walked, I was my intrinsic self.

Now, back home again, as I walk the streets of my beloved hometown, I am filled with gratitude for all the streets that have given shape to my feet, my body and my being.

 

Glossary:

Undulation- the action of moving smoothly up and down

Initiates – cause to begin

Sensation – an ability to feel things physically

Unpaved- concrete

Uneven- Stoney

Vivid – clear images in the mind

Replicated – make an exact of; reproduce

Sophisticated – experienced, worldly

Roller coaster – a type of amusement ride on elevated railroad track with light turns

Took on – accepted/agreed

Shades – darkness and coolness caused by shelter from direct sunlight

Nuances – a subtle distinction or variation, sensibility, awareness

Rebellion – revolt, revolution, insurgence

Protest – an action expressing disapproval of or objection to something

Drastically – extremely

Leisurely – unhurried way

Creeping – growing along extending stems and branches

Dilapidate – ruins as a result of age or neglect

Glamorous -beautiful, elegant, attractive,

Sheen- gleam, shine

Boutiques – a small shop selling fashionable clothes or accessories

Piazza – a public square or marketplace, especially in an Italian town

Listlessness – lack of interest

Navigate – travel over carefully and difficultly

Inevitably – unavoidably, is certain to happen

Psyche – the human soul, mind, or spirit

Cacophonous – harsh, discordant mixture of sounds

Solitude – the state or situation of being alone

Nondescript – lacking interesting features

Dreary – uninteresting

Dismal- depressing, gloomy, dull

Treasures – values

Buffer zone– an area of land designated for environmental protection

Dip into – to read, watch, or listen to small amounts of something

Backdrop -scenery

Blistering – intense, extreme, acute

Listlessly- lacking energy or enthusiasm

Obvious – clear or apparent

Irreversible – not able to be undone or altered, irreparable

Entities – being,

Peek-looked quickly

Footing – a secure grip with one’s feet,

Tumult – a loud, confused noise caused by a large mass of people

Retrospect – a survey or review of the past course of events

Ostensible – seeming

Ended up – to reach or come to a place

Dwindled away – diminished, lessen

Proximity – nearness in space, time

Cup- formed into the curved shape of a cup

Hesitant – uncertain

Revere – feel deep respect or admiration for something

Obliquely – indirectly

Intangible – unable to be touched, not having physical presence

Quotidian – daily routine

Imperceptible – unnoticeable, indistinguishable

Minute – tiny, smallest

Intrinsic – essential

Gratitude – thankfulness

 

Working with words:

A. find the word from the text which have the following meanings.

a. a wave-like motion – undulation

b. to make or do something again exactly in the same way – replicate

c. decayed, deteriorated, or fallen into partial ruin especially through neglect or misuse- dilapidated

d. a bright, smooth surface – sheen

e. the feeling of having no energy and enthusiasm- listlessness

f. a state of noise, commotion and confusion – cacophonous

g. being alone, often by choice - solitude

h. to regard with respect, often tinged with owe – revere

i. said in a way that is not direct, so that the real meaning is not immediately clear – obliquely

 

Comprehension

Answer the following questions.

a.     What is the author’s favorite hobby? Why does she like it so much?

Ans: - The favorite hobby of the author is walking. She likes it so much because walking is beginning of her travel and it initiates the movement, the rhythm, the undulation of sense and of body or it gives her physical sensation of the places she walks on.

 

b.    What sorts of roads did the writer prefer to walk on when she was very young?

Ans:- She would prefer to walk on long unpaved and uneven roads or paths, like the paths to her mamaghar or paths like in Kathmandu years ago, when she was very young.

 

c.     How did walking give the author and her classmates a sense of freedom?

Ans:- Mostly the writer would go back home walking with her friends when they had to stay back for some after school activity as a result they would miss school bus. It was their own choice to take the long route home to escape from their regimented routine and feel the freedom of time.

 

d.    In what ways were the roads in Kathmandu different from the ones in Sydney?

Ans:- The roads in Kathmandu were cacophonous and not organized. In contrast the roads in Sydney were far quieter and organized.

 

e.     How did walking help the author in the new country?

Ans:- Walking helped the author to navigate the new country and it renewed the circumstances and changes of her life. It was an escape of all kinds of pressures, a search for pace and a rhythm to her.   

f.      What were the treasures of Petersham, where the writer lived with her family?

Ans:- The treasures of Petersham, where the writer lived with her family were a tiny park which was a minute down the Parramatta road, and another park with a huge rock at one end, and a buffer zone suburb etc.

 

g.    What things became her permanent friends with whom she could share her feelings?

Ans:- The physical world, in other words, the components of nature such as the earth, the sky, the trees, water, air became her permanent friends with whom she could share her feelings.

 

h.    Why did she feel that she had travelled to ‘a desert, to emptiness’ as she went to the United States?

Ans:- She felt that she had travelled to ‘a desert, to emptiness’ as she went to the United States because people living there were running after material pursuit and comfort. She felt lonely there, and felt a barrier of communication to the people living there.

 

i.       Why did the author eventually feel that the strange city was known to her?

Ans: - Eventually the author felt that the strange city was known to her because she found the place similar to every other place on the earth. The essence of the nature she felt in the strange city was same to the one she found in her hometown.  

 

j.       How did walking make her feel at home with different places she visited?

Ans: - Walking made her feel thankfulness to all the streets she walked on because they gave shape to her feet, her body and her being.  

 

Critical thinking

a. Do you believe that walking helps us understand ourselves? Give reasons in support of your opinion.

Ans:- Yes I believe that walking helps us understand ourselves. While walking we become aware of our breath, steps, body and surrounding. It also helps us to observe what happens in our inner though and emotions which responds to the sights, sounds and sensation of our outer world. It reduces stress and makes us self aware. It involves taking notice of various parts of our body, how we feel, and the world around us. While walking we interact with our inner self, we evaluate ourselves, our works, our behavior. This makes us realize who I am. Understanding ourselves means self realization which can happen when we are alone and submerged with natural world.

 

b. Think of one of your hobbies. How does this hobby relate to your psyche and self?

Ans: - I have different hobbies, but among them learning is my best one. People are always eager to knowledge, so do I. I like to learn new things all the time. Because of this hobby I have learnt many things. I learn from books, other people, movies, experiences and so on. Pursuit of knowledge is worthy one for me and I find online as the main resource of earning. Whenever, I have leisure time, I watch YouTube and learn something new. Instead of wasting my time on unnecessary things, I utilize my time acquiring knowledge on varieties of topics which I might find useful in my life. This hobby has also helped me in my profession. My teaching job has become easier as I find many references useful for my students in leisure time.

 

c. Many people turn their hobbies into careers. Is it good to turn one’s hobby into a career?

Ans:- Obviously many people turn their hobbies into careers. While choosing our careers we must choose them according to our interest and desire. We love to do the things which give us satisfaction and pleasure. If we choose our future goal according to our interest, we could make progress and achieve easily. We don’t like to engage in something which is disinterested to us. In contrast, we forget to eat and sleep when we are engaged in the things, we like the most. That’s why it is good to turn our hobby into our career. We get success in our career if it is of our interest.

  

Writing

Highlighting the advantages of walking, Henry David Thoreau says, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” Write an essay on the advantages of morning walk.

According to Henry Davit Thoreau, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man safe, prosperous, and wise. Nature is at its most beautiful in the morning. The growing sun, as well as the morning dew, gives us great pleasure and the whole day is blessed with the beauty of nature we feel early in the morning.

Morning walks have many advantages. A regular morning walk keeps one fit. An individual can see Nature without any pollutants during a morning walk. A morning walk is one of the cheapest, quickest, and most effective ways to maintain good health. So every morning, we should get up early and go for a morning walk. It makes you active physically and mentally. It refreshes our minds and keeps us fit. It is the simplest and most beneficial workout for us. A morning exercise, according to science, lowers blood pressure, reduces fatigue, and strengthens the body.

Walking in the morning also improves our mood throughout the day and makes us energetic, so if you want to be healthy, always go for a morning walk. I always get up at 5.00 a.m., drink two glasses of water, and put on my jogging dress. Then I go out on my walk. I see the golden rays of the rising sun in the calm, fresh air, birds chirp, and green crops wave. Dewdrops on the grass look like pearls. A morning walk has many advantages. It keeps us refreshed all day long. It is the most efficient, cost-effective, and beneficial workout. It boosts our immunity also makes our immune system strong. It sharpens our appetite, and this prolongs life. It is, in fact, a cure for all illnesses. Morning walk reduces fatness; there is no chance of dangerous obesity. All, young and old, are encouraged to have a morning walk in their everyday routine, and anything else that is positive and safe can follow.

  

Grammar

Passive voice

A. Study the following sentences.

Sheela gave Milan a bar of chocolate.

Milan was given a bar of chocolate by Sheela.

A bar of chocolate was given to Milan by Sheela.

 

B. Change the following sentences into passive voice.

a. I want someone to love me.

Ans:- I want to be loved.

 

b. Someone broke into our house while we were on holiday.

Ans:- Our house was broken into while we were on holiday.

 

c. I don’t like people staring at me.

Ans:- I don’t like being stared at me.

 

d. Is it true that someone stole your car?

Ans:- Is is true that you car was stolen?

 

e. The cat enjoys someone tickling him.

Ans:- The cat enjoys being tickled.

 

f. Would Swostika open the window?

Ans:- Would the window be opened by Swostika?

 

g. Did they confess the crime?

Ans:- Was the crime confessed by them?

 

h. He thinks that someone is teaching Jennie.

Ans:- He thinks that Jennie is being taught.

 

i. Sabina hates people laughing at her.

Ans:- Sabina hates being laughed at her.

 

C. Complete the following sentences as in the example.

Example:

People believe that the one billion defaulters are staying in the UAE.

The one billion defaulters are believed to be staying in the UAE.

 

a.   English people think that the number thirteen is unlucky.

      The number thirteen is thought to be unlucky by English people.

 

b.   What are you wearing for the wedding?

      Actually, I am having a suit made. (a suit makes).

They will give it by tomorrow.

 

c.   The carpet in our drawing room is very dirty.

      It needs to be cleaned. (clean).

 

d.   There are rumors that the factory at the corner is manufacturing bombs.

      The factory at the corner is rumored to be manufacturing bombs.

 

e.   Some people believe that Silajit from Jumla cures all indigestion problems.

      Silajit from Jumla is believed to cure all digestion problems.

 

f.    People claim that Changu Narayan temple is the oldest temple in Nepal.

      Changu Narayan temple is claimed to be the oldest temple in Nepal.

 

g.   A: Your car is making a terrible noise.

      B: Thank you. I am not a mechanic and I will be repaired soon. (repair).

 

h.   The police suspect that the criminal left the country.

      The criminal is suspected to leave the country.

 

i.    A: Where are you going?

      B: I am going to the stationery to get my document photocopied.  (My document /photocopy)

 

j.    People allege that the corrupt leader has embezzled millions of rupees.

      The leader is alleged to have embezzled millions of rupees.

 

Thanks!!!