Journey to Stockholm
A little while back an opportunity came my way to allow me to travel alone from Brussels to Stockholm for three days/two nights. Line, my close friend and chairperson colleague from Norway asked me to join the Nordic countries EDS delegate conference! The thought had passed my mind not to go, the trip being so close to Christmas, but my family pushed me on!Departure morning, I got up at 5 am to begin my trip to the airport with luggage, a crutch and my wheelchair! My husband dropped me off at the airport, helping me with the check-in. I had asked special assistance, especially because this would be my first trip in a wheelchair and all alone. With a big hug and kiss from Ronny, I started my journey.
Start of my trip alone
Just before customs, I had to report to Special Assistance office where I was asked if I could proceed alone to the gate or if I would need help to get to the gate. My plane would be leaving from Pier A, the Schengen pier at Brussels airport, I would need to only go to the first gate. At the gate, an assistant would help me get on the plane and place my wheelchair in the cargo bay. I decided to venture on alone.
After passing through customs, I had to take an elevator to a floor underground. I have never been to the A pier as I only travelled to and from Brussels via the International pier. I was surprised at the length of the tunnel. How am I going to wheel myself all that way? Luckily, I realised that there were walking bands. I literally flew in a minute or 2 through the tunnel which was on a down way slope.At the end of the tunnel I saw a large crowd of people. As I approached, I realised it was time for the security check. There was a special line for staff and persons with a disability and/or special assistance. Passing security was an experience on its own. I had to remove, my coat, handbag, crutch, etc., place it in special buckets on a belt to go through a special scanner. So far the same security procedure like everyone else. As it was my turn to go through the person scanner, I was asked to wait a minute on the right side, because the person at the scanner was a male. He called for a female security guard. My wheelchair and I did not have to go through the scanner. I was happy that I previously had placed my emergency wheelchair repair kit and air pump in my luggage. Now I did not have to remove it from my wheelchair. The woman was correct and nice. I had to remove my shoes that were placed through the item scanner, my wheelchair was completely checked for any hidden things, and I was patted down from head to toe. Now I understood why I had to wait for a female security guard. I may have been allowed to go through a special and faster lane, but my overall security check takes much longer than a normal, non-suspicious person. After getting my shoes back on and hanging my coat over my wheelchair and my handbag around my neck resting on my knees, I proceeded on to the elevator ahead. Going up two floors, I finally had arrived at pier A, in the shops area. Maneuvering through the maze of shops, I reached the gate area and yes my gate was the first in site. Now I had a twenty minute wait to board the plane, passing the time to call Ronny that I was at the gate and by calling my best friend Vicky one last time. How I would miss talking to her. We talk to each other everyday, at least 5 times a day!
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| on the plane, I had taking pictures |
On the plane
A special assistant came to walk me through the jetbridge and to load my wheelchair onto the cargo bay. Piece of cake, the first person on the plane. A few minutes later, the plane started to fill! I had an aisle seat with one seat left of me. A french speaking man had that seat, but he was panicking because he was claustrophobic and he had no window next to his seat. After take off he was allowed to move somewhere else and I had two seats for myself!The flight was only two hours long and flew by. As we touched down, it was snowing and once the plane stopped I saw lots of snow out of the window. I looked out of the window for an approaching jetbridge, but none came. As I was the first one on the plane, I knew I would be the last one off. To my horror, I realised that Bromma airport an old school airport was and departing was done via a rickety metal stairway that was rolled to the plane. As the other passengers were leaving the plane, I started panicking a bit because I have troubles negotiating stairs, let alone in the snow! My mind was eased shortly thereafter when a special assistance person came to ask me if I could walk stairs and was told not to worry because a special cabin would come and retrieve me. Phew, a huge relief came over me.
Departing the plane
All the other passengers had left the plane, and the stairway was rolled away. A little truck with a cabin approached and a boarding plank was hooked onto the plane. My first chance to take a good look outside. Wow a mass of snow. I was impressed. With my crutch I had to walk sideways over the plank into the cabin and I saw that my wheelchair was already waiting for me to take place. I placed my seat cushions onto the wheelchair and sat down. I had taken the cushions into the plane with me out fear of getting lost in the cargo bay. After the truck moved closer to the walkway, the backdoor opened and a lift platform took me down. The terminal was about 450 m away. I did not see the special assistant, but I knew that he was bringing an other older lady to the terminal with a golf cart. I decided to start rolling toward the terminal. It was heavy work rolling through about 20 cm snow. More snow had previously fallen down, but it came so fast down that they could not keep up. About half way the assistant came driving his cart. He told me that I could have waited and he would have rolled me all the way. I told him in English that I appreciate that but that I hadn't smoked a cigarette in hours. The assistant asked where I was from and I told him Belgium. He became quiet. Realising that he was confused about my American accent, I told him that I grew up in The States. We had a great conversation and he even brought me to the bus and carried my luggage. We said our goodbyes, he wished me a great trip and I thanked him for his kindness.
Flygbussarna to Stockholm
So here I was waiting on the Flygbussarna, the airport coach to Stockholm. I could have taken a taxi, but Stockholm is known for airport companies that overcharge. Anyway, a coach bus is a good and fast alternative and my hotel was only 20 m from the bus terminal. About 20 minutes later the bus arrived. The bus driver was a grumpy man, not very friendly, and he refused to help me. As I tried to throw my luggage into the luggage bay, I started slipping and another passenger helped me keep straight. The nice man even helped me lift my wheelchair into the bay. I know I thanked the man but still I want a special mention and thanks to the unknown man! In 20 minutes I would arrive in Stockholm! Almost at my destination!!!!(read part two next time)
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| Stockholm |
