Travel On The Level

Back from hip replacement with a tip for handling stairs, thanks to physical therapists from Brooks Rehabilitation Center.

Stairs were a sophisticated answer to building on steep slopes and you can understand how the "nearer to the gods" philosophy of siting the most important structures on the highest points took hold.

So I guess it was natural for later architects to manufacture their own hills of steps in order to make buildings appear more monumental and important.

Having to climb to the top to see the good stuff is a bugaboo for  many of us travelers.
It's impossible to avoid steps, especially when traveling in countries without accessibility requirements.

Tip: When you absolutely have to get to the top - or bottom, take steps one at a time -  both feet on one before going on to the next. It's the safest and least physically stressful way to go.

If one leg is weaker than the other, remember the therapists' mantra:
                
                        Up with the good, down with the bad. 

That's an easy way to remember to step up with your strongest leg, down with your weakest. Use the railing or wall for stability.

You'll see the wonders at the top and return safely.