The Map-less Wonder

I am one of those people who has never been lost. Oh, sometimes it takes me longer than it should to get somewhere because I refuse to ask for directions. Isn't that the fun though- figuring it out on one's own?! Perhaps more accurately, I am too stubborn to concede that I have ever been lost. Admittedly, I have a fairly astute sense of direction. And, I do love a good map-less challenge, though historically those situations have occurred unintentionally in the worst part of Houston, driving by myself at night. I can usually find my way around in a car; walking is another story since I don't tend to pay superb attention to the scenery around me.

I gave myself the ultimate challenge last night after Arabic tutoring. I decided to walk home no matter the distance nor time involved. For one, I didn't have any small bills to pay a cab driver. For another, I was rather sedentary + gastronomically indulgent last week- my waistline is wearing these indiscretions quite visibly. Besides, I adore walking and would walk EVERYWHERE if others were agreeable. In any case, I left Arabic class with nary a clue as to my location and no map. In my estimation, I was a few miles from home, but uncertain in which direction I should strike off. Well, any direction would do, so I picked the most interesting boulevard and began walking.

I walked. And walked. AND WALKED.

I followed a set of train tracks for what seemed like forever, crossing numerous avenues in between. I passed several cafes, a Swedish skin care shop, and a bookstore. Nearly 90 minutes later, the scenery started to become familiar once again. Some time after darting across the treacherous Oruba highway, I recognized a park near my house and an Italian cafe at which we dined once before. I rounded the corner and was home sweet home again. Success!

Heading upstairs, I was quite proud of myself, feeling very directionally accomplished. That is, until I inspected the map and noticed I had walked FIVE miles- nearly the perimeter of the map, the absolute longest route possible.

Sense of direction, who?