Walking in nature (agradecería correcciones) The benefits of joining a walking group Some of the problems people face in modern society such as stress, anxiety, solitude, overweight etc., can be addressed by a magic pill, “walking regularly in the countryside with a group”, the perfect habit for both body and soul. It is an enjoyable and healthy activity to practice mainly on the weekends and to look forward to during the rest of the week. Nature has a soothing effect on the soul and walking is good exercise with beneficial effects for the physical and mental wellbeing. If practiced within a group, it offers the plus of company, conversation and friendship. It shares the benefits of other non-intensive sports with the added advantages of socializing and relaxing in an environment of beauty; it’s a (at least) “three-in-one” formula. And these benefits come at an affordable price, if any. Local groups may start their walks near one’s place of residence but, otherwise, the cost is confined to the transport to the starting point and back. And many walks are accessible by public transport. Besides, unlike other more intense sports, waking is an activity that can be practiced at any age, a passion one does not have to give up over time (unless being very unlucky). Beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages, historic landmarks, local artisanal and food products are some of the wonders one can encounter in this little adventures, which are a break from everyday life, a time to breathe deeply, to look around, to reflect, to talk and listen, to share and learn. Often, the lives we lead are very disconnected from nature, and human beings seem to need some contact with it in order to keep their inner balance, recharge batteries and be more relaxed; we need habits more consistent with our own essence. Furthermore, being part of a group that shares an interest, such as walking in nature, promotes a sense of camaraderie and a sense of belonging. Walking can also facilitate a positive state of mind conducive to reflecting, very useful to asses one’s life or even prepare oneself for the following week. It encourages conversation, sometimes small talk but often conversation at a deeper and more personal level than that one might have in a different setting, such as the workplace or a bar. Long hours of walking in nature act a counterweight to the intense presence of technology in modern life, to hour hectic timetables and, ultimately, our fast-paced lives. Doesn’t it all sound wonderful?

Marvelled at technology This is my first note in italki. I would appreciate any corrections and suggestions. I am marvelled at technology. I belong to a generation who thought that a colour TV was a wander, so you can imagine what the advent of mobile phones, the Internet and programs such as Skype means to me. I wish I had had these tools as a young student, but I am thankful I can use them now to facilitate my work and, especially, to open a window to the world of information, entertainment and learning. Progress in technology has surpassed any expectations I might have had as a young girl, unlike what has happened in other fields such as medicine or energy, just to mention but a couple of them. I know many people might contest that great progress has been achieved in these late fields as well but, to be honest, 30years ago I often heard that cancer would be beaten in a decade, that baldness was almost conquered, that renewable energies would be the only sources of energy in a world that was supposed to be running out of petrol. Cancer rates of survival have dramatically increased but it is still a mortal illness for too many people, all the males in my family are bald and renewable energies are still marginal. By contrast, nobody told me we would be able to walk and talk with our phones anywhere, that we would be able to communicate instantly with people all over the world through a screen similar to the TV, to transfer loads of information, images, videos and so on and so forth. Yes, progress in technology never stops blowing my mind, especially in the last 10 -15 years. Now I wish I can one day say the same thing about energy and medicine, ...., and the eternal humankind' ills (wars, poverty,..). Thank you very much for your help correcting me.