GLOBAL ACCESS DISABLED TRAVEL NETWORK E-ZINE

VOLUME V, NUMBER 6

June 2004

Copyright 2004, Global Access

http://www.geocities.com/Paris/1502/

Please note: Any Internet links mentioned in this e-zine were verified as functioning as of the date at the top of this e-zine. Websites and e-mail addresses, however, change frequently, so changes may have occurred after that date.
 

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Welcome to the June 2004 issue of the Global Access Disabled Travel Network E-Zine. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to write us and share your travel experiences.

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CONTENTS

1. RUSSIA: ST. PETERSBURG TOURS

2. DENMARK: COPENHAGEN TOURS

3. SOUTH AFRICA: TUSCAN VILLA

4. BATTERY CAUTION

5. BRANSON, MISSOURI HOLIDAY

6. NEW ZEALAND, PART II

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1. RUSSIA: ST. PETERSBURG TOURS

Lapina Darya, of Saint Petersburg, Russia, wrote to announce her company’s accessible tours for wheelchair users. Lapina writes: “We have more then six years of successful work in all areas of tourism and are pleased to offer a wide range of programs developed for wheelchair users. It is no secret that Russia (and St. Petersburg is no exception) has offered less than nothing for disabled tourists. But recently, our company worked out accessibility problems for St. Petersburg museums, hotels and other public places. We have equipment, such as ramps and specially equipped busses, and have developed the tours to make wheelchair users feel comfortable and capable of leaping into the fascinating world of Russian culture. We wish you could tell us of the programs and tours, which would be the most interesting to you. Let your fancy fly, and dreams of Russia can come true!”

Lapina’s programs include tours of the Hermitage Museum, Russian Museum, The Peter and Paul Fortress, The Isaac’s Cathedral, Yusupovs Palace, Pavlovsk Palace, Catherine’s Palace and Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin). Water tours, along rivers and channels, are also offered, along with traditional Russian cuisine, folklore, and bania.

Write Lapina at bigblins@yandex.ru

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2. DENMARK: COPENHAGEN TOURS

Steffen Harbirk of Copenhagen, Denmark wrote to share the news of his company’s (Harbirks Bustrafik) accessible bus tours for both solo disabled travelers and groups. Steffen writes, “Tours are offered with or without an authorized guide. Our customers usually order a transfer from the airport to a hotel, a city sightseeing tour, a castle tour or a tailor-made tour. The rate depends on the number of travelers, type of tour or transfer and if they need a guide or not. Harbirks Bustrafik, established in 1967, is a family owned company with a fleet of 22 buses, which are all equipped with facilities that make a bus tour easy, relaxing and comfortable for disabled guests. Because of a special seat and floor construction, each bus is adjusted specifically to each customer. Guests in wheelchairs can stay in the wheelchairs during the tour, as wheelchairs are locked to the floor. Guests can also use the lift  and sit on a regular seat if they like. All our drivers are skilled, patient and service-minded.  We have done many tours for disabled guests over the years, and we receive more and more applications from people with a handicap who need the right bus.

Our company is located 15 minutes from Copenhagen city center and 25 minutes from Copenhagen International Airport. We are working on an English version of our company website, but it is not ready yet. However, it is possible to see the type of buses at our website.”

Steffen Harbirk, Manager of Harbirks Bustrafik A/S

Laurentsvej 18-20

DK-2880 Bagsvaerd

Denmark

Tel:  +45 44 44 32 66

Fax: +45 44 44 25 05

info@harbirk.dk
www.harbirk.dk

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3. SOUTH AFRICA: A TUSCAN VILLA

Jeremy and Anita Rice, of Cape Town, South Africa, announced the launch of their new accessible villa rental they named A Tuscan Villa.

They write: “Our four-star, Tuscan-styled villa is close to the beach, central Fish Hoek and has easy access to all of Cape Town’s attractions. The villa boasts five spacious en suite rooms. All rooms have Posturepedic beds, 100% percale cotton linen and down duvets. All bathrooms have heated towel rails and some have the added luxury of bidets and under-floor heating. All rooms are fitted with TV’s, hair dryers, safes and tea and coffee making facilities  Secure parking inside the premises, and a solar-heated swimming pool are some of the villa’s extras.

Boulders, our ground-floor suite, has been specifically designed to meet the accessibility needs of physically disabled guests. The suite has its own patio with direct access to the villa swimming pool. The accessibility adjustments were done with the aid of consultants Disability Solutions and the Independent Living Centre.

A full English, Continental or health breakfast is served with an emphasis on in- season fruit.

To learn more, visit their web site at www.atuscanvilla.co.za

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4. BATTERY CAUTION

Mary MacDonald, of Halifax, Nova Scotia sent this cautionary note regarding air travel with gel batteries. Mary writes: “I found out something new involving wheelchair airline travel. Since we arrived home from our trip to Ottawa, I noticed that my battery wasn't holding a charge very well. After charging it overnight, the battery would start to drain a little by early afternoon, even if I was simply staying at home. Here's what I learned: Exposure to extreme cold can affect the charging capacity of a gel battery by draining the electrolytes. When we flew to and from Ottawa, it was very cold, especially at higher altitudes, and my wheelchair was in the cargo hold. It would appear to have affected the charging capacity of my battery. "

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5. BRANSON, MISSOURI HOLIDAY

Judy Schletty, of Minneapolis, MN, shares her trip to Branson, MO, (country music, USA) with her boyfriend and his friend, who are both wheelchair users. http://www.geocities.com/Paris/1502/branson.htm

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6. NEW ZEALAND, PART II

Syd and June Burns, of Penrith, England, continue their trek through Hobbit land and head further south. http://www.geocities.com/Paris/1502/nzealandburns2.htm

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Global Access welcomes your travel reports, tips and comments at clearpath@cox.net Thanks for sharing!

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