(3/3) Me, myself, Stockholm, a crutch and a wheelchair

This is a continuation of my sole trip to Stockholm part 1 and part 2 

SIGHT SEEING

All the other delegates and friends had left the hotel and my flight was not leaving till 8PM. I was able to stay at the hotel till 6 PM, but I would be foolish not to experience Stockholm. I decided to go sight seeing.

A few kilometers from the hotel was the old part of town and I had read that there was a Christmas market. I decided to venture my way through snow and ice. Bundled up in layers of clothes, I wheeled myself out of the hotel. According to the reception staff, normally it would be about a 15-20 minute walk. The first part I travelled through the train station, so I could roll my wheelchair easily. Just before leaving the station, I took a small rest to recuperate. As I was waiting, still inside the building, a train station employee approached me to ask if I needed special assistant. Amazed I told her no, but thanked her. Turned out that at the exact spot where I was resting was a sign for waiting point for special assistance. Oops, I did not notice the sign previously, but was impressed with Stockholm's service to persons with a handicap.  Once I left the train station I had to deal again with lots of snow and icy roads. It was becoming very difficult to handle the snow and ice with a wheelchair so I decided to use my wheelchair as a walker for the rest of the way. After negotiating a few streets I continued my trip through the main shopping street which was sort of cleared of the falling snow.  Every 10 minutes of walking I took a rest as I cannot walk long distances. It was literally walking at snail pace, resting and slowly shuffling on and resting. It was so icy that I saw many people fall to the ground. A walk that was suppose to have taken 20 minutes had taken me more than hour but I finally saw the old city nearing. It was very pretty, the old buildings and the castle. Proud of my accomplishments, I pushed on.  I walked through the old town soaking up the sites and visited the Christmas market, still resting every 10 minutes or so. At the market, I grabbed something to eat and went back to the hotel to rest before going home. My site seeing trip that should have been a hour or so had taken 5 hours. At the end you can see some more pictures.

GOING HOME

Around 5PM I checked out of the hotel and went to the bus station to take the bus back to the airport. This time the driver was very helpful and helped me get my wheelchair in the luggage bay and at the airport he helped as well. It had been snowing all day, and I was worried that the airplane would have a delay. No worries, even though Bromma Airport is an old school airport where you still have to walk outside many feet to the airplane, the airport is very efficient and adept to the weather conditions. After checking in, I bought some things at Duty Free and waited in the terminal till it was time to board passing time surfing and face-booking.

I was sitting very close to the lady at the boarding gate. Close to boarding time her walkie-talkie went off and I heard her cursing into it. She did not realize that I could understand her and she was really really very angry. The conversation went something like this:

'Those stupid pilots, they are so stubborn. If they are told to park the plane at a certain spot they should not decide on their own that another spot better is for take-off. Stupid Belgian! Tell him to re park the plane at the designated spot because we have a special assistance case and at the spot where he parked we can not get the passenger on the plane!'

As she ended the conversation, the light for boarding went on and passengers started to impatiently cue to be able to get to the plane. The doors remained shut! As the crowd become more and more agitated that they had to wait, looking at their watches, wondering why the doors where not opening, the few passengers that had heard the conversation as well started to spread the story. Oh no, now I was getting angry and agitated looks from my dear fellow passengers as well. Finally 15 minutes later, the door opened but the lady stopped everyone from passing as she told them that a special assistance person needed to board first. Again angry looks coming my way. A nice young terminal employee approached me and together we went through the doors which he shut again after us. People seemed to forget that special assistance persons board first, but we are also the last ones to leave the plane at arrival destination.  The young man wheeled me through the dark, cold and snow to the plane where a special lifting container was waiting to hoist me aboard. Some ten minutes later after the container had been replaced with rickety metal staircase, the other passengers started to board the plane. Some passengers where still angry with me even though the plane departed right on schedule! I was lucky I had two seat for myself and the rest of the flight was quite uneventful.

Around 11PM our plane touched ground and after a long rolling ride to the baggage pickup, I was relieved to find that my bag was first to come through. Most passengers had take-on luggage, but with a wheelchair was it impossible for me. I found a clever way to attach my trolley to my wheelchair and like a little train I entered the arrival hall to see the happy face of my husband!

Around 1 AM, I finally was home and rolled into bed, exhausted from my trip but very proud of my accomplishments. My sole trip to Stockholm as a disabled person was over and I had enjoyed every minute of it. No weather, no wheelchair, no disability stopped me in turning this trip into reality!

borrowed picture taken during day to show airport

borrowed picture taken during day to show airport

(2/3) Me, myself, Stockholm, a crutch and a wheelchair

Stockholm

Looking out the window of the coach I was amazed at the passing landscape as we travelled through the suburbs toward Stockholm. I saw many cars completely buried in snow and walls of snow at the roadside. Because it was still snowing, the coach proceeded slowly forward. Normally the drive from the airport to the City Centre takes about twenty minutes, I suspect that it took about thirty minutes before we reached the final destination, the bus terminal in the heart of Stockholm. As we approached I saw the landscape change from apartment blocks to the beautiful buildings that Stockholm is known for. Suddenly, we went up a ramp and it was evident that we had arrived at the bus terminal.

As I gathered my things I realised that I was exhausted. I was the last one of the bus and thus my luggage and wheelchair were the last one in the cargo bay. Easy as a piece of cake, I lifted my ultra-light wheelchair and luggage from the bay. As the hotel was only 20 m from the terminal, I unfolded the chair, placed my crutch in the holder and my luggage over the seating. I would use the wheelchair as a walker for support. That would be easier if there was to much snow. As I was walking toward the exit, I realised that I forgot the name of the hotel. BRAIN FOG!!! D*MN, what a time and typical when you're tired. However, at that exact moment all I could remember was something BLUE. I went to the service desk: 'Excuse me, do you speak English? I am really tired and I forgot the name of my hotel. All I can remember is that it is supposedly only 20 meters from the terminal and something Blue,' I asked the young man behind the counter. I Can only imagine how ridiculous I must have sounded and still have to laugh at the thought of it.  There are several exits from the terminal and many hotels in the immediate vicinity. The man answered kindly 'Do you maybe mean 'The Royal Viking' from the Radisson Blu hotels?  Yes, that was it! At home I had not written the name of the hotel on a piece of paper because the name of the hotel was almost like the name of my mobile carrier, Mobile Vikings. Remembering the hotel would be simple I thought. Anyhow, the man showed me the easiest way to the hotel and three minutes later I was checking into the hotel.

My room was on the third floor next to the elevator. After bringing my luggage to my room, inspecting the room and saw that all was good, I made a quick call to the home front to let everyone know that I had reached final destination. It was after 1 PM and I was hungry. Across the street was a chain of steak restaurants, I went to eat something small there. It also gave me the chance to observe the inhabitants of Stockholm. They look closed and sophisticated, typical of most any major capitol in the world. I found that if you talk to them nicely and on a personal level trying to speak their own language, that they opened up. I learned very fast to say 'Tack' meaning 'thank you' and 'Tack tack' pronounced double so fast means 'you are welcome.' Being kind gave kindness back. The men next to my table explained local tipping customs and other tips and the waitress showed me the way to the shopping street. She even wrote a 'Thank you' with a big smile on my receipt.

As I had gone across the street with only my crutch and leaving the wheelchair in the hotel room, I decided to go to the main shopping street on foot with the crutch.  It was still snowing and was not a good idea. I saw people falling and slipping. Stockholm is not flat, and I had to manoeuvre through the snow slope up and down. I walked even more slowly than usual. Finding that most of the shops were expensive brand stores and the prices were outrageous in comparison to Belgium I decided to only buy a souvenir for Jason. Jason collects snow globes from all over the world and I chose a nice one for his collection.  I had heard that Stockholm was expensive but strangely the food in the restaurants are cheap in comparison. I also had the feeling that it was late because it was getting dark. Turns out it was only 3 PM. I knew that darkness started earlier than in Belgium but never suspected that in the winter at 3 PM darkness would already start. My body rhythm was totally confused.

Once back in the hotel, I hooked up with Line en Janne. It was nice to meet up with a good friend, you haven't seen in a while.  I first met Line in Ghent at the First International EDS Symposium standing outside smoking a cigarette.  There was an immediate click between us and we have emailed, Facebooked, and spoken with each other since. Having EDS has literally broadened my live in so many ways. You have your good days, your bad days, your coping days, but you also get to broaden and enrich your life in ways you would never thought possible.

The three of us went together for a bite to eat. They invited me for a drink, but I was very very very tired. Exhaustion is typical of EDS and I had also gotten up at 5 AM that morning. I passed and went to bed.

Conference Day

The next morning, I was up bright and early. Janne had already eaten breakfast but accompanied me to the breakfast room. A bit later, Line came for her cup of coffee. At 10 am the Nordic Delegate EDS Conference would start.

The conference started slowly because of the weather some participants were a bit delayed. It was nice seeing people I had met in Ghent and meeting new people as well. There were delegates from Denmark, Sweden, Norway (Line and Janne), Aland Island, and Finland. I was honoured to be allowed to participate. Some of the conference was done in English, but very often they fell back to their own language. I must be a natural linguist because I started understanding and could follow. I learned a lot and I was also able to give ideas and suggestions as well. Thanks guys for letting met come! The conference ended sometime in the evening and we all went to eat something together.

After everyone said their goodbyes and the participants staying in the hotel returned to their rooms, Line, Janne and I went to the pub a few doors further. It was an English pub. I really could relate to them and it was like a true girls night out. Yes EDS is in our lives, but that night not much over EDS was discussed. Janne was tired and left round 11 PM while Line and I stayed on. After a while we went back to the hotel bar and drank some Irish Whiskey's to finish the night off. I believe we went to our rooms around 1:30 in the am. I had a nice night and have become even closer with my new friends. I have made a friend for life, another soul mate!


(read part three next time)

(1/3) Me, myself, Stockholm, a crutch and a wheelchair

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!

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)

Stockholm