[Blindtlk] international cane travel

[Brian Miller]

Hi John,

I've traveled all over the world, including many developing countries, using
my NFB long white cane and have emerged relatively unscathed.  There are
certainly challenges, A couple of things to consider -- 

First, be sure you have a spare cane with you, even if it's a folding or
telescoping cane, so in case yours breaks, you aren't stuck.

Secondly, be sure to bring extra cane tips, as you are likely to lose one or
two as you traverse uneven terrain, and you don't want to be scarmbling
around on the ground in chaotic situations looking for it.  

Just take your time, keep your cool, and you should be fine.  It can be easy
to get rattled by the noise, the crowds, the uncertainty, but you can do it
with some common sense and an even keel.

Brian Miller



-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of John Davis
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2011 12:35 PM
To: travelandtourism at nfbnet.org; blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] international cane travel

Hi,

I'm thinking of traveling abroad with some friends soon for a few weeks.
I've never left the country before, but our plan is to see parts of Asia and
Europe.

First, I use an NFB cane with the standard metal tip for travel everywhere I
go. I do use a combination of touch and slide technique depending on the
situation. I had never thought to ask this question until a friend who went
to Africa over the summer told me that, being in a developing country, the
roads and sidewalks look completely different from the suburbs and cities of
the US! With that, I'm wondering If I'll have any trouble using a cane in
some foreign countries? From what I've heard a lot of sidewalks can have
huge holes and cracks everywhere and the like which might make using a cane
hard abroad. especially in more developing countries ... apparently it's
quite chaotic and a total mess in some places even for people who can see! I
ask because the NFB metal tip can succumb to rough spots and cracks and the
like here on occasion, so I'm suddenly wondering If I'll have trouble
abroad. I will be with a group of friends so maybe I won't need to use my
cane too much on my own, but I thought I'd ask before I leave anyway.
Apologies if these are silly or the wrong lists to ask these questions on.

Thank you

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