I spent the spring 2010 semester interning without a car, in Washington, D.C.  Public transportation immediately became my best friend.

Within days of my arrival, I had the public transportation system memorized, and the three-quarter-mile trek from my apartment to the nearest metro stop became the best part of my day. It was nine minutes I could spend in thought, prayer or talking to a stranger about the morning’s headlines.

I tried to bring my new love back to Abilene, but West Texas culture killed it.

Walking in Abilene is a lonely, uncomfortable experience. The severe lack of sidewalks and other pedestrians leads to an unpleasant commute.

In D.C., the same people make the same commute every day, making mornings anonymous  – but not lonely. I don’t know their names, or even where they were going. But I know that I always passed the cute guy with orange running shoes on my way to work, and the homeless man in front of the gas station would always wave and give me the weekend countdown.

Now back in Abilene, my walk to school involves walking along the curb with only mailboxes for company.

So, help me out Abilene. Try walking a little bit so I don’t end up talking to inanimate objects.