Travel Abroad 2

Living here in the USA, handicapped people have two things going for them, The Bill of Rights and The ADA. For the most part, I have little fear of a 2AM visit from my local popo (police) and I can go pretty much anywhere. America is accessible. But as soon as I head out over either ocean, things change. Yes, I know Europe. You're accessible and the popo will most likely leave me alone. But the further east I go, the more dicey things get. So how can I get by? Easy, bring a positive attitude and a few Franklins (hundred dollar bills) for any "misunderstandings" that may arise. So far, a positive attitude is all I have ever needed and the Franklins wind up in the local economy. In my experience, people may not like the USA but they like Americans as individuals. Those of you who travel over seas and show your ass, (arrogant, bossy and close-minded) do the rest of us a favor and stay home. You are not helping. When I'm over seas in another country, I'm a guest. I act accordingly, open minded, polite and appreciative. These are things that transcend language and cultural barriers. I've never had a problem getting a little extra help when I need it. I don't overtly preach disabled rights but try to set an example. I hope people see me and think people with disabilities can do more than live as shut-ins. I don't like the idea of telling others what to do. After  all the ADA is not perfect and we still have a long way to go in the disability rights movement here.

Not accessible by wheelchair but I made it via a few friends and a motivated boat crew. If there is a will there is a way.

I don't demand equal rights here or abroad. Equal rights are NOT any government's to give like a piece of candy to a child. It is up to me to assert my rights through action and example where ever I am. I must be my own advocate and develop my own agency. This is what I was taught and try to do. For me, disability is a state of mind as much as anything. I think I can do it. I don't think I can do it. Well, both are true. I learned this somewhere. I think it was mostly from my parents. I had to be taught to think like I do. We are learning creatures after all. Enough of the me me me. I have to admit, I still need you.           

I need you to pass on this attitude to the disabled community, keep adding accessibility and pass me a twelve pack when I cannot reach it at the store. I ask you to see me as just another schmo, not a disability. I want you to remember, if you live long enough, you too will most likely be a part of the disabled community. You, not laws, make the difference. That has been proven to me every time I go overseas or just out to buy beer.

  

Travel Abroad 1

Traveling with physical disabilities is different. Still, like all travel, a good attitude is required. I recently traveled from North Carolina, USA to Hanoi, Vietnam. Coming back, I got to relive Friday twice! Cool how that works, simply cross the international dateline west to east. I walk at home and work but not the airport. Most of the time, the distances are too far. I'd still be making my way through LAX if I were on foot. This is a little about the airport experience.

On the way, I had my own wheelchair. This was good because I could get in and out of it with little or no help. It was comfortable and dependable (it later went places few wheelchairs have been before). When I got on a new plane, the chair would go below and be brought up for the next leg of the trip. This is important because different airports have different types of wheelchairs. I got a low rider once in South Korea and had to hold my legs up the whole time! I made it so what the hell. I do better on planes but I'm getting older.

From the door of the plane, I can walk to my seat. I board early and leave last. Works well for me. I did have to get help getting up from my seat, which was new for me. Older, heavier and weaker, no excuses. I hope that changes by my next trip. I'm working on that already. I still got up a few times on the trans-Pacific flight. Ya need to move around some. Siting 14 hours is just bad for you and your bladder will insist. It also breaks the time up. Beware! Big airplanes still have tiny bathrooms! I barely had room to stand and get the door shut. Turbulence takes the relief break to a whole new level. There's not much to hang on to. On that long flight I would not say I slept well but I cat napped  here and there. When the last leg of the trip was over, The wife and I breezed through security to her waiting family.

There will be more soon.

A new country... Stay tuned.