Happy New Year!

01.01.2007

I was at the computer last night when I should have been seeing the year out at my local pub. But I didn't feel like it. I was sorting out my digital photos. After having been away for nearly a month on holiday with family I was relishing time again on my own. I must be getting old and cantakerous!

We were in Bangkok, Bali and Kuala Lumpur in turns. And Penang for 2 days. Where should I start?

First of all, I am wondering if I should embark on journeys like that in the future. As Naomi, my daughter says, one cannot go on a budget holiday when you are a wheelchair user. And I certainly do not recommend Qatar airlines - they lost my wheelchair and they do not seem to have a clue at dealing with wheelchair customers. I also thought I could use AirAsia - after all I use Ryanair successfully. I know about the complaints about Ryanair but I couldnt even begin to use AirAsia. This has to do with the availability of wheelchair handling crew and whether there is an airbridge from the air craft to the airport. The crew will not be responsible for getting you off an aircraft without the lift or the bridge. I was told I could get on the plane at Bangkok International but not get off the plane at Kuala Lumpur because they no longer use KLIA, the international airport to land. I dont think airline people can imagine what a nightmare it is to be told that ones wheelchair got left behind. I was lucky in that Bangkok Airport authorities allowed me to borrow one of their wheelchairs for the day until my own caught up with me. I would not have a clue where to rent a wheelchair in Bangkok. why did I not buy a direct ticket to Kuala Lumpur? Because I had originally wanted to go to to Chiangmai. That did not happen.

We went to Bali instead. Bali would be a lovely destination if it had been more accessible and the whole family would have enjoyed it more if we had more time to absorb it. Bali has erratic traffic and pavements are equally erratic. Taxis are plentiful but not much good if you did not know where to go. It looks like a fun shopping place - I just wish I had been able to move independently. The swimming pool at the hotel was good though.

Anyway, I am back now - jet lagged and work begins tomorrow. Poo! I have put photos into the Flickr account.