“When the Czech and German immigrants who founded the town [of Schulenburg] first came to Texas, they found themselves missing the comforts of home and went about building churches to bring the old world to Texas. The result was the creation of some of the most beautiful churches in the nation, full of stained glass and elaborate paintings.”
(From “Historic Painted Churches of the Texas Hill Country”)
“A bridge adds energy to the landscape.” ~ Santiago Calatrava, world-renowned Spanish architect and engineer who conceived the Sundial Bridge’s unusual design
I was in the Redding area (in Northern California) for a wedding last June. With a few unscheduled hours early in the day I decided to do a little exploring, and knowing that the Sundial Bridge was nearby I made that my destination.
And . . . Wow!
Did You Know?
The MS Foundation publishes a quarterly magazine, MS Focus, for the purpose of inspiring and empowering “those affected by MS with the information necessary to make the most complete and educated decisions concerning their healthcare.”
The Winter 2016 edition of the magazine focused on “Making Travel with MS More Accessible.” We are honored to have an article published in this issue, and want to share it here … and hope you’ll share too!
Earlier this month I received an email from Sally James, a freelance writer who has recently been working with one of the UK’s leading travel portals on a guide for people with disabilities, showing how even on a cruise they can enjoy full mobility and accessibility help.
Sally asked me if I would be interested in seeing what she has written, and of course I said “Yes.” And after looking it over, I thought the guides would be worth sharing on my blog.
The TSS Earnslaw, known as the “Lady of the Lake,” is believed to be the oldest working coal-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere. 
Named after Mount Earnslaw (the highest peak in the region), she is 168 feet in length, 24 feet across the beam and weighs 330 tons.
After spending hours in a tour vehicle, or wandering through a museum, market or garden, that all-important stop to take care of bodily needs is essential.
When traveling with a wheelchair, knowing where to find an accessible “Restroom / WC / Toilette” is even more important.
Carrieanna recently returned from her very first cruise. It will not be her last!
Carrieanna and Vicki on deck.
She and her Aunt Vicki (a cruise veteran) took a seven-day trip to Alaska (the Alaska Tracy Arm Fjord Cruise) on the Celebrity Solstice. Along the way they stopped at Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as spending one evening at the Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC.
The cruise included MS educational programs, accessible shore excursions and, of course, some amazing experiences — not to mention many photo opportunities!
I asked Carrieanna a few questions about her experience.
… but I have visited a few incredible museums!
Here’s a short list:
In the Netherlands:
In Italy:
In Egypt:
Over the years I have heard that Parisians are rude.
I have never found that to be true — well, with the possible exception of *that one* taxi driver in 2002.
In fact, while visiting Paris in 2009, Carrieanna and I found the exact opposite to be true.
As noted in a previous blog post, we were in Paris to celebrate Carrieanna’s birthday.
After spending a weekend at nearby Murphys, California, some friends and I decided to visit the Calaveras Big Trees before heading home to the Sacramento area.
Anything Is Possible Travel 