Skip to main content

Interview: Why Write About Mobility Issues

Interview about traveling with mobility issues
Answers for a Curious Visitor
Q) What gave you the idea for this project?

A) I began this blog because of an MS diagnosis and how it affected my ability to travel freely.  My experience with multiple sclerosis has been a rollercoaster.  In the beginning, all of this was new to me and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get through doors with my wheelchair, board tenders from cruise ships, or even fit in a European elevator.  Everything had changed for us which led to more planning and investigating before we left the house.

Throughout our journeys, I began to notice how some businesses “get it right” and how some don’t when it comes to creating an environment hospitable for those with mobility issues.  As a Californian, I also noticed the mobility limiting issues in certain states and countries.  Considering this, I decided to share my experiences.  I also hoped that others would share their experiences as well.  It has been a labor of love. 


Q) You certainly receive lots of positive reactions from your readers. Can you tell me something about the feedback you get? Perhaps about something special or you could help someone in a special way with your project?

A) I wasn’t surprised since my articles tend to include a lot of detail.  I take detailed notes on our travels so it seemed logical others could benefit from knowing before they go.  But, I was surprised to find out how many people were afraid to travel due to their fear that they wouldn’t be able to get around on their own in their wheelchairs motorized or not, canes, or walkers.  The fear of the unknown is can be nearly as debilitating as the disease, especially when we feel helpless. 

Some of my visitors share stories with me about that very thing: traveling to a destination only to find out that they were stuck in their room unable to move about because of inhospitable surroundings for the mobility challenged.  Sad and common. 

 Q) On your blog you share that at the beginning of your illness it was a difficult time but traveling helped you a lot. From your point of view, what significance would you think traveling has for the disabled?

A) Yes, you are correct that the beginning of my illness was very difficult.  I believe it is difficult for most of us to accept changes in our lives, especially when those changes are permanent and we didn’t choose them.  A disabling disease is frightening because we don’t always know what our future abilities will be.  We don’t know if we will be able to do any of the activities we now enjoy.   

When traveling, we are slightly outside our usual.  We see living history in buildings and landscapes; we can visualize the time that has passed and how other’s lives have played out since before our known history.  For me, it is as if I can see that many have suffered much more than me and that I am blessed for whatever I have.  I also see how very beautiful and magical the world is and how insignificant my problems seem.

Q) Can you tell us, in which way this project changed your own life?

A) My blog and writing have allowed me to focus on the needs of others.  When I visit a winery, resort, or country, I am not just enjoying it mindlessly or without noting minute detail.  All, I share others.

Please Read

Importance of Being Polite When Cruising

Flying, Traveling, and Living with MS

Navajo Reservation Experience 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Pluses & Minuses of The Hyatt House Vacaville

Beautiful But Needs Adjustments to its Accessible Rooms My Dear Polite Travelers I recently read about a new Hyatt House and since I needed a short brain-tidy-vaca near my home base in Davis, CA, I ventured twenty miles west to the sprawling city of Vacaville, the shopping mecca of our general area.  The Lobby/Bar/Restaurant Walking into the lobby, I noted calming tones, striking art, décor, and welcoming faces.  The registration staff was delightful and efficient.  The attractive bar and eating area are tastefully decorated and have ample seating areas. In fact, the entire area was so lovely that I brought many of those decorating ideas home with me.  The restaurant’s menu was limited and similar to what is typically found at bars: hamburgers, pizzas… etc.  I ordered a hamburger which was delivered overcooked.  Grr… Accessible Room 133 First off, this is a gorgeous room filled with outstanding artwork.  It includes a kitchenette, small ...

Hotel Review: Comfort Inn Downtown Morro Bay, CA

Old, Needs Update, but Perfectly Located Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, I’ve always wanted to visit our central coast, an ocean town known for its big rock.  Staying in a hotel one block from the coast...dreamy.  The Comfort Inn Downtown is central to just about everything and overlooks a majestic bay with, yes, a huge rock.  This hotel is adequate, and the staff is accommodating .  Most importantly, it is inexpensive for this area, especially considering the view.  Note : Follow CDC and county guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.   Also, during the pandemic, some amenities may not be available.  Please remember, this is only temporary. The Positives Proximity to the shore, the wharf, and Morro Rock Fitness center/gym equipped with up-to-date machine Guest laundry Free hot breakfast: limited Free WIFI Free on-site parking Interior corridors—excellent for cold weather C...

Cruise Room Review: Grand Princess L307

Comfy, Rocking Room on the Grand Princess Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, What does a person really want in a cruise ship stateroom?  Well, I suppose the answer would be different with each passenger.  For my hubby and I, we wanted to be able to see the ocean and be comfortable.  Since this was a relatively chilly weather cruise, we skipped a balcony room and chose an outside cabin with a window.  Not many were available when we decided on an Alaskan cruise anyway.  Even so, I think ours was perfect.  Not too small and not too expensive.  After all, this is our second Alaskan cruise, so I did not feel it granted an extravagant suite.  We are not that type anyway. Note : Follow CDC and Princess guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.  Where’s our room? We knew our room was on the Lido deck.  Check.  Nevertheless, we couldn’t find cabin 307.  Ever...