Well this is it, the final entry. It's taken me a little while to get around to writing it, mainly because I've been racing from airport to airport, from plane to plane. As you've probably guessed or know, I'm at home now. I really wanted to write the final entry and finish up this blog while I was still away, but everything was such a rush at the end that I've only just had a chance to do it now.
The other reason its taken me so long is procrastination. I really didn't want to have to wrap this blog up. I've really enjoyed writing it. I hope I have given you some insight into what it is like to travel when you have a physical disability, and encourage you to realise that it can be done!
I started the day with a cup of tea. Then my sister and I went for a walk to the shops to get some gifts to take back to my friends in Australia. After that we came home and I started packing for the journey home.
The trip to the airport was interesting. We got a wheelchair accessible taxi, but one that probably never been used before, because the driver appeared not to know how to open the door. Not only that, but once the door was open, there wasn't lift a that I could wheel onto, but a very steep ramp that the driver pulled down and leant against the massive vehicle.
They say that bad luck comes in threes, right? Well, you guessed it, there was a third problem. Although the taxi had the appropriate straps and clamps to tie my wheelchair down (thank goodness!), there was no seat belt for me! So I clung on to the seat in front of me for the whole trip. Fortunately the driver had tied my wheelchair down extremely well (which is something that drivers in Australia could learn to do better) and I hoped like crazy that those straps wouldn't come undone.
The first flight, Vienna to Zurich, was pretty smooth. It was only an hour. First we ate, and then we slept and then it was time to get off the plane. As the plane slowed down and got ready to land, a funny thing happened. Several of the tray tables fell down, one by one. I watched mine closely, and saw the switch that kept it secure slowly rotating, until eventually the table fell down with a thud. It provided a bit of humour to start the flight!
We had two hours at Zurich airport before the next flight, the grueling 13 hour flight from Zurich to Singapore, and I wanted to use that time to do things like write my blog and check my email - but the computer desks weren't low enough for me to use, which was really frustrating.
As soon as I had finished dinner and dessert on the next flight, I put my seat back and tried to sleep. Wearing my noise cancelling headphones helped a little bit, and eventually I fell asleep, but only for a couple of hours. I listened to music for the rest of the flight.
The final flight was the worst - 8 hours from Singapore to Sydney, and I didn't sleep for 1 minute of that time. By this stage I was so completely over it, and just wanted to get off and not have to get back on to any plane. I called this plane the party plane. The lights inside changed from pink to purple to yellow to white, which made the flight a bit more interesting, especially for the flight attendant who was trying to pour coffee as the lights went purple, making it difficult to see.
Eventually we landed. We were back. The holiday was over. It had been the most brilliant holiday of my life. The new experiences, the fun times, eating, drinking sightseeing and just spending time with my family, all together. Yes there were challenges, yes there the occasional hiccups along the way, that's a guarantee when you have a disability. I probably won't travel overseas for a few years, because of how big the a challenge it is, but would I do it again? DEFINITELY!!!
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Continuation of yesterday AND today
Last night we had dinner at home and then we went out for dessert, to a stunningly elaborate palace-like coffee house called Cafe Central. It was amazingly decorated, with gold chandeliers, and curtains. We had two small cakes between us and I also had a hot chocolate, which was served in a glass with whipped cream on top.
The coffee house was reasonably accessible, except for three our four steps, and I used the stair climber they had there to go down the stairs.
When we had finished we caught the tram home and tumbled into bed after a big day.
Today I started the day by having a long and luxurious bubble bath and then I tried on all the clothes that I bought yesterday. I was really happy because everything fit except for one pair of jeans.
Tonight we are going out to dinner but have no plans for the day so I will write more later :)
The coffee house was reasonably accessible, except for three our four steps, and I used the stair climber they had there to go down the stairs.
When we had finished we caught the tram home and tumbled into bed after a big day.
Today I started the day by having a long and luxurious bubble bath and then I tried on all the clothes that I bought yesterday. I was really happy because everything fit except for one pair of jeans.
Tonight we are going out to dinner but have no plans for the day so I will write more later :)
Saturday, 13 July 2013
And it's almost the end...
This morning I woke up with the almost overwhelming realisation that it is almost the end of our holiday, almost time to leave this sunny, warm, friendly, inviting paradise, and almost time to come back to bleak, cold Sydney.
We had breakfast, and then went to have another look at the shops. I bought more clothes, including some warm clothes which will be handy for our return to cold Sydney. I also bought a few tops and a couple of pairs of stretchy jeans. I had trouble getting into the change rooms because the doorways were too narrow but bought things to try on at home and then return.
We spent the afternoon sitting, drinking tea, eating pastries, talking and relaxing at my sister and brother in law's apartment. It was lovely to just sit and relax, and tonight we are going out for dinner.
We had breakfast, and then went to have another look at the shops. I bought more clothes, including some warm clothes which will be handy for our return to cold Sydney. I also bought a few tops and a couple of pairs of stretchy jeans. I had trouble getting into the change rooms because the doorways were too narrow but bought things to try on at home and then return.
We spent the afternoon sitting, drinking tea, eating pastries, talking and relaxing at my sister and brother in law's apartment. It was lovely to just sit and relax, and tonight we are going out for dinner.
Friday, 12 July 2013
Cobblestones and apricots
This morning we went for a walk in the sun to find some breakfast. I had a chocolate brioche, which wasn't very chocolatey, and a mocha, which they had never heard of but I told them in it was half hot chocolate and half coffee, and it was perfect.
After breakfast we went back to our hotel, packed and checked out. Then we began the long drive back to my sister and brother in law's place in Vienna, but not before going to the apricot festival in Krems. It was a bit of a let down in terms of the apricot produce there, and the entire area was paved with cobblestones. By the end of the day my neck, shoulders, head and back were aching from the continuous jarring.
After breakfast we went back to our hotel, packed and checked out. Then we began the long drive back to my sister and brother in law's place in Vienna, but not before going to the apricot festival in Krems. It was a bit of a let down in terms of the apricot produce there, and the entire area was paved with cobblestones. By the end of the day my neck, shoulders, head and back were aching from the continuous jarring.
We went back to my sister and brother in laws house and had dinner. Then my sister and I went out for the night.
Catch up entry - from yesterday
Yesterday was another long day of driving, to Tirol. By the time we arrived at our accommodation it was dinner time so after a quick, refreshing shower we headed out to see what we could find. Dinner was simple but one of the best meals I had had since being in Austria. I had turkey cordon bleu - which was turkey breast stuffed with ham, cheese and onions. For dessert we shared a molten chocolate pudding with passionfruit parfait, and everything was delicious.
After dinner as we left the restaurant we watched a light show in the sky, over the Danube. It was magical and there was a band playing below us and the buildings around us were lit up in brightly coloured lights, which moved and changed in time with the music.
After dinner as we left the restaurant we watched a light show in the sky, over the Danube. It was magical and there was a band playing below us and the buildings around us were lit up in brightly coloured lights, which moved and changed in time with the music.
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
A Day Full of Firsts
This morning after breakfast I decided to take advantage of the amazing facilities this hotel provides for people in wheelchairs, and went on a bushwalk with my parents and my sister, using the Swiss Trac. I was completely blown away by the freedom it gave me and the opportunity I got to unleash my inner speed freak. The feeling of the sun on my skin and the wind in my hair was indescribable as I drove further and further, faster and faster, over surfaces and terrains that I would find near impossible in my normal wheelchair. After walking for a couple of hours we turned back to our room, and by the end of the walk I realised I had driven a distance of about 5 or 6 kilometres. It was an experience that I will never, ever forget.
In the afternoon I made the decision to continue my day of new experiences, and keep the "I'm up for anything" attitude, and my sister and I went to the hotel's sauna. At first I was quite nervous about the idea of being naked in a room full on strangers (including men), but I told myself that this holiday was about firsts and things that I never thought I would do (after all, I never thought I would get to Europe!) and that at the end I would be pleased I had done it.
As we got there I saw a row of wheelchairs, and I immediately calmed down, as I remembered that this hotel catered for people in wheelchairs, and I had seen many people in wheelchairs so far, so my "weird shaped" body would be no different from other people's. We entered, took our robes off, and sat in the hot, steamy room for about half an hour. There were about 6 or 7 other people in the room and other than a very quick glance around as we entered, I faced the wall and kept my eyes glued to a crack in the paint work for the entire time. Gradually people got up to leave and I heard them taking showers to cool off. Because of my wheelchair, I couldn't go in the shower, so I just ran my arms under the shower and that was enough to cool me off.
My wheels were scorching hot from the heat of the sauna but, wrapped in my robe, I pushed myself outside into the fresh air to cool off. That was something I could tick off my bucket list, and it definitely wasn't as scary as I thought. I might even do it again in another country, sometime in my life.
In the afternoon I made the decision to continue my day of new experiences, and keep the "I'm up for anything" attitude, and my sister and I went to the hotel's sauna. At first I was quite nervous about the idea of being naked in a room full on strangers (including men), but I told myself that this holiday was about firsts and things that I never thought I would do (after all, I never thought I would get to Europe!) and that at the end I would be pleased I had done it.
As we got there I saw a row of wheelchairs, and I immediately calmed down, as I remembered that this hotel catered for people in wheelchairs, and I had seen many people in wheelchairs so far, so my "weird shaped" body would be no different from other people's. We entered, took our robes off, and sat in the hot, steamy room for about half an hour. There were about 6 or 7 other people in the room and other than a very quick glance around as we entered, I faced the wall and kept my eyes glued to a crack in the paint work for the entire time. Gradually people got up to leave and I heard them taking showers to cool off. Because of my wheelchair, I couldn't go in the shower, so I just ran my arms under the shower and that was enough to cool me off.
My wheels were scorching hot from the heat of the sauna but, wrapped in my robe, I pushed myself outside into the fresh air to cool off. That was something I could tick off my bucket list, and it definitely wasn't as scary as I thought. I might even do it again in another country, sometime in my life.
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Innsbruck to Kaunertal
Today we left our luxurious accommodation in Innsbruck and continued our road trip, but not before an amazingly huge and varied breakfast of many different types of tropical fruit, sausages and bread, and meat terrines of different sorts. It was an amazing and great start to the day, and we ate at a table overlooking the mountains.
Our next destination was Kaunertal, where we are staying for the next two nights. It was another long drive and the best part was when we stopped off at Swarovski Crystal World. We did a self guided tour where there was many different rooms to view crystals, as well as see different lighting effects, a room where you felt as if you were actually inside a crystal, plus many other interesting rooms.
At the end of the tour there was a gift shop with lots of very expensive Swarovski crystal items, and some cheaper ones. I bought myself a ring with tiny pink crystals on it, and it was marked down from 30 euros to 15 euros, and then because I presented my entry ticket, I got another 2 euros off the price - absolute bargain, and I now have a ring on my finger!
After a bit more driving we arrived at our accommodation. I was surprised by two things as we drove in to the carpark. One was that there was a van with a wheelchair sign on the back, which suggested to me that a group of people in wheelchairs was staying here, and the second thing was that among the many motor bikes in the car park, there was a motorbike with a wheelchair attached to it, parked near us. I was a little perplexed about where the occupant of the wheelchair was, but very surprised and interested to see it.
When we went into the hotel, it became obvious and another surprise to us that the hotel that my sister had chosen catered for people in wheelchairs and people with motorbikes. As we walked to our room we saw pictures of people in wheelchairs on the walls, as well as two sit-skis in glass cabinets. This was going to be a very interesting place to stay for the next two nights!
For dinner we went down to the dining room, where dinner was a set menu. There were three courses: The first was like a sausage roll in broth, and a slice of beef with lettuce, the second was salmon and potatoes with a creamy sauce, and dessert was a chocolate dumpling with a berry sauce.
After dinner we wandered back up to our room and went to bed.
Our next destination was Kaunertal, where we are staying for the next two nights. It was another long drive and the best part was when we stopped off at Swarovski Crystal World. We did a self guided tour where there was many different rooms to view crystals, as well as see different lighting effects, a room where you felt as if you were actually inside a crystal, plus many other interesting rooms.
At the end of the tour there was a gift shop with lots of very expensive Swarovski crystal items, and some cheaper ones. I bought myself a ring with tiny pink crystals on it, and it was marked down from 30 euros to 15 euros, and then because I presented my entry ticket, I got another 2 euros off the price - absolute bargain, and I now have a ring on my finger!
After a bit more driving we arrived at our accommodation. I was surprised by two things as we drove in to the carpark. One was that there was a van with a wheelchair sign on the back, which suggested to me that a group of people in wheelchairs was staying here, and the second thing was that among the many motor bikes in the car park, there was a motorbike with a wheelchair attached to it, parked near us. I was a little perplexed about where the occupant of the wheelchair was, but very surprised and interested to see it.
When we went into the hotel, it became obvious and another surprise to us that the hotel that my sister had chosen catered for people in wheelchairs and people with motorbikes. As we walked to our room we saw pictures of people in wheelchairs on the walls, as well as two sit-skis in glass cabinets. This was going to be a very interesting place to stay for the next two nights!
For dinner we went down to the dining room, where dinner was a set menu. There were three courses: The first was like a sausage roll in broth, and a slice of beef with lettuce, the second was salmon and potatoes with a creamy sauce, and dessert was a chocolate dumpling with a berry sauce.
After dinner we wandered back up to our room and went to bed.
Monday, 8 July 2013
Salzburg to Innsbruck
Today after we woke up and had breakfast in the dining room, we packed our bags and headed off on our long drive from Salzburg to Innsbruck, via the Alps around the magnificently picturesque Grossglockner High Alpine Road. The views from the lookout were breathtaking, and we ate lunch surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery. The mountain air was cool and crisp, which was a refreshing change from the heat we had experienced in Vienna.
We continued our road trip for a few more hours until we arrived at our hotel in Innbruck, The Penz Hotel. This hotel looks quite upmarket and my sister and I are sharing a very spacious accessible room, while my parents have their own room separately to themselves. The large bathroom has grab rails all around it, including one on either side of the toilet, and the button to flush the toilet is on the side of the wall rather than on the top of the toilet, making it easier to reach. The basin bathroom is at the right height for a person in a wheelchair to roll up to and wash their hands without banging their knees on the bottom, and the shower is completely flat access, with not even a tiny lip to lift the shower chair over.
We spent a little while in our rooms and then went to a Thai restaurant next to our hotel, and the food wasn't very good, but we were all tired, so it didn't really matter.
Tomorrow we are off to Swarovski Crystal World, which I am very much looking forward to.
Until then... :)
We continued our road trip for a few more hours until we arrived at our hotel in Innbruck, The Penz Hotel. This hotel looks quite upmarket and my sister and I are sharing a very spacious accessible room, while my parents have their own room separately to themselves. The large bathroom has grab rails all around it, including one on either side of the toilet, and the button to flush the toilet is on the side of the wall rather than on the top of the toilet, making it easier to reach. The basin bathroom is at the right height for a person in a wheelchair to roll up to and wash their hands without banging their knees on the bottom, and the shower is completely flat access, with not even a tiny lip to lift the shower chair over.
We spent a little while in our rooms and then went to a Thai restaurant next to our hotel, and the food wasn't very good, but we were all tired, so it didn't really matter.
Tomorrow we are off to Swarovski Crystal World, which I am very much looking forward to.
Until then... :)
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Salzburg Day 1
This morning after we woke up we went and did some sightseeing in Salzburg.
In the hotel we are staying in in Salzburg, the Heffterhof, we have an accessible room. The tap in the bathroom has a sensor so that it switches on when you put your hand under it, and there is a handle for changing the temperature. The soap in the bathroom is liquid so and the dispenser is at a height that it can easily be reached by a person in a wheelchair. There are grab rails around the bathroom for easy access.
After breakfast of tea, bread, cheese and meats in the breakfast room, we jumped in the car and headed of to Salzburg town for some sightseeing. We had lunch at a cafe and walked around, taking in all the various smells, sights, and sounds of Salzburg. Mum and Dad went off on their own and my sister, brother in law and I went in the other direction. We walked towards a pretty looking church and decided to go in and have a look around. Before we knew it, we were in a church service. Although it was conducted in German, it was nice to listen to and the organ player sat on a platform, high above the congregation. There was also a choir, and we stayed and listened to them singing a couple of songs. I thought they sounded really beautiful.
In the afternoon we went to the Mirbel Garden. The Mirabel Garden is a famous garden in Salzburg with hundreds of plants and flowers, as well as fountains and statues. It was huge and we walked around and looked at the flowers for a while. Then we wandered back to the car, and looked at all the many stalls of a street market as we walked.
On the way back to our hotel we stopped in at a supermarket to buy some groceries and things for dinner. We went back to our room and had what I call a 'supermarket dinner' of meat, cheese, bread,and other bits and pieces, which was absolutely delicious. I always enjoy having supermarket dinners in our room at least once whenever we go on holidays, I think they are always a really memorable aspect of a holiday, and they are something I hope to do when I start having holidays of my own.
Tomorrow is going to be a big day of driving so after dinner we just relaxed until we went to bed.
In the hotel we are staying in in Salzburg, the Heffterhof, we have an accessible room. The tap in the bathroom has a sensor so that it switches on when you put your hand under it, and there is a handle for changing the temperature. The soap in the bathroom is liquid so and the dispenser is at a height that it can easily be reached by a person in a wheelchair. There are grab rails around the bathroom for easy access.
After breakfast of tea, bread, cheese and meats in the breakfast room, we jumped in the car and headed of to Salzburg town for some sightseeing. We had lunch at a cafe and walked around, taking in all the various smells, sights, and sounds of Salzburg. Mum and Dad went off on their own and my sister, brother in law and I went in the other direction. We walked towards a pretty looking church and decided to go in and have a look around. Before we knew it, we were in a church service. Although it was conducted in German, it was nice to listen to and the organ player sat on a platform, high above the congregation. There was also a choir, and we stayed and listened to them singing a couple of songs. I thought they sounded really beautiful.
In the afternoon we went to the Mirbel Garden. The Mirabel Garden is a famous garden in Salzburg with hundreds of plants and flowers, as well as fountains and statues. It was huge and we walked around and looked at the flowers for a while. Then we wandered back to the car, and looked at all the many stalls of a street market as we walked.
On the way back to our hotel we stopped in at a supermarket to buy some groceries and things for dinner. We went back to our room and had what I call a 'supermarket dinner' of meat, cheese, bread,and other bits and pieces, which was absolutely delicious. I always enjoy having supermarket dinners in our room at least once whenever we go on holidays, I think they are always a really memorable aspect of a holiday, and they are something I hope to do when I start having holidays of my own.
Tomorrow is going to be a big day of driving so after dinner we just relaxed until we went to bed.
Saturday, 6 July 2013
Vienna to Salzburg
This morning we got up and started the day by going to the farmers markets, where we had breakfast. I had something which loosely translated to 'eggs poached in milk with cheese and herbs'. When it came it was completely different to what I expected. It was presented as a bowl of warm, slightly sweet milk with a mountain of herbs on top. When I dipped my spoon in I discovered a poached egg and some pieces of soft stringy melted white cheese like haloumi. Mum had delicious fried pancakes filled with mince, and my brother in law had something that I would describe as pancakes filled with cheese and fried, which was also delicious.
When we came home we packed and headed off on our 6 night stay in Salzburg, a 3 hour drive from Vienna.
When we came home we packed and headed off on our 6 night stay in Salzburg, a 3 hour drive from Vienna.
Friday, 5 July 2013
Shopping! :)
One of the must do things for anyone visiting Vienna, and especially any girl or woman visiting Vienna is shopping, am I right? Of course I am right!
So after a quick breakfast of muesli and yoghurt we hit the shops for just that. We walked to the train station and caught the train to the city area where all the shops were.I didn't have anything in particular that I needed but was just interested in checking out some of the Vienna summer fashion. It was difficult for me convert the prices from euros to dollars so I just tried on anything I liked the look of. After trying various items on I ended up buying a few of them. I bought a purple satiny short jacket, a light green lacy thin sleeveless top and a black satiny top with short sleeves.
When we had finished shopping we hopped on the train again and had lunch of delicious Vietnamese rice paper rolls. Mine had crispy duck we also had beef and something wrapped in pastry.
So after a quick breakfast of muesli and yoghurt we hit the shops for just that. We walked to the train station and caught the train to the city area where all the shops were.I didn't have anything in particular that I needed but was just interested in checking out some of the Vienna summer fashion. It was difficult for me convert the prices from euros to dollars so I just tried on anything I liked the look of. After trying various items on I ended up buying a few of them. I bought a purple satiny short jacket, a light green lacy thin sleeveless top and a black satiny top with short sleeves.
When we had finished shopping we hopped on the train again and had lunch of delicious Vietnamese rice paper rolls. Mine had crispy duck we also had beef and something wrapped in pastry.
More About Access
The great thing about Vienna is that it is pretty flat, which makes it a lot easier for people in wheelchairs to get around independently. I've always thought it was impossible to go to most of the world's ancient cities because of lack of access, and while the access might be very difficult in some of them, I've realised that there are always going to be people with disabilities all over the world, so there would be ways and means of getting around in almost any city and country.
As previously mentioned, the tram and the train are great ways of getting around. On the train, they make regular announcements about which stop is coming up and when the next train is due, etc. At the train station there are also large lit up signs which tell you where the next train is going to and from which side of the station it is going to approach from. The newer trains have flat access to board, while there is a bit of a gap between the platform and the train if it is an older train, so it is just luck of the draw of whether the train that turns up is a new one or an old one.
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Our first real day in Vienna
Its amazing what a good night's sleep can do. I woke up this morning after having a deep 10 hour sleep, and felt much better and more refreshed than I had for the last two days. We had breakfast at home - bread, different types of cheeses, jam and tea, and then decided what to do for the day. Mum and dad decided to do their own thing and go on a walk, while my sister and I had some time together and did our own thing.
Firstly we went and visited my brother in law at his work, then we went to a Thai Festival at the Prater. For lunch we had a green papaya salad with noodles and little crabs. The crabs weren't that nice because they were very salty, so after having one each, avoided the rest. The salad itself was very tasty, and extremely hot. They definitely didn't hold back on the chilli, and both my sister and I had streaming eyes by the time we finished it.
Then we went to the Prater festival, which was similar to Disneyland or Luna Park, with rides, hot dog and fairy floss stands, etc. There, I decided that since I wasn't allowed to go on any of the rides because of my disability, I would take matters into my own hands and make some fun for myself. As I was going over the cobblestones, one of my front wheels got caught in a particularly deep one, and I fell face first out of my wheelchair. Fortunately I remembered to put my arms out, so it was a pretty soft fall. I turned myself over and sat on the ground as a few people approached us to help. One man asked in German if he could help, so my sister asked him if he spoke English. Fortunately he did, and between the two of them, they got me back in my wheelchair again.
That was definitely an experience I hope to not repeat for the next couple of weeks!
Firstly we went and visited my brother in law at his work, then we went to a Thai Festival at the Prater. For lunch we had a green papaya salad with noodles and little crabs. The crabs weren't that nice because they were very salty, so after having one each, avoided the rest. The salad itself was very tasty, and extremely hot. They definitely didn't hold back on the chilli, and both my sister and I had streaming eyes by the time we finished it.
Then we went to the Prater festival, which was similar to Disneyland or Luna Park, with rides, hot dog and fairy floss stands, etc. There, I decided that since I wasn't allowed to go on any of the rides because of my disability, I would take matters into my own hands and make some fun for myself. As I was going over the cobblestones, one of my front wheels got caught in a particularly deep one, and I fell face first out of my wheelchair. Fortunately I remembered to put my arms out, so it was a pretty soft fall. I turned myself over and sat on the ground as a few people approached us to help. One man asked in German if he could help, so my sister asked him if he spoke English. Fortunately he did, and between the two of them, they got me back in my wheelchair again.
That was definitely an experience I hope to not repeat for the next couple of weeks!
Access and Architecture
One of the things I immediately noticed when we arrived in Vienna, and one of the reasons I hoped I would get to Europe sometime in my life is the architecture. The buildings are incredibly beautiful. Because cities like Vienna are hundreds of years old, all the buildings have stories of how and why they were built the way they were, in styles that were popular at the time. It was difficult to distinguish a "normal" apartment block from a building with more importance and purpose.
The irritating aspect of the way that cities were designed back then, and especially irritating for anyone who uses wheels to get around is that these cities are often paved with cobblestones. As beautiful as they are, they are a nightmare for wheels, as the deep grooves and cracks are excellent traps for wheels. The wheelchair user also has the joy of feeling every bone crunching jolt as the wheels up and down, up and down over the stones.
The train is a very good way for people who use wheelchairs to get around. Getting onto the train is completely level access, so there is no need for ramps to board the train, and it a fast and convenient way of getting from Point A to Point B. We caught the train when we went wandering last night, and because the temperature is so delightfully warm in Vienna at the moment, even after the sun goes down, it was a lovely night to be out, and many people were.
The irritating aspect of the way that cities were designed back then, and especially irritating for anyone who uses wheels to get around is that these cities are often paved with cobblestones. As beautiful as they are, they are a nightmare for wheels, as the deep grooves and cracks are excellent traps for wheels. The wheelchair user also has the joy of feeling every bone crunching jolt as the wheels up and down, up and down over the stones.
The train is a very good way for people who use wheelchairs to get around. Getting onto the train is completely level access, so there is no need for ramps to board the train, and it a fast and convenient way of getting from Point A to Point B. We caught the train when we went wandering last night, and because the temperature is so delightfully warm in Vienna at the moment, even after the sun goes down, it was a lovely night to be out, and many people were.
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
The Journey Begins
The second leg of the journey was Singapore to Zurich, a grand total of 13 hours. This was the flight that I was dreading the most. By the time it was time for us to board the Swiss Air Business Class flight it was midnight Sydney time and I was over it. I just wanted to get into my seat, fall asleep and wake up in Zurich.
As soon as we boarded the plane I realised the flight I had been dreading the most was actually the flight I had been wanting all along. The seats were much wider with bigger arm rests, and you could lie them completely flat like a bed. They were also much more comfortable.
After dinner of prawns and smoked salmon followed by polenta, spinach and mushrooms, I had black forest mousse for dessert, then lay my seat back and eventually dozed off.
When I woke up we were 3 hours away from Zurich. From Zurich we boarded the one hour flight to our final destination, Vienna, but not before rushing to catch the train (which we were unaware we had to catch) to the terminal we were departing from.
The flight was pretty short and painless, and when we landed the ground staff brought the aisle chair straight away. Usually I'm waiting around for an eternity, because messages get lost in translation or don't get passed on between destinations.
After we got off the plane and collected our luggage we waited around for my sister to arrive, but after a few minutes gave up and caught a taxi to her place. A non accessible taxi, so dad had to lift me into the car and put my wheelchair in the boot. (we later found out that there was only one accessible taxi in Vienna, according to my sister).
After getting to my sister and brother in law's house she decided that the four of us would go for a bit of a walk to shake out the cobwebs and wake up a bit. We went and had gelato at her favourite gelato shop, and then went to have a look and the beautiful rose garden. I wanted to push myself the whole way there, to try and wake my sleepy arm muscles up, but eventually it became too much of a struggle, and dad took over. After taking a walk through the rose garden, we went and had a look at St Johns church, and then grabbed a bite to eat before heading home.
As soon as we boarded the plane I realised the flight I had been dreading the most was actually the flight I had been wanting all along. The seats were much wider with bigger arm rests, and you could lie them completely flat like a bed. They were also much more comfortable.
After dinner of prawns and smoked salmon followed by polenta, spinach and mushrooms, I had black forest mousse for dessert, then lay my seat back and eventually dozed off.
When I woke up we were 3 hours away from Zurich. From Zurich we boarded the one hour flight to our final destination, Vienna, but not before rushing to catch the train (which we were unaware we had to catch) to the terminal we were departing from.
The flight was pretty short and painless, and when we landed the ground staff brought the aisle chair straight away. Usually I'm waiting around for an eternity, because messages get lost in translation or don't get passed on between destinations.
After we got off the plane and collected our luggage we waited around for my sister to arrive, but after a few minutes gave up and caught a taxi to her place. A non accessible taxi, so dad had to lift me into the car and put my wheelchair in the boot. (we later found out that there was only one accessible taxi in Vienna, according to my sister).
After getting to my sister and brother in law's house she decided that the four of us would go for a bit of a walk to shake out the cobwebs and wake up a bit. We went and had gelato at her favourite gelato shop, and then went to have a look and the beautiful rose garden. I wanted to push myself the whole way there, to try and wake my sleepy arm muscles up, but eventually it became too much of a struggle, and dad took over. After taking a walk through the rose garden, we went and had a look at St Johns church, and then grabbed a bite to eat before heading home.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
And we have lift off! - Part 2
Yes, now we really do have lift off. I was getting too far ahead of myself yesterday, I was so excited.
We woke up, finished packing, and said goodbye to the person who would be looking after our dog for the next couple of weeks. This was it - we were finally on our way. I wasn't looking forward to the flights and had been feeling nervous for about the last 24 hours or so, but this was going to be my first time in business class, and that was very exciting!
The business class lounge was awesome. They even had gelato, made fresh. I had two scoops of course. How could I not?! The bread rolls were so delicious. Very slightly salted, or so I thought, because they tasted like pretzels. I quickly demolished a piece of the most amazing rocky road I've had in my life ( I gather also made fresh) and then it was time to board our first plane, the 8 hour flight to Singapore.
The business class seats are the first two rows of seats on the plane. There is extra room between the rows, so that you can fully recline the seat. There is also a foot rest that you can raise, so you can put your feet up, and 'put your feet up' I did. You bet I did!
The flight itself wasn't much fun. They never are when you can't get out of your seat for the duration of the flight. To begin with I was bombarded with more food than I could poke a stick at, because after having had lunch in the lounge before getting on the plane, I was then given a meal shortly after departure. Lunch was salad and cauliflour soup, followed by a spinach and cheese tart and a tub of caramel icecream to finish with. By the time I had finished I was stuffed, and ready to settle in to the long flight, and hopefully have a snooze...
...but that didn't happen. I browsed the seemingly endless music selection on the huge on board entertainment system. After listening to an album or two, decided to see what movies were on offer. Eventually I closed my eyes. With my noise cancelling headphones on, I thought I would manage to get 40 winks, but after trying for a while, gave up, and watched the map for the rest of the journey, to see where we had been and where we were going.
After what seemed like a very long time, we landed in Singapore, for a four hour recharge before we board the next, 13 hour flight to Zurich.
Until then...!
We woke up, finished packing, and said goodbye to the person who would be looking after our dog for the next couple of weeks. This was it - we were finally on our way. I wasn't looking forward to the flights and had been feeling nervous for about the last 24 hours or so, but this was going to be my first time in business class, and that was very exciting!
The business class lounge was awesome. They even had gelato, made fresh. I had two scoops of course. How could I not?! The bread rolls were so delicious. Very slightly salted, or so I thought, because they tasted like pretzels. I quickly demolished a piece of the most amazing rocky road I've had in my life ( I gather also made fresh) and then it was time to board our first plane, the 8 hour flight to Singapore.
The business class seats are the first two rows of seats on the plane. There is extra room between the rows, so that you can fully recline the seat. There is also a foot rest that you can raise, so you can put your feet up, and 'put your feet up' I did. You bet I did!
The flight itself wasn't much fun. They never are when you can't get out of your seat for the duration of the flight. To begin with I was bombarded with more food than I could poke a stick at, because after having had lunch in the lounge before getting on the plane, I was then given a meal shortly after departure. Lunch was salad and cauliflour soup, followed by a spinach and cheese tart and a tub of caramel icecream to finish with. By the time I had finished I was stuffed, and ready to settle in to the long flight, and hopefully have a snooze...
...but that didn't happen. I browsed the seemingly endless music selection on the huge on board entertainment system. After listening to an album or two, decided to see what movies were on offer. Eventually I closed my eyes. With my noise cancelling headphones on, I thought I would manage to get 40 winks, but after trying for a while, gave up, and watched the map for the rest of the journey, to see where we had been and where we were going.
After what seemed like a very long time, we landed in Singapore, for a four hour recharge before we board the next, 13 hour flight to Zurich.
Until then...!
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