Traveling the globe from the relative comfort of my wheelchair.
I am writing myself into obscurity. Each sentence feels more meaningless than the last. No direction, no forethought. Questioning every prose and wondering if people would scoff at the pointlessness of my work. It’s an expression of self-doubt that has caused a longwinded hiatus for Geordie Travels. I search for purpose in my writing. For …
In the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, September is quite an important month. Not only is it the month where on the 7th day, Brazil as a nation celebrates its Day of Independence, but in the Gaúcho region of the South, September is a time to showcase cultural identity and remember a simpler …
Read more “The Gaúcho DNA: Rio Grande do Sul’s Proud Heritage!”
It may seem rather strange to write a new travel blog entry discussing the elevators of an underground metro system, but a year on from my three-night stopover in Lisbon and shoddy lifts remain my prevailing memory. (Pictures at the end of the post). It began with a passing comment, as I neared the top …
Read more “Lisbon’s Lousy Lifts: Horrible Metro Accessibility”
This blog post was written by guest writer: Fê Küster. As the partner of a wheelchair user, I often find bits of fake accessibility that I never would have noticed before our relationship started. Now not only are they noticeable, but they’re inconvenient and irritating. Nowadays, going to places with impossibly steep ramps, places with …
Read more “FAUX ACCESS: The infuriating rise in accessibility not quite being up to scratch.”
I thought while I’m going to be spending a considerable amount of time in Brazil, I may as well switch some of my attention to this beautiful country and try to highlight the good and the bad in terms of accessibility here. With that in mind, I’ve set up a new Instagram account called Accessible …
It recently occurred to me that I haven’t ventured further than mainland Europe in over five years. A fact which I found somewhat alarming. This is hardly the form of a man who has previously boasted about wanting to visit every country in the world. It goes without saying that the pandemic hasn’t helped matters, …
The UK is starting to slowly open up again and although the prospect of foreign travel remains a little daunting and confusing under current restrictions, I’m emboldened by the thought of being able to hit the road and explore a little more of Britain at least. It’s my birthday this weekend and so we’ve decided …
Read more “Camping in Scotland: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park”
It’s been 9 years since I first travelled to Taiwan; a trip which was made possible thanks to the study programme I was on in The Netherlands. Living in Taiwan for half a year gave me the opportunity to complete my Minor study abroad – a novelty that was not lost on me given that …
I have repeated on a number of occasions that, for me, the disabled community is one of the last minorities to truly have its moment in the public consensus spotlight. I often sit at home and read article after article, detailing the fantastic strides being taken to try and eradicate sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and …
Read more “Disability Hate Speech: Online Trolls & A Need For Education On Disability”
October 31st 2001 – Halloween. I look to my right as I’m being wheeled down to theatre on a hospital gurney. People are busying themselves putting up spooky decorations ahead of a fancy-dress party later that evening. There’s a sort of calm before the storm. I, on the other hand, was anything but calm. Kicking …
Read more “Halloween fright night: Spinal Surgery Anniversary.”