How stupid am I?

OK...so I feel a bit dense, really, about this one but perhaps it's only because I'm still a bit of a newbie about this cane and travel stuff.  Recently, I was at my hairdresser chatting with a lovely elderly woman about travelling with a cane.  Unfortunately, she also needed to use one.  

If you will recall, a few years ago, I lost the tip of my cane getting back on a cruise ship and went many days without a replacement.  My advice in that entry was to always travel with a spare.  While that advice still holds (and, trust me, there's always one in my suitcase), this wonderful lady at my hairdresser innocently asked if I had gone to the medical clinic on board to get a replacement.  

Well, HELLO!  To be perfectly frank, this never even crossed my mind at the time nor had it ever until that afternoon.  So, lesson learned.  If you happen to be without a spare cane tip and you lose yours at sea -- go to the ship's doctor -- don't just go tap-tap-tapping along without one for 3 days!

Each trip brings something new

It seems that each time I travel I learn something that will help me on my next journey.  This trip to the South Pacific taught me something about rain.  Prior to this, my presence in a warm climate never seemed to involve a downpour.  But, as I mentioned, December in the South Pacific is the rainy season.  But it is also quite warm and humid.  So, I wore shorts everywhere.  Which meant I got caught in monsoon-like rain trying to board the ferry from Moorea to Tahiti.  I had to remove the electronic device that I wear on my leg to help me lift my foot.  Otherwise, it likely would have shorted out.  This required, then, that I walk up a very large ramp (with help) in the pouring rain without my walking device.  I was very nervous and, frankly, a tad annoyed that this was the only way they seemed to have available to board the vessel for persons with a mobility issue.  Nevertheless, I made it onboard without ruining my device.  When I arrived back in Canada, I contacted a dear friend who is quite skilled with a needle and thread. She is in the process of making a cover for my device that will be easy to carry and quick to put on.  It will simply be a strip of windbreaker (or something even more waterproof) fabric with elastic on the top and bottom to make sure it hugs the leg.  At each end, it will close with velcro.  So, no bulk and I can slap that thing on in a matter of seconds.  So, whatever sort of exposed electronic device you may have, velcro is a marvelous invention and might be a useful part of keeping it dry.  Think about it.

Hop On Hop Off

For those of you who find it difficult to simply walk around in a new destination or you just want a good way to orient yourself, many cities now have a "Hop On Hop Off" bus system or its equivalent.  This is an easy and very budget-conscious way to see your destination, taking in all the major sights.  The bus usually has a number of stops and some systems even have several different routes.  This allows the rider to get on and off at any point along the tour, numerous times, during a 24 hour period.  It may be helpful to take this journey shortly after your arrival in order to see the areas to which you may wish to return.  The fares are very reasonable and tickets can be purchased usually online or on the bus itself.  Often your fare includes the purchase of headphones, allowing you to listen to commentary about the city in several different languages.  I've experienced these systems both in North America and in Europe so do your homework to see if it's available on your next trip.

Government Assistance

I've recently discovered a very thorough document from the Canadian Transportation Agency that gives great device on accessible travel.  It's entitled "Take Charge of Your Travel:  A Guide for Persons with Disabilities".  You can download the brochure at www.cta.gc.ca.

For similar links (although I haven't found a sister document) go to the U.S. Department of Transportation at www.dot.gov.

I Can Do This!!

Here are some things that I've learned along the way.  These are random, in no logical order and I'll keep adding to them.


1.  If you have issues with pain, take a heating pad on the plane.  Many planes have electrical outlets on the backs of the seats for computers but they work just as well for heating pads.  Check with your airline to see if your plane has them.


2.  I have a cane with a piece that tightens the height settings in place.  Carry plumbers tape so that if the threads become stripped you can easily fix it.  It's lightweight and small - easy to carry.


3.  On a similar note,  always carry an extra foot for your cane.  I learned this the hard way.  Mine came off and fell into the Caribbean Sea.  I was without a rubber foot for 3 days!


4.  Cruising is a great way to see what you want to see without having to pack up every morning and get on the bus.  It's easy to get around the ship, there are wheelchair accessible rooms on most cruise lines and many of them have accessible shore excursions too!


5.  Did you know that there are companies who rent special needs equipment and can deliver and pick up from your destination?  Contact a certified travel agent and let them assist you.  The price of your trip has no additional cost if you use an agent.  And they're the experts.


6.  I know a guide in Rome who has a fantastic tour of the city by golf cart.  Yes, I said golf cart.  And he's a wonderful guide and guy.  Email him at:  paolo@drivinguide.com

Me and Paolo at the ruins of Circus Maximus