Cambodia 2020! ... #judithwheeltravel

Cambodia 2020  #judithwheeltravel 

On 29 December 2019 my husband Nathan and I started our long journey for our next adventure to Cambodia and Vietnam. We were going to Vietnam for a family wedding as I am half Vietnamese but this blog will focus on Cambodia as I have travelled to Vietnam and around before so will review that another time!

We travelled from Carlisle to London Heathrow via Trains. We used the Avianti West Coast Journey Care assistance to help me on and off the trains with a wheelchair space and a wheelchair ramp. 24 hours prior to travelling we also called London Heathrow Airport to make them aware of my wheelchair access needs& for assistance at the airport. We arrived into London Euston station, walked a ten minute walk to Kings Cross then got on the tube to Heathrow Airport, which took just under an hour. Kings Cross tube station has accessible lifts and step free access onto the tube, unlike Euston. We checked in and made the airline aware of the wheelchair assistance I needed, two seats together, assistance on and off the plane and the wheelchair aisle chair. We were changing in Beijing Airport in China so we asked at check-in if my wheelchair would go straight to Cambodia or if we would get it in Beijing. They said we would get my wheelchair in Beijing for the transit. The wheelchair wasn't there on arrival at Beijing Airport and we were using Google translate to ask the airport where it was who told us it was on the next plane to Cambodia.  So we had to hope and pray it was going straight onto Cambodia and it did!! Tip: check your wheelchair tag the airport gives you as it stated Cambodia but London Heathrow told us China so trust the wheelchair tag and keep hold of your wheelchair receipt as they can track the chair if it is lost!

We arrived in Cambodia to Phnom Penh around 12.30am so we had been travelling for over 24 hours. Our taxis that we had pre-booked wasn't there as we were an hour late so we had no option just to use an airport taxis. It was a car with no large boot so Nathan somehow pulled me in from one side of the car and I lay across the back seats. Somehow with the little muscle movement I have left, Nath pulled my body and I pushed my way out of the car! Anything is possible through teamwork and a strong husband!

We had 3 days to begin with in Phomn Penh, which is the capital of Cambodia. Prior to travelling I do some research to see how other wheelchair users have travelled or to look at suitable transport alternatives. I came across Mobilituk which is basically where 2 Tuk Tuks have been converted into wheelchair tuk tuks. I was so happy! I was given two contact numbers for the Tuk Tuk drivers as one was based in Phomn Penh and the other in the north of Cambodia, in Siem Reap. We spent the 3 days exploring the city on foot visiting local markets, temples, bars and restaurants. On one of the days we hired the tuk tuk for the day which cost around $25 and we visited larger temples that were further away from our hotel and the Killing Fields museum. Being disabled I did not  have to pay! I was amazed the Killing Fields Museum had wheelchair ramps to view the cells where Cambodians had been held and tortured during the Khmer Rouge Rein and they had a wheelchair accessible toilet. I don't always expect full wheelchair access when visiting Asia and accept that I may just have to view the temples/sights outside but was really excited and happy that there was wheelchair access. In the town itself wheelchair toilets are not visible but we used Cafe Amazon toilets which were normal but with the support from my husband I was able to use or we went back to our hotel and planned our drinks and bars around next stop toilets. It definitely didn't stop us enjoying ourselves!

The people of Cambodia were lovely and always helped if they saw Nathan struggling with steps or doors.  We usually walked on the road as it's completely flat and easier with the wheelchair and when crossing tuk tuks or cars would either slow down or stop. We therefore felt completely safe and at ease just walking around the area. We found a local bar to celebrate New Year’s Eve as we like to where possible to stay away from the Tourist areas and try normal Cambodia life. We sat on the streets outside a tiny bar with music playing and were given free spring rolls, chicken feet and shots at midnight! Everyone made us feel welcome and we loved seeing 2020 in with the locals!

On the 3 January we used the wheelchair tuk tuk to get back to the airport. We flew over to Ho Chi minh city in Vietnam as I have family there and we had a family wedding. We stayed in Bien Hoa which is near my Uncle’s house at a hotel called The Mira Central Park Hotel . It had great wheelchair access, large rooms, separate walk in shower to the toilet and bath. The lift went to the Sky Bar on the 22nd Floor! We hired a van that took a set of seats out so I could be lifted straight into the van by the driver, Nath and any other strong men around! After the family wedding we flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap which is north Cambodia in particular as we wanted to visit Angkor Wat which is a huge temple from the 12th century. In Siem Reap like Phomh Penh we didn’t find any disabled toilets in the main town so we would nip back to our hotel if needing the toilet so if you are looking to travel to Cambodia it might be worth checking out a central hotel. We did find some bars that had toilets that I could use but none had air conditioning and with the heat it was more comfortable to go back to the hotel.  Also after a few drinks this would not be possible!

We had 4 days in Siem Reap. We hired the wheelchair tuk tuk for one of the days which cost around $30. It was probably a 45 minute drive to Angkor Wat. Prior to getting there we had to stop to get our entrance ticket which enables you to visit many more temples after Ankor Wat. Again the ticket office and outside Angkor Wat I was amazed to find a wheelchair accessible toilet, woop!! We were told to enter via the East Gate as this was a flat entrance and they would allow us to enter with the Tuk Tuk , otherwise it would be a 30 minute walk in to see Angkor Wat. We went at 11.30am as being on holiday we like to sleep in, enjoy breakfast and then do sightseeing though a lot of people go at sunrise. We were absolutely amazed at how quiet it was, it was so peaceful  of very few tourists we could have stayed all day. The heat is really strong 12-2pm so maybe that is why there were  less people. My husband and the Tuk Tuk driver pushed me around the site and lifted me up the 6 steps to be closer to it. I didn’t go inside as it was around 20 old steps so it wasn't safe or practical but I was so happy to have been able to see Angkor Wat and how beautiful and large it is!! We spent the afternoon visiting more temples and again although they were mostly flat to get to once there it's too difficult to take a wheelchair inside so my husband went in and I sat outside enjoying the sunshine and views! 

On the 11th January we flew back from Siem Reap to Phomn Penh and chose a different hotel near the Golden Palace. Hotels are really cheap in Cambodia so we decided to treat ourselves to a 5 star hotel to end our holiday at the Golden Palace Hotel which was directly opposite the Golden Palace. They had ramps into the hotel front entrance and garden area of the restaurant though they had a ramp down to the restaurant then had two steps up to get to the level of the restaurant . So again when travelling you have to be ready for the challenges, understand that different countries don’t always fully understand do you have wheelchair access into and around your hotel and be willing to ask for help from staff to help lift the chair in.

We visited the Golden Palace and where there was steps they had a ramp (bumpy ramps but at least they had them!) And the grounds were all flat. Again I couldn't get up the 20-30 steps to see inside but the grounds were magical and stunning.

Cambodia was stunning. The food and drink was amazing and so cheap. We ate lots of seafood, bbq grills, hotspots, noodle soups, curries, spring rolls and local dishes. The people were so helpful, friendly and welcoming and it was a fantastic place to visit. What made our holiday really was the Wheelchair Tuk Tuk, it gave Nathan and I the freedom to see attractions easily, be driven around the city and countryside, airport transfers made easy and being able to enjoy the experience of being in an Cambodian Tuk Tuk amongst everyone.

Our journey back was via Shenzhen Airport and we arrived back to London airport after a 13.5hour flight. We had assistance to meet us though there was a communication error so had to wait an hour for my wheelchair to be brought to the plane. We got a wheelchair taxis outside the airport to a nearby hotel. The next day we got a bus that had a  wheelchair ramp to Hownslow West. They had a stair lift to take me to the platform where it has been raised for wheelchairs. We took the tube to kings cross, walked to Euston and again had pre booked assistance onto our final journey to our home in Carlisle.

We often take for granted the simple things in life like access and freedom to explore. So when someone has invented and adapted a standard tuk tuk to have a wheelchair ramp and for a wheelchair user to access it, it makes a holiday so much more enjoyable. With my weak muscle condition my husband really is my arms and legs. Nathan pushes me in the heat, lifts me in and out of vehicles, buildings, temples, and hotels, carries two large backpacks and pushes me through airports and helps me transfers onto the airline chairs. It really isn't easy with 7 flights to do and when travelling in a wheelchair with the long flights and a 27 hour journey. However through team work and wanting to enjoy our dreams and passion for travelling the world together to see different countries it is made possible by Nathan making the impossible possible. I truly am so very lucky to have Nathan as my husband and for him to share our love for travelling and holidays together and helping me the way he does. He's the best!

We are simply living the dream!

Judith Smale xxx

#judithwheeltravel

#feckitbookit #judith_wheel_travel

#maketheimpossiblepossible

Impressive Premium Resort and Spa in Punta Cana, Domincan Republic

Impressive Premium Resort and Spa in Punta Cana, Domincan Republic is complete paradise. The white sand, blue sea, sunshine, beach and pure relaxation is what holidays are for. Caribbean music in the beach bar, the sound of the waves and frozen slush puppies and cocktails is heaven! The interesting thing is, although the pictures are beautiful and the holiday itself was amazing, to get there is always the challenge, when travelling in a wheelchair.

Although we requested bulk head seats on the aeroplane, so I can sit on the floor on the flight, we were not given them. Therefore the 9 hour flight meant I had to lie on my husbands legs and pray the time would go fast. Thankfully it did. I got on and off the flight using an aeroplane wheelchair, as I am unable to walk. The staff were so good. When we got to Punta Cana there was a gradual ramp going backwards and forwards to get me onto the ground. Never seen that before . Although we would love to take pictures to show the ramp, in reality our main focus was holding on and getting safely off the aeroplane. My husband took care of our luggage.

In advance of arriving in Domincan Republic we had done our research to find a wheelchair accessible transfer, using the company DAT. As I was travelling in my electric wheelchair we needed a ramp and lift into the van. It was a short transfer and we were soon at our hotel, greeted with a glass of champagne on arrival. I can't relax and settle until we get into our hotel room , I can see the walk-in shower and check the bed height. Fortunately, everything went smoothly. The bathroom was a wet room with really good non slip tiles and space to move around the room in my wheelchair. My husband Nath would have had to lift  me into bed. It was too high, so we asked the hotel to remove the bottom part of the bed. Then it was the perfect height to get into.

Before we go on holiday we always check hotel reviews and contact the hotel directly to check they have wheelchair access. We knew the hotel did have wheelchair access, but we were pleasantly surprised at just how good it was. All around the hotel there was ramped access, where there were any steps. At the beach they had a wooden walk way area for wheelchair users and a clear sign for a wheelchair user, advertising the area was reserved for disabled people. They also had a wheelchair sea buggy, so if you are unable to walk, you can sit in it and someone can pull you along across the sand and into the sea. I went into the sea twice, as at first I thought I may not be able to sit in it with my condition, but I managed and it was absolutely amazing! For the first time in 7 years, I managed to float in the beautiful turquoise sea with the help of a French Couple we met, Chantelle and Michel, a life guard and Nath, helping me in and out of the sea buggy. Such a fantastic feeling!

At the resort, there were two disabled toilets by the 'Grill', 'Italian' and 'French' restaurants. The disabled toilet upstairs in the Italian was larger, so much easier to transfer. When I go on holiday I get so excited when I see a disabled toilet, as I'm no longer able to use a standard toilet. It means I can relax and enjoy the holiday and drinks, knowing there is a toilet near by, otherwise it's a long walk to our bedroom.

The hotel had entertainment each night and a great entertainment team. One night there was a Beach Party, so we headed down to the beach. The party was on the sand, but a few strong men helped to pull my wheelchair across the sand, so I could join in the dancing!

The staff at the hotel were so lovely and very helpful. If Nath was getting my lunch or breakfast, they would come over to help carry plates, or drinks, etc.

On returning home, we used the DAT transfer company again, but unfortunately it was an hour late, as the wheelchair transfer vehicle had broken down! An alternative van turned up, but there was no ramp, so 5 men lifted me and my wheelchair into the van! My electric chair is really heavy!!! We were unsure if we would make our flight, but the company was very apologetic and said if we missed our flight they would pay for our new flight home, expenses and hotel. It was just a broken down vehicle, (could have happened to anyone), so if I returned to Domincan Republic, I would definately use DAT again.
Their manager was at the airport to greet us and apologise. He stopped to make sure we were checked-in & had made our flight on time! The airport had full wheelchar access. The disabled toilet was within the able-bodied female, or male toilets, but at least there was one!

There was a wheelchair lift to get me onto the flight. The flight wasn't the best journey home. It's never easy, but the shortage of space and cramped conditions, were worth it. Punta Cana, in the Domincan Republic, was paradise and such a fantastic holiday.

Once again thank you to my husband Nath for being my arms and legs, for the staff and other holiday-makers that helped and for Chantelle and her husband for helping me into sea. A holiday I will never forget!

Judith Smale
#judithwheeltravel
#feckitbookit #judith_wheel_travel
#maketheimpossiblepossible

London, The Arch Hotel, West Ham FC, London O2 and Covent Garden

In May my husband and I visited London for a long weekend. We travelled to London via train and booked the wheelchair assistance via Journey Care so the staff at Carlisle and London train stations were there to meet me with a wheelchair ramp to get me on and off the train. Once into London we used the bus just across the road from Euston to get to our hotel near Marble Arch.

My husband Nathan was fortunate enough to win a competition so we stayed at a beautiful boutique hotel called The Arch, just off Marble Arch. The disabled bedroom was allocated to us and it was lovely and spacious and the bathroom had a walk in shower and lovely sparkly tiles! The wheelchair access was really good to the restaurant and bar area. The hotel staff went out of their way to help us both from opening doors and getting us food and drinks. It was literally a 5 minute walk onto Oxford Street and so near to Selfridges that obviously a girl had to go in there to try out the make up and perfume stands!! It saved me doing my make up anyway!!!

On the Saturday afternoon we went to see West Ham play at their home ground. To get there we went via the tube.  When we got to the station next to West Hams Ground at Stratford there were disabled mini buses to take disabled people and a carer to the ground by an amazing team of volunteers. What a great idea! The wheelchair access at the Football Ground was really good. Large disabled toilets, a great location behind the goal for wheelchairs and their carers and lifts to get around the stadium. We had a great time at the match and decided after the match to stop for dinner and drinks at Westfield shopping centre at Stratford. We knew there was disabled access there with it being a modern shopping centre, wheelchair accessible toilets and plenty of places to eat before our evening entertainment!!

In the evening we had disabled tickets to see Take That play the O2 Arena. We went their via tube and it was so easy! The O2 Arena is my favourite arena to see Take That perform live. One of the wheelchair ramps is next to the stage on the side on the floor so it's a fantastic view. There is at seat service for food and drink from the venue staff and there is a disabled toilet very near the ramp so it makes the whole evening stress free and we can both sit back and enjoy the show! Take That as always were out of this world. After the gig we decided to have a drink in the O2 bar to let the crowds go down then 45 minutes later headed back into London via the tube!

On the Sunday we were meeting friends early afternoon at the O2 to have food and drinks before Take That at the O2 (Yes again!). We pre-booked a table at a Mexican as on concert days it gets really busy. We got there 3pm and it was a great time as it wasn't too busy and got seated straight away. I went to the concert with my friend Ren that night and like the previous night we had an amazing view of seeing Take That and a fantastic evening together! I just absolutely love the O2 Arena!!

On the Monday my husband and I went to China Town as every time I go to London it's a must. To be honest there are so many Chinese  restaurants it's hard to say I have a favourite and wheelchair access varies to get in and out of them. So I look for ones without a step or a low step and those that do dim sum. I've only found one restaurant that has a disabled toilet but I get round it as I enjoy the food then leave and find a bar for a toilet if need be! In the afternoon we went to Covent Garden to listen to some live music and have some drinks. It's by Punch and Judy and people look down at the entertainment and it seems like there is no wheelchair access. However if you ask security staff they can take you down a lift so you can enjoy the entertainment on the ground floor. There's also a disabled toilet down there to. Wahey!

In the evening we went for dinner at the Wardolf Hilton just off Covent Garden. All the staff were really helpful. Once entering the hotel there is a chair lift, but the staff helped so access wasn't a problem. We had a lovely evening there.

The next day we walked back to Euston from Covent Garden area and took just over 30 minutes which wasn't bad at all. London can seem huge and daunting for a wheelchair user but the tubes are improving with more wheelchair accessible stations, the buses have ramps to get onto and it's actually pretty easy just to walk between places to. All it takes is a little bit of planning :-)

We hope to visit London again soon!!

Judith

#judithwheeltravel #judith_wheel_travel

Take That Greatest Hits Live Tour, Glasgow, SSE Hydro, 18 & 19 April 2019

Everytime Take That announce they are going back on tour, I am literally like a teenager again! I first started to like them in 1992. I spent a lot of time in hospital in early 1993 and it was my new interest in Take That that got me through it. Since 1993 I have followed them around the country and absolutely love seeing them live. Getting disabled wheelchair tickets is not easy as a lot of venues still use a telephone booking line, so it's constantly engaged! Anyway, I was lucky enough to get tickets for the Thursday and Friday nights in Glasgow, for the 'Take That Greatest Hits Live Tour', with the help from my sister Jean and some Irish friends.  Great team work! I was busy trying for other venues!!

On Thursday I travelled to Glasgow via Virgin Trains with my husband Nathan and his friend Stuart and son Leighton. I booked wheelchair assistance via Virgin Journey Care, so at all stations I was met with the wheelchair ramps & the disabled area of the train was reserved for my wheelchair and my party. I always find Virgin Trains staff so welcoming, helpful and they provide first class service, so I do not worry when travelling by trains. It's so easy!

We decided to stay at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow train station, as they had disabled rooms with a walk-in shower. We also stayed there for the convenience of getting to and from the concert via train, so we didn't get stuck in traffic with the huge crowds! The hotel was lovely, check-in was fast and the disabled room was spacious, with a good wheelchair accessible bathroom.

We took the train from Glasgow Central train station to the local SSE Hydro train station, (the concert venue), which took 5-10 minutes & was very fast. There were lifts down to the platform. It was a short walk from that station to the actual venue. Very smooth to do!

On the first night we had disabled seats on Level 2 and on the second night Level 1. Level 2 was higher up, but still a good view of both the main stage and the B stage. Level 1 seats view (even though at the back of the floor, as it's a tiny venue), view was amazing. We were so close to the B stage that Take That were literally several rows in front. The view of Gary Barlow  - omg!!! There were disabled toilets behind the wheelchair seating, so this was perfect.

Take That were absolutely fantastic. The second night I went with my sister Jean and best friend Susan. We danced and sang for two hours and had the time of our lives, being taken back to our youth. We have seen them for 26 years now and they really are a truly amazing band to see perform live. My husband is obviously a new fan ,but he really enjoyed it too. Take That Greatest Hits Live Tour is fantastic and I'm already looking forward to seeing them again on Saturday in Manchester!

So in terms of an accessible music venue I would definitely recommend the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. Disabled tickets still have to bought over the phone, but if lucky enough to get them, then any wheelchair user will not be disappointed by the view, disabled access and good size disabled toilets .

Thank you SSE Hydro and Take That. It's two nights I will never forget!!

Judith, Cumbria 

Manchester United FC

Last weekend I was fortunate to get some disabled tickets to see West ham v Manchester United FC. My husband Nath is a huge West Ham fan and I must admit I now love going to see West Ham play. The crowds and fans are so good, the atmosphere has a real buzz!

We purchased the disabled tickets via West Ham's disabled ticket hotline and tickets arrived the next day. Before we travel anywhere I always like to research transport, access  facilities and parking so I know what to expect. It looked like Manchester United Football Ground had thought about disabled people and access and it was obviously clear they had as soon as we got to Manchester United. Yay!

Upon arriving staff came up to us to direct us to the disabled entrance and once we showed our tickets and got through we were shown to a special designated area for disabled people. The special area was to keep warm before the match, watch football & have food and drinks. We arrived at 430pm for a 530pm kick off, to allow plenty of time for crowds, etc.

The staff serving drinks and food in the special disabled drinks and cafe area were really helpful with drinks and it was great to see the low counter for my wheelchair. They helped to get me straws (I now need to use a straw when drinking a pint!).We arrived just before 4.30pm so we made it just in time for Happy Hour beers from 3.30pm-4.30pm. Bonus!

I was really pleased to see so many disabled toilets there that were clean and had lots of space for me to transfer. It gave me piece of mind and made our trip run so smoothly knowing toilets were so near to our seats and that there was so many. Toilets in public places, or when we go out often determine where we go, so it was so great to see.

We took to our match seats at 5.15pm. As we were the away team our seats were the third ramp up but really close to the front, just to the left of the goal. There was plenty of space to move around and a seat for my husband Nath next to me. We could now join in with the West Ham fans and sing 'I'm forever blowing bubbles!'

Unfortunately West Ham lost 2-1, but we didn't deserve to! I'm not a sore loser or biased but if you watch match of the day you'll see what I mean! We had a fantastic day out at the football as the disabled access, staff and service were so good it was stress free. It was great to see how Manchester United had thought about disabled people and access.

Thank you Manchester United. Brilliant disabled access, wheelchair accessible seating was fantastic and disabled toilets were great. All staff so very helpful too.

Judith Smale
Cumbria, UK

On Instagram:

#judith_wheel_travel  #feckitbookit #maketheimpossiblepossible

About me, Judith, Cumbria #judithwheeltravel

I'm Judith, 39 years old and live in Cumbria. I suffer from FSH Muscular Dystrophy, so therefore use an electric wheelchair. I work as a County Volunteer Support Officer for Cumbria CVS and have done for 17 years, after graduating from the University of Cumbria in Business Studies.

The aim of my blog is to encourage more disabled people to travel, whether that is in UK or across the world. Together we can make the impossible possible!

I truly believe that the world is a beautiful place we live in and an amazing place to explore. So through planning, research & sharing ideas, I believe disabled people and wheelchair users can travel and enjoy life just like any abled bodied person. Yes, there will be challenges and access barriers, but travelling in a wheelchair is possible! 

My passion is to travel the world, explore new places, eat food from different countries, drink local alcohol see local sights, meet new people and enjoy different cultures. I want to inspire other disabled people to explore the world too!

I was diagnosed with FSH Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 8 years old. As a child I loved dancing, gymnastics, horse-riding, etc. However by the age of ten I was in a manual wheelchair and by the age of 12 I had to use an electric wheelchair. Knowing my disability is progressive made me even more determined from a young age to make the most of every single day. I aim to do one simple thing that we can all do, to enjoy life. I am extremely lucky and fortunate s I have the most amazing family (best sister ever Jean) and friends who have always been there for me and helped me do all the things I wanted to do.

Being in a wheelchair from the age of 12 meant I had to adapt to my disability from a young age, accept the challenges it could bring and look at how to overcome any obstacles. Through being a huge 'Take That' fan I started travelling to see them in concerts all around the country, so it opened my eyes up in how it was possible to enjoy life and see new places, despite being in a wheelchair. 

So far I have travelled to 21 different countries (I think!) and each year hope to visit at least one new place! My family, sister Jean (who also has Muscular Dystrophy), friends and husband, Nathan throughout the years have enabled me to go on holiday and to  see the world. Although I like to be independent, I also couldn't travel without the support network I have. They are amazing!

I met my husband Nath 5 years ago & within 5 weeks of meeting we had our first holiday booked to Paris! We love holidays, travelling and an adventure. Nath just accepted my disability and has enabled me to visit places and countries I could only have dreamed of. Since Paris we have travelled the world together.  He is simply the best husband in the world, my best friend, my rock and also at many times my arms and legs. Through our team work, Naths strong arms and our determination we make the impossible possible...we travel the world together! Our motto is : #feckitbookit

All views are my own. Enjoy reading and book that next holiday!

Follow me on Instagram: Judith_wheel_travel     #judithwheeltravel

Judith xx