willowjane

Lovely!

Finecheapboxofwine

Why, I feel a little verklempt after reading your final entry. The whole thing was just lovely!

2012moving

Some people have been asking about the hotels I used – see the list below.
I had read some dire reports on accommodation in Italy and I needed comfortable accommodation in suitable locations. Due to the size of elevators and some steps at entry, I’m not sure these would be suitable for wheelchair bound. These hotels were chosen with my needs in mind. They exceeded my expectations and I travelled comfortably because of them. That’s not to say they would meet everyone’s expectations or ambitions. Be aware these rooms do not include tea/coffee making facilities.

I was in Italy for most of May and then a few days in the last week of June.

Rome – Hotel Selene. Via del Viminale 8 – there are a few stairs at entry - elevator
Naples - Hotel Costantinopoli 104 – there are a few stairs at entry from the garden though there are rooms at garden level.
Florence - Hotel Hermitage – there are stairs up from street level - elevator
Padua - Albergo Verdi,Via Dondi dall’Orologio 7 – flat entry – elevator (need to be able to hold you finger on the elevator button to keep it moving)
Milan - Hotel Amadeus – no stairs to entry – elevator

Now I’m commencing my research on France and Germany. I checked out a TGV on the platform at Bern in Switzerland (still trainspotting).

If it all looks too hard, I can always return to Italy and/or Switzerland.
In the meantime I am continuing my study of Italian and commencing German. I had to look up “verklempt” in the dictionary.

Happy travels to you all.

annhig

2012 - thank you for a most interesting and inspiring trip report.

have you another journey planned? can we come with you?

Leely2

Brava! Great report.

I think you could definitely do this in France. I have only been to German cities, never on a train there, but I suspect given what you accomplished in Italy and Switzerland, a France-Germany journey would be a snap.

tom18

2012 - You are perhaps familiar with this information from the German Railway System, but if you are not, here is a link to their website information for mobility impaired travelers.

2012moving

annhig
It would be asking a lot of someone to travel with with me.

I'm slow. I need sit downs. You learn a lot about the Italian way of life and tourist ways of life whilst sitting. I research and study access points. I study terrain. I take routes that suit me (which is least risky - climb those stairs or walk around?).

I prioritise my activities depending on future non-variable commitments or ambitions. If I do this today will I be able to do such and such tomorrow or the next day? Often the full ramifications don't become apparent until two days later. Do I need to walk to there (even if it's something simple like icecream) or can I save those footsteps and achieve it more easily eg on route to somewhere else?

Since I've caught the bus to this area for such and such, is there something else I want to do in this area and can I manage more today without wrecking myself, or should I come back here an another day? Which is the lesser of the two evils - another commute or more walking today? Is it something I really desire to do? Is it worth it?

I am studying what else is around me at all times as knowledge can save me steps later. If I'm in desperate need of something I don't have, I'm the one who has to fetch it and I may have seen exactly where to obtain it.

It's a focused logistical and pacing exercise to manage chronic pain at a level that keeps me going. It's my view this would be a nightmare for travelling companions. Would certainly try someone's patience.

Having said that there were people who said "You're travelling alone? Lucky you!"

Martinan

Amazing! You are inspiring 2012moving. Can't wait to read of your next trip.

jubilada

you are an inspiration, really!

tom18

Oops - here's the link.
http://www.bahn.de/i/view/USA/en/ser...handicap.shtml

2012moving

Thanks tom18

The past couple of hours I have been researching Fodors France, Fodors Germany forums and the French trains on "Man from seat61" and www.bahn.de including the information you have provided the link to. I had looked at them earlier in the year but decided to tackle Italy first as I suspected it would be the most challenging.

What astonishes and pleases me is how much immediate sense it all makes since I have already experienced the Trenitalia and SSB sites and services. Was concerned when I thought I read "down stairs" to Paris metro until I realised it was "downstairs"!

Time to decide whether I wish to go to France and/or Germany so my questions on these will appear on those forums.

Lexma90

I would also like to say that I've enjoyed reading your travel report. I've visited the locations that you went to, so I could envision what you were addressing or dealing with.

I really liked to see how you thought through and planned in advance, especially your need to decide where and how to expend your energy. And while our trips are a little more fast-paced, we always include lots of cafe time where we do what you did - just sit and watch life.

Cathinjoetown

Thank you for an excellent thread with loads of practical advice. I have asthma and a bad knee. Can cope with one or the other but if both flair up at the same time, I'm toast.

I need to have better contingency plans. Actually, having any sort of plan would be a start.

Also, thanks for providing hotels, particularly interested in the Florence hotel.

I live in France so if you come this way, hope I can help.

paris1953

Thank you for this lovely report. You write beautifully and I felt like I was traveling with you. I will join the group here who look forward to your next report!!

travelgirl2

You seem to have managed quite nicely. I am glad you had a great trip!

MarnieWDC

You are amazing ! What a wonderful traveller you are - and such a good writer as well. Truly an admirable attitude you carry with you. Welcome Home. And now you can start planning the next one

2012moving

Thanks to all for your comments.

I'm currently researching France and Germany but shall temporarily suspend this to write my report on the wonderful time I had in Switzerland. I entered Switzerland from Milan.

twoteachers

Hi, I am wondering if we could at least talk about some travel together, but I don't know how to message you directly. I am hoping to travel after 3 more grandchildren are born, but I also have mobility issues. I have 2 bad knees, 2 previously broken shoulders, and a bad back that kills me if I walk very long.... I sent you a link to some travel articles I wrote, trying to get published, but these are before I traveled to Europe alone in 2009. I was in pain on that trip, but unfortunately, things are worse instead of better. Maybe we could work something out. I would love to return to France....

http://everywheremag.com/people/itchyfeet2844/articles

cigalechanta

You are amazing!