8 reasons why you should probably walk more in Beirut

There are lots of benefits to walking but in Beirut, there might be a few added ones. While sidewalks and pedestrian walkways aren't exactly a thing in this city, it's a rather small town that can be walked across in a relatively short time. For instance, from the middle of Mar Mikhael to the middle of Hamra actually only takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. Trust me, I've walked it multiple times.

Although it's always tempting to drive from point A to point B, maybe you should consider the following things before you jump in your car or the taxi so readily.

This definitely depends on the time of day. But if you're trying to get to your work or school and it's only a 20 to 30 minute walk away, are you really going to save time by driving or taking a service taxi during rush hour? Not likely, especially in winter.

Have you been avoiding the gym and enjoying Beirut's culinary scene a bit too much lately? Well, one easy fix is to just walk more. It's not going to give you the perfect body you've always dreamed of, but it's definitely a step in the right direction.

If you don't drive, you don't burn fuel, which means less pollution. And let's be honest, with the ongoing trash crisis, we don't need anymore of that in Beirut right now.

Rocket Science 101: If you drive less, you use less fuel and spend less money at the gas station. You might even save enough to finance an extra cocktail at a fancy pub in Uruguay Street.

There's nothing better to help you process the day than walking home from the office or class. You'll be surprised at how much thinking you can get done.

Even if you've been driving the same route for years, you'll be surprised at the things you notice when you walk it instead.

Shocked friend: "Did you really just walk all the way from Hamra to Sassine?"

You: "Why yes, yes I did."

Here's to idealistic dreaming ...