[stylist] Wondering if anyone has thoughts on blindness and independant vacation travel?

Thu Feb 12 16:27:40 UTC 2015

Chris,

I'm like you, not quite that fearless. Even though I've done things on my
own, I always get anxiety about doing it on my own. But I was also like this
when sighted, so not always a blind thing, but blindness certainly adds in a
layer of concern. For me, it's more the thought of dealing with overly
helpful people, or people not understanding how a blind person does things,
such as when finding a door, I tap along a wall waiting to find either an
open door or tapping, listening for the sound of a door then looking for the
Braille, if it has it. But people observe me doing this and think I either
can't find it or that they can find it for me quicker. In reality, it might
take them a few seconds quicker, but not that much. I have no problem asking
and accepting assistance, I just like to be the one who leads, asking for
it, not having it forced upon me.

But yeah, going new places on my own, definitely nerve racking.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Chris Kuell
via stylist
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2015 8:44 AM
To: 'Semirhage'; 'Writers' Division Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [stylist] Wondering if anyone has thoughts on blindness and
independant vacation travel?

Hi Sem,

I have a sighted wife, which is how I've done most of my traveling. However,
I have gone to NFB national conventions solo--although that's much easier
than going to Hungary or Prague, since there are plenty of people to ask
questions and talk to. I've also gone to a writer's conference in West
Virginia by myself. It was at a conference center in the woods, taking place
in 6 different buildings. But, again, people were very friendly and when I
got lost--which happened more often than I wished--I always found someone
willing to point me in the right direction.

However, I have a blind friend, Esther, here in Connecticut who is one of my
heroes. A couple of years ago she and another totally blind friend went to
Italy and had a great time. They didn't go on a tour--they just made plans
and went to do the things they wanted to do. Another time they went to San
Diego, again, just to check it out. She went to Norway one winter to ski,
and will pretty much go anywhere she wants without hesitation.

Esther is pretty fearless, which is what I admire about her. She has great
travel skills, and is confident that she can think her way out of any
problems that might occur, and so far she has. Me, I'm not quite that
self-assured. I still get a twist in my gut when I go somewhere unfamiliar
by myself, even though I have years of experience now telling me I've always
made it to my destination and back home again in one piece.    

Chris

_______________________________________________
Writers Division web site
http://writers.nfb.org/
stylist mailing list
stylist at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
stylist:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/bkpollpeter%40gmail.com