This
is my first blog of my travels... Well my trusty travel companion and I made it
to Amsterdam later afternoon on the Tuesday the 1st of July with many
adventures along the way. From check in I was not impressed with emirates
service or pretense of care. I usually book through QANTAS, being a frequent
flyer member, my chair details are all on file, and I do not have to repeat the
same questions every time I fly, ,how heavy is it' when I reply with 135kgs
depending on what scales (it has weighed from 128 - 145kgs at various domestic
airports within Australia. 'Is it wet or dry cell?' I say 'dry'. At Emirates
check in I got the 'you're-to-hard' basket exhalation.
In
the end I had to Trwnsfer at check-in to one of their manual aisle chairs; when
I had rung qantas to ensure I would get to keep my power chair till the gate.
Not only is it more efficient for me to stay independently mobile (in any
situation) but it also means one two less hours of sitting in discomfort. I
think only people who are in a chair themselves, or know someone close in a
chair would get that. Despite the hiccups, I medicated and managed to get some
sleep on the longest flight (Brisbane to Dubai) and the transfer at Dubai
wasn't too painful; oddly enough they have a divine 'special assistance'
lounge, but with no facilities there to stay and drink. Was a strange but no
unpleasant experience.
When
we arrived at schipol airport in Amsterdam, I had just assumed we would get my
chair back, which was like sliding back into my second skin, it was heavenly
comfort and freedom, after 23 or so hours apart; being reunited with my ride
was beyond description in words. Let's just say I had a little tear at seeing
my sexy studyly steed! Side tracked there - so I thought as I had done in the
past we would collect luggage (all 3 cases, and yes a 2/3 of mine large case
were shoes) and go out and get an accessible taxi from the taxi rank; travel
tip for future travelers to this beautiful city. If you do need an accessible
taxi where your chair is not collapsible or the weight of a small car; you need
to book in advance. I have since
discovered just two taxi companies which have accessible vans conexxion and
Saddlers (although says they're a UK company). Usually you also need to book in advance at the train station you are
embarking and disembarking on. We were very lucky to have the airport help desk
and guard take swift action, and get us on a train within 10 minutes of
realizing this to be our only option. I believe this is was a small miracle on
the train companies part - they were ever so helpful.
But
what a site we must have looked I was straddling and somehow monkey gripping a
small suitcase perched on my foot rest, with 2 back packs and our duty free
goodies. My assistant was skull dragging the two big suitcases Luckily our
hotel was two minutes from the train station - right next door! It was all
meant to be!! We made it to our room dropped our luggage, got out what we
needed had a bathroom stop, and headed out to find a bar.
Along
the way we stumbled upon one of Amsterdam's famous or infamous (what ever rocks
your world) alleys of aromatic smoke coffee houses. We didn't stop, but it is
on my to do list (as are many other things in this amazing city) our first
bar/eatery was a quaint little place (I ca't recall the name of, but all link to all the places we went when I return home) where we chatted to a local
gentleman and just enjoyed the people watching, but on that first outing we
discovered bikes have right of way to cars pedestrians scooters, trams, buses,
and just about anything they share the road, alley, or footpath with. My
companion spent that whole journey dodging bikes running from one side of the
road to the other, yelling 'sorry' as she went. I am sure we were pegged as
tourists from the first site. In our matching 'homie' sweaters, and 'deer in a
headlight look' at times.
We
have laughed till our sides ached, and tears poured out, we have taken in
people watching, and it's only our second full day today! It's been a dream, or
wish of mine to come to Amsterdam since I was a young teenager, and read 'the diary
of Anne Frank' and learned much about the history of this place. To be
here is still a little surreal, but seeing it, smelling it, feeling the rich
culture and old world charm - I feel so blessed, but not lucky, I've made this
happen by choices I've made and actions I've done. I am proud of myself for
having earned and worked to get here (basquing in a bit of self appreciation
there).
Sadly
my lil travel buddy isn't with me on this trip, but he will be coming with WHEN
I come back to Europe. I say WHEN not IF, because it's my dream to score a
dream job here, for a few years once I graduate in 2015/2016.
It's
8am here, and 4pm at home so it's perfect timing to Skype home.
Until
my next travel adventure story,
Amsterdam, home of my grandparents! One of my favourite cities! You will have a wonderful time. Sometimes not the best access as its an old city but you will work it out! Sounds like you already have with prebooking transport. Take a canal cruise- you see a lot from a boat and there is access. And the Rijks Museum + Van Gogh Museum great if you appreciate art. Heineken Brewery tour is accessible with a few detours . Have a ball Lisa xx Dag!
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