Short Excursion

This summer I did a few short excursions. Life (and money) sometimes gets in the way of traveling great distances. Sometimes we just do not have the money or the time to pack our bags and drag ourselves to the airport only to stand or sit in line for hours at a time. Yet, we still feel the need to go away even if it is for a short period of time. This past year I changed jobs so I did not feel comfortable asking for two straight weeks off so I ended up going away for several weekends. Once I traveled with my mom, an attendant and I to my Aunts house to Kelowna, BC. We had a lovely time chatting along the way of our five hour drive.

Another time, I traveled to Vancouver Island to meet a friend that I had not seen for several months. On the way over on a ferry from the mainland to the island I found a coupon which saved me 10%! It's better than nothing I always say! (Hint - always check local news papers for deals or discounts on hotels, motels etc. also some web sites have discounts). I had a nice time going down the various streets checking out shops along the promenade. The promenade also showcased artists with their art for sale.

After Vancouver Island, I enjoyed several weekend get aways with my mom in Harrison Hot Springs. I have a trailer (RV) there that has a ramp, so I can get into the 30 foot trailer. It is a little tricky with two wheelchairs but we manage by taking turns going down the hallway leading to the bathroom or bedroom. We take someone with us because we can not do it alone. The trailer has all the modern conveniences such as microwave, stove, fridge, TV, DVD player, CD player and we each have a cell phone. It sits on a plot of land that has a fence around it and on the inside of the fence we have a garden with flowering bushes and plants. We stroll down the windy roads to other RV. The trailer park also has social nights, those that want to participate can by attending pasta night, bingo night, and a dance night. As dusk turns into night most people have little colourful lights that glow in the dark. Our lights are amber and we have it set on a timer. Summer time goes so fast and before you know it, its fall and then the park closes down for the winter season.

My mom and I had a great time this past summer. My little mini-vacation was not as long nor as expensive, but we still had lots of fun and lovely memories. So the next time your strapped for cash or even time remember you can still go away and visit a friend or a relative. Be sure and bring a little thank you gift such as a bottle of wine or maybe some homemade jam. The people you visit will appreciate it and will most likely invite you back again! Enjoy Traveling!

Question, Questions and more Questions

I have found that the farther my trip is away from my home the more I have to plan. I take into account the usual such as how am I going to get there, plane, train, car or ship. The next very important issue is accommodations. Will I go in a hotel, motel, youth hostel, stay at a bread & breakfast and if I am in Germany can I stay with my relatives.

Well in 2002, I stayed in Youth Hostels in Australia. Yes, it is possible to stay in wheelchair accessible Youth Hostels in Australia, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy and Luxembourg. I just have to remember to ask the right questions, such as is the washroom wheelchair accessible, and can a wheelchair wheel-in the shower. Can my chair fit underneath the sink? Do the bathrooms have grab bars in the show/tub or by the toilet? Are the beds low? How high are the beds? Are they bunk beds, single, double bed? Ok now that the accommodation is booked. Now what about sight seeing?

Ah yes, sight seeing, this is a little trickier. Again, I need to ask more questions such as is their public transit system accessible. Wait, does the country have a transit system? Does the country have taxis or do I need to hire a private car/van? Now what about the places I want to see. Are the museums accessible? Are there any gardens, churches, events that are accessible? Well as you can see the questions are endless, but the answers will be well worth the investigation.

After all, I do not want to end up in a country where the only thing I am going to see is the hotel amenities. Hotel amenities can be great. However, the whole point of leaving your country is to go out and explore another country. Life must be experienced, so enjoy the adventure! That is my opinion. Enjoy!

My First Two Trips...

My first trip abroad was when I was 10 years old. We traveled all the way to West Germany. It was before the East German wall came down. Oh dear, I may be dating myself.

We traveled by plane for approximately 10 hours to Frankfurt Airport and then drove another 5 hours to my Aunt and Uncle's house. At the time, I did not have an electric wheelchair, so it was easier to get around. Since I was a child it was easy for my parents to colapse the small wheelchair, put it in the trunk of the car, and take me everywhere they wanted to go. Thankfully, my parents enrolled my sister and I into German school on Saturday's for approximately 6 months prior to our trip so that we could talk to our relatives. We visited not only our relatives, but also Walsrode Birdpark (Vogelpark Walsrode), health spas, that had beautiful gardens and many relatives. It was a wonderful four week trip that exposed me to the world of traveling. I enjoyed meeting new people and eating wonderful food my grandmother would make.

My family and I traveled to Disneyland California. We drove down the Oregon coast and saw the Sea Lions caves. Then across the San Diego California bridge, down a windy road and finally to Disneyland. A magical place that is sure to light up the smile on any child's face. I was able to go on a few rides, but my father had to carry me because at that time a wheelchair could not go on a ride. My favorite two were "It's a small world after all" and "Pirates of the Caribbean".

On our way down to Disneyland we stayed in Motels along the way. Once we were in California we stayed at my parents friend's place in La Habra California approximately 13 miles from one of the largest amusement parks in the US to Univeral Studios. Another large amusement parks that the entertainment industry made to promote their past and upcoming movies. We saw so many interesting sets some were scary and some were just fun. It was great to be able to travel with my family and see what new adventure is around the next corner.