Set myself a bit of a challenge and went away, on my own to London. My plans were to see meet up with some friends and family and visit a couple of art exhibitions. I got a cheap train ticket and a bargain hotel room in Borough, an area that I know well (I used to work nearby) and which I have always loved.
I know that Dai was worried about how I would manage and, to be perfectly honest, so was I. BUT I DID!!!
I had a fantastic time. The weather was great - sunny and really spring-like with no rain (which was a big plus for me because I wasn’t wearing my wellies for the first time in what seems like months!)
The very best thing though was how nice people were to me. Lots of people spontaneously offered to help me helping me to carry my bag up steps (and there were a LOT of steps!!!) and so forth. I really have to take back every word that I ever said against Londoners being rude and anti-social. People were brilliant to me so thank you to all the Londoners who offered to help me. You were all brilliant!
I really enjoyed myself and I hope that I will be able to make similar trips in the future. (I still think that I made the right decision in moving out of London though - it is a great place to visit but I don’t think that living there as a person with disabilities would be that great )
Very, very tired now though and enjoying cwtching up with my dog who apparently missed me and gave me the most enthusiastic “welcome home” when I got back
I’m so glad you had a good time. I’ve found that Londoners are more considerate than people in a seaside town. On a sunny day, tourists are too intent on strolling along 4 abreast on the pavement and don’t even think of moving aside for a wobbly lady with a walking stick. (Until I stop dead in front of them and give them a certain look!)
Well this a absolutely marvelous! Well done you and all by yourself too. I am hoping to take a short break (Judith Chalmers voice) in London next spring. Ony thing is I am a full time wheelie, so only have a choice of 2 hotels, as I need a hoist.
But I am proud of your achievement and hope you can rest well now.
I’m a Londoner and am very pleased that you had a good day out and that you thought Londoners wer sensitive in offering help. I really like London a lot, particularly it’s people. I had witnessed many examples of Londoner’s kindeness and generosity. I love cosmopolitan nature of London, people come just from every corner of the world and for someone like me also a foreigner it feels very comfortable.
But other than that London is a very tough place to live in. Parking impossible, Ms support centres rubbish (my local does bingo mornings and outings to the pub) not my scene but if majority of users are English then I’m sure this is what people like, don’t mean to offend anyone. Parking there non-existent and certainly no facilities/classes such as yoga or HBOT which some of you mentioned as available in your centres.
Using public transport also a nightmare, impossible to get a blue badge, even if you do no space in disabled bays.
But let’s not depress ourselves too much and focus on what is good about the city!