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Part 2: Success, In Spite Of ...

Today, Karen recounts her speedy tour through Paris, as well as a startling encounter with pushy locals in Venice.

By Karen Joyce Baker

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Friday, August 17, 2007
Although it was dark when I landed in Paris, I asked my guide, Ravi, to take me to the Eiffel tower. I had never seen it lit up before. It was a glorious sight, indeed.

 

 

Saturday, August 18, 2007
The next morning I asked for a speedy tour of Paris, which included the highlights: Eiffel Tower, Arc Di Triumph—and since I am a fan of Sex and the City, I had to go to Dolce & Gabbana. Although I only had a short time in Paris, I left with a historic, colorful-and expensive-experience.

In the photo (at left), I am in the Galleries Lafayette Department Store in Paris, where one can see, purchase, or use the best of everything—including a handicapped toilet and a centrally located lift.

I had booked two nights at a Venice hotel which included airport transportation. Upon landing, I went to the transportation office and found that it was closed. Instead, I was met by three "locals" who spoke very little English. They started to push my wheelchair toward a small boat, telling me it was the only transportation to my hotel. They would not stop pushing me, so I applied the brakes on my wheelchair and yelled for help. Luckily, the pier manager came to my rescue. Can you imagine my fear? Because I am vulnerable traveling in a wheelchair, I had paid extra to ensure that I would always be met at airports and transferred safely to my local destinations.

Eventually, after over an hour of waiting, I arrived at the hotel via a large public commuter boat. My feet were very swollen from all the stress and waiting. Because of this, I had to stay in my hotel with my feet elevated for the next 24 hours, losing an opportunity to see Venice. I read a review on handicapped travel in Venice, which provided information about which bridges had ramps and which boats were handicapped accessible. However, there are so many walkways with steps and much of the pavement is brick-like. I can't imagine returning to visit Venice in a wheelchair.

Part 3: Tomorrow, Karen boards the Serenity cruise ship for an adventure-filled 12-day trip. She finds that excursions for the "partially-abled" are not readily available, but she discovers a few tricks to putting together her own tour of Venice.

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