Next time I escort my spouse around Europe I shall be all prepared . Thanking God for universal signage is my first Gloria . The most welcome signs are
- Lift. I urge all fellow travellers to learn this one and the next one as
they are both welcome and necessary . Who remembers the station at York before lifts were obvious and for public use. Years of carrying luggage up the steps after the demise of the Porter used to make me dread a journey before it started. How could I as an able bodied under 60 even justify the need for Assisted travel. It was great when my sister Sue and I took our Aged parent to Iona in her wheelchair and used this service, it took all the angst out for us. I marvel at the way 21st C travelling in Europe has been greatly helped by LIFTS, and even the smallest towns now seem to have them at the Barnhof.
- WC This sign is linked to Lift as the 2 go together . For those with Additional needs, wheelchair or pushchair or walking frame , just finding a loo on the flat is a human right in my mind. In Switzerland we have learned quickly to have a supply of 1 or 2 CHF ready for the entrance fee. We do not mind paying this at all as the WCs in Heidi Land are far better than the best of Scarborough. The free ones in the courtyard of Basels Town hall were welcome , and thanks to the signage we were able to have coffee in the Market Place sitting in the sunshine without worrying .
- Wheelchair Friendly
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| Speyer Cathedral |
this is the new sign that I have been looking out for. It goes with the previous 2, but means no steps for my beloved, and in the case of the wonderful Speyer Cathedral , no heavy doors to open . I did actually have to push C in a wheelchair for the first 3 days of our Rhine River trip . It was a learning curve for me , used only to pushing aged parent who weighs 6 Stone.The pushing was ok , but quaint cobbled streets defeated me , tram lines bewildered me and the prospect of rain made me realise I had not brought my own waterproof.
So Ive just managed Basel's tram system .I didn't need signage . I knew where the trams were because I saw the tram lines . The numbers on the front of the trams referenced the map for me. It took me a little while to know which side of the track to stand . I am now trying to find out where a bus stop is .
So Ive just managed Basel's tram system .I didn't need signage . I knew where the trams were because I saw the tram lines . The numbers on the front of the trams referenced the map for me. It took me a little while to know which side of the track to stand . I am now trying to find out where a bus stop is .
It sounds as though you have it all pretty well sussed. (whatever that means). Perhaps when you return you could produce a guide-book a sort of Rawlings/Baedecker (sorry can't spell).
ReplyDeleteEven those of us who are fortunate enough not to need wheel-chair friendly loos and lifts would appreciate knowing where they actually are.
Always my first priority in any town/city/country.
We have just arrived in Amsterdam, having taken the train direct from Basel.It took nearly 7 hours but was worth it as the scenery was interesting and the seats very comfortable. The 'gap ' when we had to disembark was as bad as in Croydon , but a young fellow traveller did our luggage for us and said we were just like his grandparents , which made my day !
DeleteI'm assuming this was a Dutch fellow traveller? My favourite of all the people in Europe for friendliness and helpfulness.
DeleteJohn and I were totally besotted with the Durch and both loved the Nederlands above all other countries. I hope you continue to meet good people on the remainder of your journey.
Yes Ray , the Dutch are a kind and thoughtful nation. Everywhere we go Colin is offered a seat, very welcome, as it has been far too hot for him. Start for Home on North Sea Ferries to Hull, my birthplace , and a place with close affinity with Nederlanders.
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