Apparently there is such a thing as Wellness Wednesdays. I like this idea and am stealing borrowing it for a regular weekly post that keeps with the spirit of Staying Healthy Abroad Naturally.

Travel and health are dear to my heart. What better way to amalgamate my wanderlust with experience of and training in aromatherapy, holistic nutrition and fitness? Enter Weal World Travel, an entity I founded in 2010 that combines my passions with purpose.

I chose the name weal, which means wellness, and wellness to me is overall health and well-being in body, mind and spirit. I believe travel can benefit wellness and going forward I will feature weekly Wellness Wednesday posts focused on travel, active living and healthy eating habits.

“If we  could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.”
~Hippocrates, Greek physician and father of medicine. (c. 460-377 B.C.E.)~

Here is the brief history of one of my themed walking series for travel.

Urban Walks & Food Talks – Adventures on foot with food
Explore the history and character of a destination on foot where bakeries, vegetarian fare and markets both old and new are the landmarks.
“Bringing you the sights, smells and tastes of urban centres around the globe.”
Kimberley, The Itinerant Introvert

Ever since I was a kid I walked. (My dad walks too so maybe that’s where I get it from.)

My first epic adventure on foot was in Toronto where I walked from the intersection of Yonge and Dundas all the way home-a whopping 20 km! This only fueled my desire to walk further. Along the way were many distractions to keep my mind occupied: my Walkman to listen to, interesting sights to see and the occasional food store to keep up my energy stores for my walk.

I continued my walking ways when I moved to Vancouver. This was a different kind of urban centre where the main attraction was Stanley Park and the chocolate shop where I worked my main fueling stop!

When traveling overseas, the first thing I like to do when arriving in a new city is to walk. It stretches the legs and helps to shake off the jet lag. It also orients me to the look and feel of a place. Exploration by foot gives you an insight that tour buses and rental cars can only hope to achieve.

Of course any type of physical activity requires the right amount and type of nutrition to provide and sustain energy for the journey. When walking I often focus on the amazing food that I discover along the way. This food not only keeps me going but it also becomes the souvenir that stays with me long after the trip is over.

Hence, the creation of this series: walking for exploration, exercise and eating in urban centres.