Travelling the World on Wheels.

I am bored and clueless, sick and tired of filling in job applications online and not getting hold of any job (FYI I’m a double Masters with good grades but still unemployed. Please do not study a lot unless or until it is necessary, otherwise you may be left in a dilemma and end up doing a PhD). By the way I envy all who have jobs! Checking emails and changing my facebook status every five minutes, how sad is that! Sigh, I so dislike such lengthy moments in life, and currently I have been experiencing such conditions quite frequently, but thankfully I do not feel depressed or suicidal. My family is away and I am home alone desperate to go out somewhere, but the problem is where to?!! Now having a friend is very important and not just phone or facebook friends but a real friend, whom you can talk to, go out with, enjoy and are there (in person) when you need a shoulder to support on! Yes well similar sort of case is mine and now I realise how important is it to have friend where you live. But having friends in Maidstone is not my fault, it just never happened. Enough with my sulking now!

Anyways, so I went online to check for the buses as I hold a special bus card (which is especially for people with disabilities) on this card the passenger goes free. I was browsing the Arriva bus website for places to visit in and around Kent. Well they are many but the timings suck, they aren’t frequent enough. If I plan to visit the beach or Blue Waters, I’ll have to leave at around 11 o’clock and make sure to be back at around 4 o’clock in the evening, which also includes the travel time that is an hour each way. Aaa well! Therefore I shall go to the bust station today at 2 o’ clock and figure out where to visit next. Thanks for your help! By the way would anyone like to join me as they’ll go free?!!

My family is away and I am home alone desperate to go out somewhere, but the problem is where to! Now having a friend is very important and not just phone or facebook friends but a real friend, whom you can talk to, go out with, enjoy and are there (in person) when you need a shoulder to support on! Yes well similar sort of case is mine and now I realise how important is it to have friend where you live. But having friends in Maidstone is not my fault, it just never happened.

Enough with my sulking now! Anyways, so I went online to check for the buses as I hold a special bus card (which is especially for people with disabilities) on this card the passenger goes free. I was browsing the Arriva bus website for places to visit in and around Kent. Well they are many but the timings suck, they aren’t frequent enough. If I plan to visit the beach or Blue Waters, I’ll have to leave at around 11pm and make sure to be back at around 4pm in the evening, which also includes the travel time that is an hour each way. Aaa well! Therefore I shall go to the bus station today at 2pm and figure out where to visit next. Thanks for your help!

Anyways, so here I am, it turns out I am too late for things to do around Maidstone but as I was going beside the river bank back home I saw the Kentish Lady river cruises. Decided to go down and ask around about it and booked myself in for the 3o’clock boat ride for the next day. I went back home and put my mobile camera on charge and began browsing on the internet information about the Medway River and its cruise. I found out that the River Medway is almost (geographically speaking) entirely in Kent, England, and flows for 70 miles that is 113 km from just inside the West Sussex border to the point where it joins the River Thames. It was a natural river but partially man-made and has been opened to navigation over 250 years ago when water-borne transport was in its glory and used to transport cargo like fruit, vegetables, live stock, industrial materials, etc. Today the river between Maidstone and Tonbridge is maintained as a public right of navigation, enabling water users to experience the delightful scenery of the Garden of England and that is what exactly I am going to be doing on Sunday the 25^th of July 2010 at 3:00 pm.

The next day I woke up early as usual. It was bright and warm outside. Had breakfast saw a bit of tele then watched a movie at home. Soon it was 2:15pm time to leave the house. There I was zooming away down towards the river on my motorised wheel-chair. It takes 35 minutes from home if the roads are empty. And yes, as it was a Sunday the roads were fortunately empty. I love going by the river side it’s so peaceful and calm. I was there on time exactly at 3. The cruise was there all packed with tourist I felt as I was the one they were waiting for. At the moment I thought I have been living in Maidstone since five years but never checked out the river here. Well now I am glad I did as it was an experience to remember. As I boarded the boat one of the crew members guided me to my place which was thankfully the outdoor corners of the boat, which was great. But the only issue was I was unable to hear the commentary which informed us about the historical background of certain locations at the river. Well you can’t get everything in life, in order to gain something you loose something, and yes, got great views and lots of fresh air.

Soon the boat moored out of the dock at the Archbishop’s Palace. In the seventh and eighth century it was a royal gift given to the Archbishops of Canterbury and traditionally a home for travelling Archbishops from Canterbury. It is an historic 14th-century building on the banks of the River Medway in Maidstone, Kent. The building is today principally used as a venue for wedding services. As the boat slowly drifted along the calm flowing river I saw many other private boats, canoeists and fishermen alongside the river bank. As the day was bright and warm they were many people cruising on their own private boats and many hired rowing boat.

Soon we were passing through the town centre and shops like Asda, Tk Max and House of Frasier can be seen on either sides of the river. After passing through the urban area we soon entre the majestic sanctuary of the river. They are a variety of birds, trees of all sorts on either sides, it’s like the Mississippi River in North America just without the alligators. Further ahead one can see people sitting and enjoying the glorious heat of the sun and as it was a Sunday many were fishing along the river banks. Along either sides there are path ways built that are wheel chair accessible as I have myself been on them which run alongside the river bank up to the Millennium Park. The boat ride is an hour long; it goes all the way to Allington and back. There are opportunities to look at the locks and parks near the river and enjoy the views of weirs, meadows, pastures, medieval bridges and coast houses. There are several villages on, or close to the rivers which can be seen on either sides of the banks. This fantastic river cruise provides ample occasion for the traveller to explore and take refreshment. I managed to take quite a few pictures but I thoroughly enjoyed the river cruise as the boat gently cruised down the river. The day was warm and I could feel the sprays of water coming on me and the cool breeze, it was all marvellous and I do recommend this journey to all visiting Maidstone. The best part is if you wish you can meet me, just email me at nadiahmed@excite.com. And the town is almost fully wheel chair accessible so no worries there. Many thanks and hope to see you soon, Cheerio.

It’s been a month since my friend has been inviting me to her place in Cardiff. ‘Nadia, when are you coming?’ she would ask me on the phone. And I would say full of enthusiasm and passion, ‘whenever you say, I’m there...but...’ There was always a ‘BUT’, the hesitance as I am on a wheelchair, although I love to travel and that is why I developed a blog, and as I am on a wheelchair I thought I better write about my experiences of travelling while being on a wheelchair. I tell you it’s a whole new adventurous world and it’s even better if you have a partner (who is not on a wheelchair). Well they are limitations being wheelchair bound but, I promise you they are lots of advantages, every cloud has a silver lining!

Anyway, so I was talking to my friend on the phone about me coming to Cardiff, kindly she would say, ‘don’t worry Nadia, I promise I’d take good care of you.’ That was sweet (and she did take good care of me), ‘and don’t worry my apartment building has a lift and the toilet is huge and the apartment is spacious enough for you to manoeuvre your wheelchair.’ That was so thoughtful of her but me being a precautionnist (that not even a word) maybe being precautious sounds better. Always had to say, ‘what if I fall or have difficulty using the loos.’ I always believed in precaution is better than cure which is fine, to some extent, but it stopped me from taking risks, no challenges and as it goes no pain no game. With that she would say with a sigh, ‘ok have a think about it, and let me know if you are coming’, we would then talk about other stuff for a while and soon exchange good-byes. How I wanted to go, as I really wanted to be somewhere far away with a friend, and plus it would also give me something to write about in my blog. Decisions, decisions, well spoke to my Mom about this issue, but how I also wanted to go and she advised me, ‘Love, do you feel comfortable with your friend’, I shook my head in agreement, ‘absolutely’, then she continued, ‘although I love you to bits but you have to take a chance on this one and go. You’ll never find out till you try it!’ that is so true, as I am always advising people to do the same thing but now it was my turn to taste my own medicine. Hence as Abba’s song goes ‘Take a Chance on Me’, that song is so appropriate for this situation, so the chance was taken and soon I was planning my trip to Cardiff for the 3^rd and 4^th of July 2010, that is one night and two days.

Soon I was rummaging around my closet for clothes to pack and a strong shoulder bag to keep it in. A strong shoulder bag is convenient while travelling for a few days, as I hang it at the back of my chair over the handles. The charger of my motorised wheelchair is very light therefore I just keep it in a strong carrier bag and also hang it at the back of my chair. The back handle has secure locks so I know that my bags are safe and have not fallen off, which is a peace of mind, (I can travel anywhere with my bags hanging at the back, on trains, buses, taxis, etc.). Looking up the internet for train timings and ticket costs (which is £45 one way with the disabled adult travel card and return is £58 and it is valid for a month) and booking assistance on and off trains. If one informs the railway earlier for travel assistance, that is on and off trains (they have a free phone number which is 0800 7834524 applicable for only UK residents).

My train was at 10:55 am Saturday morning, I had learnt my schedule by heart now (I didn’t memorize it on purpose it just happened to stay in my mind). I caught the bus that comes near my house at 10:17 am, that dropped me into town at around half ten. From there I made my way to the train station which was just a few minutes away. I was at the station at 10:45, informed the station manager that ‘I was here and shall need someone to put a ramp when the train arrives’. Train stations are interesting places to be in while one is waiting. I came across a couple that had seven kids and all were wearing green uniforms like what nurses for animals where at zoos. All seven children must be between ages7 to 10 and all of them disciplined standing in a line behind their parents. I can say that because they called mum and dad. I also came across a man howling on his mobile, ‘leave me alone WOMEN, you are so dead when I come home’, oh my, that was awfully dreadful. And then this other couple, well the man was saying goodbyes to his wife and kid and could not stop crying. When we sat on the train she excused herself and said that she was sorry and her husband was too sensitive and that she is only off to her parents in London for the weekend. That was queer and the two guys in front of me were kissing, that was so not appealing, get a room they are kids here. Anyway, I was soon on the train to Victoria London, although I had a book to read but I got distracted by the conversation of these a man and a woman, all dressed up in suits, were talking about a business meeting which they were attending in London. I got engrossed in their conversation and pretended if I am reading a book. The conversation was very enlightening as I learnt how businesses are dealt with in the real world. Well actually they were not talking about any business, they were talking about drugs I think, and they looked a bit mysterious. Soon I didn’t really care as due to the noise of the engine I couldn’t hear clearly. I was captivated by the scenic views of the green fields and forests outside.

I reached Victoria in an hour, from there had to hurry out of the station, catch bus number 36 and off to Paddington. The bus was crowded with people, due to the hot temperature there was a very unpleasant smell lingering on the bus. Oh yes by the way all buses in London are fully wheelchair accessible and free for wheelchair users and that is why I always take the bus, alternatively there is the underground called the tube that is much faster but I am not sure how wheelchair friendly it is and being on my own I don’t want to take the risk. Due to traffic it took the bus an hour to reach Paddington. The train to Cardiff was at 2:41, I thought might as well grab something to eat at the station, I also saw a shop that sold Paddington Bear cuddly toys from the famous television show for children, in which Paddington Bear and his friend, Mr. Gruber visit different countries and places throughout the World. I also visited the loo, as the disabled toilets at Paddington Station are really good. It took me a while to find the station assistance people as the station is huge and it was crowded with people. After all this commotion it was time to board the train and soon a ramp was assembled from the platform on to the train. Soon I was inside the train but due to the crowd I didn’t get a seat and had to keep sitting on my own wheelchair which is not very comfortable.

It took almost two hours to reach Cardiff, although I wanted to take a nap on the train I was just way too excited to sleep. At around 5o’clock I reach Cardiff Central Train Station, I called my friend to let her know I have arrived, she told me that I’ll be there in 15 minutes. Then I looked out of the train window, all was same but something is different, although being in UK, Cardiff is a different country, Oh look, the signage is different! They are in English but they are also in Welsh, e.g. in Welsh Cardiff the word is written as Caerdydd and is pronounced as ko-dif. How peculiar it all was, but no one ever speaks Welsh (or they don’t know Welsh rather) everyone prefers to speak English. Its the law there all the road signs, the banks, post offices, ATM Machines, street signs, etc have to be in English and Welsh both. It’s as if they are struggling to hang on to their disappearing Welsh culture. Soon a ramp was put up for me to disembark the train. Oh my, the assistance is really good and quick here! I was now heading towards the exit which was taking a lift down stairs. When I reached the exit/entrance door I went outside, soon could see my friend in the distance waving and walking towards me. I also had a huge smile (infact it was more of a laugh) and began waving and moving towards her. Soon my friend and me caught up with each other and exchanged Salams/Hellos and hugs. ‘Oh, I am so glad to see u’’Me too, I am happy you came.’ And soon after we started to head toward her apartment, the day was warm and bright, and we were also planning the rest of the day today and tomorrow.

From the train station it took us approximately 15 minutes to reach her place. It was a tall red building, it looked very smart. She lived on the 6^th floor, which is high but there was a lift. As we went on the lift she told me the lift is a bit crazy and many a time, as the numbers are scrambled, it goes to the wrong level. Well I guess that day I was fortunate and we reached up in the first attempt. Soon both of us were inside her place, it was very homely and clean inside. We were in her living room and she excused herself as she had to change her clothes. I took out my camera attached to my mobile phone and started snapping away. In a few minutes she was back, we had already decided to watch Shrek 4 together. ‘But we must eat first,’ she said and began cooking. As she was cooking we were talking, she said that do not worry the cooking will take a few minutes then we’ll eat and head out to the movies. Soon the food was made and we were eating, it was delicious, chicken and potato made in a curry along with boiled rice. My friend is from Genea and apparently people there love rice. After a tasty fresh meal we headed towards the cinema, it was a bit further away but we walked it. After a long walk we were there, my friend bought the tickets, when I asked her how much do I pay you? She told me that guest don’t pay, that is very hospitable and sweet. Anyway, we were just in time for the movie, this time both of us were excited and anxious to watch it but the wheelchair access was from the back of the cinema and a pretty long way. Well not too long just a couple of lift and a few pathways and many doors to be opened by a bunch of very many keys. The movie had already begun when we entered, the cinema hall was huge, and soon we were seated. After two hours the movie finished, it was amazing, one cannot even image what Shrek 4 is like, my friend and I headed home and on our way kept talking about the movie, ‘I love the word ridonkculous!’ . Soon we were home and tired. My friend gave me a long dress like a nightty to wear, it was nice and soft with no sleeves. In a little while we were in bed and soon fast asleep.

I woke up at 7o’ clock, however my friend slept till late. I wasn’t really hungry for breakfast so I just stayed in the living room and read a book. It was warm and the sun was shining through the window, although it was a lovely bright morning but after midday the forecast was for rain. And yes it did rain all afternoon till I left. At around 8:00 am my friend wokeup, we had porridge for breakfast. It was nice and warm, it had been a long time since I had porridge and I enjoyed it. At the same time we were talking about food and comparing the food of her country that is Genea and my country that is Pakistan and also the English food. We also talked about clothes and as she is getting married in a few weeks we also talked about wedding and how elaborated they are in our cultures. She even showed me her wedding dress, it was beautiful. Wow, the thrill and excitement, I could feel it in her and me too. Weddings are a girl thing. Anyway, it was 11o’clock when we decided to visit the Cardiff Bay and be back by half two. ‘We can walk to Cardiff Bay, its right here’, she said, ‘ok’, I agreed, so off we went.

There is a lot to see in Cardiff Bay, they have the Cardiff Bay Visitor Centre. The building has a unique design and is shaped like a tube it is also locally know as the 'The Tube' and managed by the Cardiff Harbour Authority. It holds exhibitions and provides information to visitors. We also saw the National Assembly of Wales know as the Senedd and the Wales Millennium Centre which is home to Welsh National Opera, Norwegian Church and the Mermaid Quay. It comprises a mixture of restaurants, bars, cafés, shops and services located on the waterfront. I also visited the Atlantic Wharf Leisure Park Centre which is a huge complex having many cinemas, restaurants, fast food eateries and many shops. It also accommodates the Red Dragon Radio Station which is an independent radio station for Wales. Wales is also home to the famous children’s author Roald Dahl, I just love his books. In fact at the moment I was reading his book named ‘Going Solo’ (the thing is when I was fifteen I did begin to read this book but, cannot remember now why I did not manage to complete it). So here I was in Wales and reading Roald Dahl and enjoying it thoroughly. Anyways, there was also a place name after Roald Dahl Plass. It is a large open amphitheatre style plaza, mostly used for carnivals and festivals all year round. I have taken loads of pictures here, which I shall be uploading along with my article. Cardiff is a newly developed city hence the pavements are wide and fully accessible for wheel chair users, in fact the entire city is accessible.

Soon it began to rain but the temperature was warm and because we were next to the sea it was windy. It was half one and we decided to head back. We reached at around two and had lunch. Although my friend and me decided to go to the beach by train but it was raining cats and dogs, therefore we couldn’t go and ended up watching a TV programme on zoo animal. Have no idea why?!! I had already packed, I just had to pack my skirt and shirt from yesterday. We were just sitting there watching TV and waiting for it to be 4:30 pm so we could make are way to the station as my train was at 5:00 pm.

We decided to leave the house a bit earlier as the rain had stopped. We were walking towards the station very slowly and talking about are wonderful times at the University in Bath. Ooh my, how we missed them! I so miss being a student. At 5:00 pm I was on the train and it was still raining. I was tired hence I slept on the train, all the way to Paddington Station. Soon I was in London, caught bus number 36 from Paddington to Victoria Station. On the bus this really cute guy kept on praising me ‘wow, you are gorgeous’, thank you I said but still don’t know why he kept saying what he was saying. It took me 20 minutes to reach Victoria and caught the train that was leaving right away. Soon I was on my way to Maidstone; it takes an hour to reach as the evening train is always slow and stops at every single station. At around 10:00 pm I was back home getting ready for bed. What a lovely weekend I had in Wales I thought, although the journey was long but it was all worth it. Therefore I recommend everyone to visit Wales, please stay longer, make sure to go there during July and August (as it is warm) and make sure to visit the beaches in Wales.

Travelling the World on Wheels.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Boredom led me to explore my own town.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Cardiff, on a Weekend, 3rd-4th July 2010.

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