I thought I’d contribute to the blog, even though I am usually  the silent partner on our travel adventures. Not that I  didn’t want to make the effort before but typing is a tad difficult and I have to pick the right time.  So let’s see how it goes.

To begin, prep for this trip was so different to the three month one early this year. At that time, I encountered freezing,  panic attacks, sleepless nights with nightmares of being unable to cope.  This time I had a very good week leading up to D-day.  Everything went really well – which is a  worry in itself.  I think the wonderful weather we’ve been having helped enormously.

Everything went like clockwork with time to spare.  Even the suitcase co-operated and kept under 20 Kg – only one suitcase this time.  I  managed 40 winks en route to Luton. I don’t know what set off the alarm when I went through the arch in security but I was thoroughly frisked! Also I think it was a coincidence as there were rookies being trained to be security officers. Anyway, I was let through and in a way comforting  to know they were thorough. I  won’t talk about the ‘special assistance’ – John did that in his blog.

However, in passing, I am of the opinion that whilst the assistance afforded to the disabled community by airports in the UK is varied, it is also excellent. However, I take umbrage with the airlines for not providing toilet cubicles big enough for wheelchairs and/or big enough for carers to assist you while inside.  Before I left I wrote to the CAA enquiring if it was going to be regulated. Otherwise people in this category of need would be discriminated against and therefore unable to travel. I believe EasyJet single aisle planes plan to have accessible toilets installed in new and refurbished aircrafts.  For Virgin Atlantic Airbus aircrafts, having such toilets will be normal. We just need the rest of the airline fraternity to do likewise.  A campaign for Parkinson’s UK to pursue perhaps?

More soon!

Val