My first day walking at Chengalpet

11 January 2022 [Tuesday] 

Today I got up a bit early, around 7 am. After my coffee, I suggested my wish to go out for a walk to my cousin, Kumaresh [name changed].  

Today I suggested to accompany him to the next street when he goes to fetch the newspaper in the morning. 

As expected my cousin was very happy to allow me to accompany him to the petty shop next street. He had observed me walking comfortably inside the house, with the walking stick. 

When we went out today morning at about 7.30 am, I observed that many dogs on the street didn't bark at me. I think that it was because I was going along with a person known to be living in that area. 

My cousin got the newspaper and asked me to venture out a few more streets and return on my own. He had ensured that I am carrying my mobile phone with me, before we started from the house.

I went to the entrance of a Vinayagar Temple at the corner of the street. En route I heard somebody singing loudly some Tamil devotional songs from the stone bench of his house. The road was ok to walk, though the concrete surface was broken here and there and a bit uneven.

I just stopped near the temple to take a few photos. Then I decided to return immediately.  Today I wanted to walk only for about 7 or 8 minutes. 

On the way back, I noticed two pups sleeping embracing each other near a compound wall. I went near them and took a few snapshots. It was a bit cold, though the time was 7.40 am. They woke up, but were still sleepy and didn't show much interest in me. Hence, I moved away.  I carefully returned back alone. 

Dogs very easily identify newcomers in any area. Moreover, my walking with a walking stick will easily catch their attention. 

Hence, I was mentally prepared to encounter street dogs on the way. They may bark, come near  and smell me and prepare an "aadhaar id" with their noses.

However, it didn't happen today. A few dogs available there had already noticed me with my cousin. Hence they didn't bark and bother me.  

But as soon as I neared the gate of my cousin's house, one canine sitting at the other end of the street, started to bark. Of course, I think it had missed noticing me going out with my cousin. 

Anyway, I entered my cousin's house without much disturbances from dogs today. 

Though the distance was very less today, nevertheless it was refreshing to go for a short walk enjoying the cool and fresh air in the morning.  I hope from tomorrow, I may have less encounters with dogs on the street. 

My maiden walking at Chengalpet was over.

Ezhilarasan Venkatachalam Salem

Tamil Based English Trainer.