watch your step

Though we're happy to have sidewalks in some areas of our neighborhood,

it's always a good idea to watch our step.

Sometimes these drain covers (like the stone in place above)
have been moved off to the side, and there's a gaping hole to dodge.

It's not a place where you go out for a jog in the dark.

Other times it's just obstacles, like this rock and dirt,
or in some places, large tree stumps or very low street signs (watch your head!)
in the middle of the sidewalk.

Then there are the less common obstacles.

One day I was walking down the sidewalk to catch a taxi
when two motor cyclists, because of the potholes in the road,
hopped the curb to drive on the smoother section of sidewalk.

Considering they were headed straight at me, I, in instinctive self-preservation,
made a quick detour onto the road.
As we passed, they on the sidewalk and I on the road,
I found myself thinking...'there's something not quite right with this picture!'

Drivers have to keep their eyes open, too.

This improvised road block (above) has been in place for months, and requires some serious maneuvering when two jeepneys are trying to come through from opposite directions at the same time.
Originally the branch protruding up from the tire had a little flag waving cheerfully on the top; I guess it was just too tempting for someone to leave alone!

I wonder, if in Jeremiah's day, they had similar sidewalks?

Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is,
and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 6:16