No matter how well you plan something an oops moment can and often will happen. I have been to many places and done many things so I have had my fair share of these moments, however I choose never to allow these moments to define the success of a trip. I will stumble, I may fall, but I always refuse to stay down. Since this website/blog is meant to assist those who may have mobility challenges I promise to be honest with the challenges I have faced in an effort to offer you the chance to avoid or lessen any issues.
I will also start with letting everyone know when I do travel I use my single point cane. I love the type that is collapsible as it make throwing it my bag when I am on a plane, or sitting down to eat, or pretty much anytime I just want to get it out of the way easier and convenient. Often when people see my walking gait they gather the assumption I suffered from a stroke as my right side weakness is more apparent. My right arm does not have functional use, and I have drop foot in the right which means I tend to drag my foot. I do where a brace to assist with this, however I do still stumble and sometimes fall due to my foot either catching on something or if it does not lift high enough. The funny part is I have lived with my current mobility so long I often forget about their lack ability until I have an issue. Of course one I have a issue then I get frustrated for a few minutes and then I kinda of laugh at myself for getting upset. I often realize that things happen and as long as I can brush myself off and continue on I am still lucky. So many people have lives with challenges greater than myself. Anyway on to a few of my oops moments. Hopefully things will assist you and maybe even give you a giggle or two.
I remember one time when I went on a trip with my cousin to London England and Ireland I was the semi-navigator. For the most part things were fine and our trip to England was great. We saw a decent amount of the attractions we were looking forward to. I will say one of the things I noticed about London was that their pace is similar to that of New York City. This was one of my first trips after I had regained enough mobility to travel and I remember our first attempt at taking the metro. First thing to know about the metro overseas is that not all stops have an elevator/lift down to the platform. The larger stops often do, however it is always a smart choice to plan ahead if you are unable to walk down steps or take the escalator. Also a fun fact the escalators can often be out of order and you are only left with steps. So as I was working to ride the escalator down to the platform I usually have to hold on to the left-side due to the non-function of my right arm. I was unaware of the etiquette that those who are not walking down the escalator are meant to stay on the right-side to allow those who are to pass. Well firstly I was unaware and second I literally would struggle to accomplish this. This however did not stop someone from pushing past me in the effort to arrive at the bottom of the moving stair case that in another 15 seconds would have arrived at the bottom. In his effort I almost lost my grip and went face first down the escalator. Once he accomplished getting past me he decided to lecture me that I need to get to the right-side. I attempted to explain I was unable to do so and he mumbled something and walked off. One of the things I have noticed on my travels is that people tend to focus on themselves and their destination and not the people or things around them. That is not to say I have not encounter people who when they noticed me will go out of their way to ask if they can help me, either if down stairs, or if I fall to see if I need assistance. I will say nine out of ten times I will thank them and say I am fine. I have a think skin and maybe even a think head at times. I do attempt not to let my pride get the best of me, but sometimes I just want to blend in and not be seen for my disability.
Wrong Airport Oops!
So yes I did go to the wrong airport when I was on my trip with my cousin from London England to Dublin Ireland. It can happen a lot easier than one might think. A silly mistake but not a trip destroyer by any means. Since I made the goof I paid the difference to fly from the airport we went to instead of the trying to drive another hour and most likely miss our flight and still have to take another flight. In the end it worked out and I learned to ensure you know where you need to go the day before and double check even if you swear you are sure.