Accessible Everything - An accessible & inclusive travel blog for people with disabilities » 2008

Subscribe in a reader

RSS Feed

Subscribe to Accessible Everything by Email

February 2008
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
« Jan		Mar »
	1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29

View blog reactions

Blog Network:

Name:
Accessible Everything

Topics:
disability, travel, wheelchair

Lucas “LazyLegz” Patuelli

Traveling in Nicaragua - León

By Craig Grimes

At the start of December my friend Ben Owen-Jones came over to visit me for a few days and help me assess some of the routes that I have created. The first trip that we went on was to León on the 8th December, which is also the Catholic Celebration of La Purisma (The Immaculate Conception).

But first things first, we had to get there! If I thought the road from Matagalpa to Managua was bad because it’s still being repaired, it had nothing on the road from Matagalpa - León which was horrendous! However, because it was so bad, our driver took it slowly so we got to see more of the countryside in more detail!

Once in León Ben and I had lunch and wandered around a bit looking at the architecture waiting Edurne to turn up from Managua. The sun was out and it was incredibly hot, it really didn’t feel like December at all.

León Cathedral

The Central Square in León is beautiful and very accessible, there’s even a ramp at the side for wheelchair access although it pretty steep and fairly dangerous. León, as with many Nicaraguan towns and cities, is littered with churches and colonial architecture.

Churches in León

We were actually in León for La Purisima which as mentioned before is a Catholic Celebration of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The whole celebration reminded me of Halloween, in the UK children go from door to door trick or treating, dressed as ghouls, witches and vampires etc. Here, people put altars of the Virgin Mary in their doorways and everyone, not just children, go to them and the person at the altar says “Quien Causa tanta alegria?”the reply is “La concepción de Maria!” The person at the altar then gives sweets, kitchen utensils, plastic cups, baseball caps or whatever they have to the smiling person at their door. It’s great! If you speak any Spanish, you’ll see the problem with the phrase immediately, it’s not that I wrote it wrong, it’s just how it is. The phrase translates as “Who causes so much happiness?” “The conception of Mary!” It shouldn’t be “who” it should be “what” but there you are, such is life.

The celebrations were great fun and we went from door to door “shouting” (gritando) as it is known here and got lots of goodies….. Most of the Nicaraguans were very surprised to see the foreigners, two of them in wheelchairs, joining in their celebrations. The were very welcoming and in many sense we probably did better than the locals!

Now for some random stuff from León; below a sign outside a church that I liked which says:

“Jesus Christ is Lord. Stop Suffering”

Some amazing skies in León:

Me & Edurne:

The main mural in León’s central square:

More murals and graffiti in León:

Posted in Central America, Nicaragua, Travel | No Comments

Accessible Apartment to Rent In Barcelona

By Craig Grimes

During late 2007 I was involved in a project to design and refurbish a universally designed apartment for people with disabilities. The apartment is now available for short term holiday lets for disabled people that want to travel to Barcelona. The ground floor studio apartment, designed by a wheelchair user for wheelchair users, is an accessible luxury contemporary studio located in Barceloneta, only 5 minutes from the beach and port. Many local restaurants are accessible, and a guide to all local accessible facilities is provided at the apartment. There are excellent local shops, supermarkets and Barceloneta Market (for fresh food) within a very short distance of the studio. Accessible transport is also found within 5 minutes by wheelchair.

The air conditioned studio has step-free access from the street, fully accessible bathroom with level access shower and accessible kitchen.

General Facilities Include:

Large flat-screen TV
DVD player
Free Wi-Fi access

Renovation of the studio has only just been completed and the result is a very high quality living space, with a contemporary atmosphere. The spacious living areaenables unimpeded movement in a wheelchair. Thesmall kitchen is fully accessible, with oven, hob and refrigerator.

There are twin beds and a single airbed (dimensions 99cm x 191cm x 48cm) for a third guest.

Vital Statistics:

Bathroom

Bathroom door width: 84cm
All grab rails have a height of 75cm
Fold down seat in level access shower

Kitchen

Leg space under sink: height 61cm x 76cm wide
Work surface height: 86cm

Living Area

PC desk height: 76cm
Open space for wheelchair users

Sleeping Area

Two twin beds with latex mattresses
Bed Height floor to top of mattress: 51cm
Wardrobe rail height: 148cm
An inflatable mattress for a third person or child

Tariffs and Conditions (all prices include tax)

Minimum 3 night stay: 130.00€ per night

Huge price reductions on 7 night bookings at 750.00€ per week. You save 160.00€!

200.00€ refundable key deposit required, payable by cheque with guarantee card

10% deposit required to confirm booking

Balance to be paid 4 weeks before arrival

All payments may be made in either Pounds Sterling or Euros depending on your preference*

*Sterling prices are calculated at current exchange rates according to www.xe.com and will be paid into a UK bank account. All Euro transactions to be paid into a Spanish bank account. Bank account details will be supplied upon confirmation.

For futher information and reservations please contact me; info@accessiblebarcelona.com

For the PDF brochure and more information please use the links below:

Barcelona Accessible Apartment PDF

Apartment Reservation Form

Terms & Conditions

To see a slideshow about the refurbishment and adaptation process please use this link.

Posted in Spain, News, Barcelona, Accommodation, Travel | No Comments

AccessibleNicargua 14 Night Suggested Itinerary

By Craig Grimes

This is AccessibleNicaragua’s 14 Night Suggested Itinerary for first time travelers to this wonderful country. This is not a set tour, but it can be used as such, or it can be used as a basis to create your own tour according to your interests and needs.

Day 1 – Arrive at Managua Airport and go to an accessible hotel in the capital city

Day 2 – In the morning; a driving tour of Managua, Nicaragua’s capital city.

In the afternoon; transfer to the mountainous coffee province of Matagalpa. The hotel is situated on a hillside overlooking the small country village of San Ramón. The views are wonderful and green, a great place to relax after a long flight to Nicaragua. In and around San Ramón you may even be lucky to see a two toed sloth, a nine-banded armadillo or many of Nicaragua’s birds of prey.

If you aren’t too tired, after dropping off your luggage at the hotel we will take you on a short orientation tour of Matagalpa, the province’s capital.

Day 3– In the morning a trip to La Selva Negra (The Black Forest) a private nature reserve and coffee plantation owned by a German family. This is an opportunity to see some of Nicaragua’s jungle close up.

In the afternoon, a trip to Familias Especiales (Special Families) a project in Nicaragua that works with people with disabilities to provide education, jobs and also wheelchairs in the local community and beyond.

Day 4 – During the morning we will take you to a coffee plantation for a guided tour which is available either by horse back* or by vehicle.

In the afternoon, continuing on from the coffee plantation through the beautiful mountainous roads surrounding Matagalpa to the small town of Jinotega.

Day 5 – Transfer to León and guided tour of the historical colonial city which was Nicaragua’s capital for over 200 years.

Day 6 – León Viejo, the original site of the city of León which was destroyed by the volcano Momotombo when it erupted in the 16th century.

Day 7 – A trip to the Atlantic Coast near León Visiting some of the the amazing beahes.

Day 8 - Transfer to the colonial city of Granada on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, the world’s second largest fresh water lake. In the afternoon a tour of the city.

Day 9 – Includes a day trip to Los Pueblos Blancos which are several villages famous forartisan ceramics – a great opportunity for souvenir shopping. Lunch at El Mirador Caterina over looking Laguna Apoyo, Mombacho Volcano, Granada and Lake Nicaragua. In the afternoon the journey continues down to the shores and blue waters of Laguna Apoyo before returning to Granada.

Day 10 – A relaxing boat trip from near Granada to the volcanic island of Ometepe where the live volcano “Concepción” is located.

Day 11– A day exploring Ometepe before returning to Granada.

Day 12 - A relaxed morning of taking in Granada’s street cafes and shopping. In the afternoon a boat trip around Las Isletas* on Lake Nicaragua.

Day 13 – A full morning in the market town of Masaya then after lunch the live volcano crater of Santiago in the national park of Masaya.

Day 14 – A day trip with over night stay at the coastal town of San Juan del Sur. During the day visiting some of the beautiful Nicaraguan beaches.

Day 15 – Farewells and transfer to Managua Airport

*Subject to availability and and if the individual is able/wishes to partake in this activity.

Price Per Person: $2,100

What the trip includes:

All hotels including breakfast
Vehicle throughout the trip
English speaking guide throughout
Mobile phone for emergency contact with
AccessibleNicaragua guide and driver
Access advice so that you can create your own itinerary (price may increase depending on what you want to do)

What the trip does not include:

Return flights (good priced flights are available from LastMinute or Kayak)
Tourist Visa to enter Nicaragua (about $5.00)
Entrance to museums, sights of interest or other activities such as boat trip on Lake Nicaragua or the coffee plantation tour Lunch, evening meal, snacks or beverages
Travel Insurance

Please contact me for further details: accessiblenicaragua@gmail.com

Below is the 14 night suggested itinerary in PDF format.
AccessibleNicaragua 14 Night Suggested Itinerary

Posted in News, AccessibleNicaragua, Accommodation, Central America, Nicaragua, Travel | No Comments

AccessibleNicaragua FAQ’s

By Craig Grimes

Since arriving in Nicaragua I’ve been researching how to create an inclusive tour package for people with disabilities in this developing country. When we talk about accessible or inclusive travel, the two terms may mean very different things, I prefer inclusive as if everything is accessible and therefore easy, where’s the challenge?

These tours aren’t going to appeal to everyone; neither will all of the tour be available to all people with all types of disabilities. Some things just aren’t available here in Nicaragua and some activities will simply be too hard for some people. The name AccessibleNicaragua may be a little misleading and it should really be InclusiveNicaragua, but I’ve got the acccessiblenicaragua@gmail.com email address now so it’s too late! What I’m really trying to promote here is not a 100% perfectly accessible tour but an attempt to make a tour in a developing country as inclusive as possible for as many people with disabilities as possible. This is not a tour for the faint hearted by any stretch of the imagination, some people may find it really tough going, but it will be a great experience for those that decide to come.

Now comes the moment of truth, you are the first people to see the planned 7 & 14 night tours (see pages in left hand column). There really isn’t any information about the access facilities for people with disabilities and that will come a little later in the hotel and general information booklet that I’m currently writing.

FAQ’s

Does the vehicle have a lift or a ramp for powerchairs or scooters?

At the moment I’m going to have to use a standard vehicle as there aren’t any accessible vehicles at all in Nicaragua. I have access to an easily adaptable vehicle and the company has agreed that they will do it. I’m hoping to have the adapted vehicle ready for July/August 2008 at the latest.

Do the hotels have roll in showers, shower bench or seat that is attached to the wall, grab bars, hand held adjustable shower head, grab bars around the toilet and is it open under the sink?

Hotels are supplied in 4 areas:

* Managua
* Matagalpa/San Ramón
* Granada
* León

(also in Ometepe and San Juan de Sur on the 14 day tour)

I will probably use the Holiday Inn in Managua for shear ease and it’s only for one night. In San Ramón, I am working with the hotel and I have designed the adapted bathroom for them with roll in shower, seat attached to the wall and grab bars (unfortunately, no adjustable shower head). In Granada I have a choice of 3 hotels, one of which is very accessible with a “real” roll in shower, but I need to buy a shower chair with wheels in order to be able to use it. I have also been given the opportunity by a private investor to buy and adapt a house in Granada and then use this property as a base for the routes. This is a great opportunity for me and hopefully I should have the house up and running by July/August 2008. In León I have a hotel in mind, but the room was booked the last time I was there so I couldn’t see it.

What kinds of beds are available? King, Queen etc. Are they the right height for an easy transfer?

Again it really depends on which hotel the client chooses, some are really high, but I should be able to provide a various hotels in Granada and León.

The boat is accessible for a power chair?

Quite simply, no. The boat isn’t accessible for any wheelchair, getting on it is by manual transfers or with help. Very little is accessible in Nicaragua! There will always be the driver and guide on the tours to help individuals if they want to do something but it’s really up to the client. That’s why there’s a * on the horse riding and boat trip which means; *Subject to availability and if the individual is able/wishes to partake in this activity.

Are there accessible bathrooms along the tours?

Most of the tours stay fairly close to the hotels so that clients can pop back when they need to (at lunch time for example) I’m going to recommend that clients use an indwelling catheter or sheath with leg bag system while they are here if possible, as accessible toilets are few and far between. When on the road, gas stations normally have larger restrooms that wheelchair users can get into and I need to research them a little more before the first client arrives.

Is the horseback place set up for those with special needs?

While I’m here, I’m also volunteering with an NGO called Familias Especiales. They have hipotherapy (therapy by riding horses) for people with disabilities. They are going to come with me to a coffee plantation that are open to doing tours on horseback for people with disabilities and train the staff.

Posted in FAQ's, AccessibleNicaragua, Accommodation, Central America, Nicaragua, Travel | No Comments

AccessibleNicaragua 7 Night Suggested Itinerary.

By Craig Grimes

Day 1 – Arrive at Managua Airport and go to an accessible hotel in the capital city.

Day 2 – In the morning; a driving tour of Managua, Nicaragua’s capital city.

In the afternoon; transfer to the mountainous coffee province of Matagalpa. The hotel is situated on a hillside overlooking the small country village of San Ramón. The views are wonderful and green, a great place to relax after a long flight to Nicaragua. In and around San Ramón you may even be lucky to see a two toed sloth, a nine-banded armadillo or many of Nicaragua’s birds of prey.

If you aren’t too tired, after dropping off their luggage at the hotel we will take you on a short orientation tour of Matagalpa, the province’s capital.

Day 3 – During the morning we will take you to a coffee plantation for a guided tour which is available either by horse back* or by vehicle.

In the afternoon, a trip to Familias Especiales (Special Families) a project in Nicaragua that works with people with disabilities to provide education, jobs and also wheelchairs in the local community and beyond.

Day 4 – Transfer to León and guided tour of the historical colonial city which was Nicaragua’s capital for over 200 years.

Day 5 – In the morning; a trip to the Atlantic coast near León. In the afternoon; transfer to Granada with a brief tour of the city.

Day 6 – Includes a day trip to the town of Masaya and the surrounding area including Los Pueblos Blancos which are several villages famous for artisan ceramics – a great opportunity for souvenir shopping, El Mirador Caterina for lunch over looking Laguna Apoyo, Mombacho Volcano, Granada and Lake Nicaragua, the live crater “Santiago” at Masaya Volcano and visitors centre.

Day 7 – A relaxed morning of taking in Granada’s street cafes and shopping. In the afternoon a boat trip around Las Isletas* on Lake Nicaragua.

Day 8 – Farewells and transfer to Managua Airport

* Subject to availability and and if the individual is able/wishes to partake in this activity.

Price Per Person: $1,500

What the trip includes:

All hotels including breakfast
Vehicle throughout the trip
English speaking guide throughout
Mobile phone for emergency contact with
AccessibleNicaragua guide and driver
Access advice so that you can create their own itinerary (price may increase depending on what you want to do)

What the trip does not include:

Return flights (good priced flights are available from LastMinute or Kayak)
Tourist Visa to enter Nicaragua (about $5.00)
Entrance to museums, sights of interest or other
activities such as boat trip on Lake Nicaragua or the
coffee plantation tour
Lunch, evening meal, snacks or beverages
Travel Insurance

Please contact me for further details: accessiblenicaragua@gmail.com

Below is a PDF version of the above route
AccessibleNicaragua 7 Night Suggested Itinerary

Posted in AccessibleNicaragua, News, Central America, Nicaragua, Travel | No Comments