Summary of the meaning of the trip

As an occupational therapist, I think among the most memorable events during the trip was the wheelchair basketball game where individuals who were wheelchair users and ambulatory participants switched places. I saw that changing of roles more and more as time went on. The individuals who used chairs for mobility tended to leave the chair to sit in regular seats on the bus or at tables or wherever they felt like being. The fully ambulatory participants began to use the chairs to play in; practicing wheelies, to sit in, and when power chair users were driving their chairs, the ambulatory rode on the back. Sometimes, the power chair users towed the manual chair users, up hills for example. Unlike in the rest of the world, it seemed that that chair had no stigma; it was a vehicle that was available for anyone to try. This was especially so during the wheelchair basketball game, where the able bodied were encouraged by the wheelchair basketball pros to try them out and play. The various features of the chairs were discussed and compared between the models owned by the players, and compared to sports chairs. With these athletes, a comparison between a wheelchair and a bicycle was easy to make. They both roll and are useful for sports. They are competitive tools. They were enablers, not disablers. This was very moving to me.

The people were really friendly and warm. In an inaccessible jewelry store, the shopkeeper brought her wares to the street for Lydia to see.  I learned to ask. In one restaurant there was a very steep ramp and a security guard helped me push Lydia up and down several times, so that I could take her to another shop to use the only street level bathroom. Most restaurants either had a step up or bathrooms were downstairs somewhere. Bathrooms are very important when you travel, particularly, if you are trying to stay hydrated!

The food was always delicious. I always felt safe. I enjoyed meeting so many young adults from different places, with different abilities and backgrounds.

I was still amazed that I had been in Israel until I landed in NYC.

Some parts of the trip I did not like. I did not like being dropped off for 3-4 hours in a marketplace or dock without directions about the locations of accessible bathrooms. Also, in mid day it was hot and we were very tired at night and being stranded without accessible transportation was uncomfortable and I believe unnecessary. These were minor, although aggravating issues. I would recommend more openness and choices given, as well as better planning about those places.

In the old city

June 8, Day 5, Friday: On this day after breakfast, we headed to tour the Old City. The views from the bus window were amazing because of the historical significance of the buildings and the mix of old and new. The pictures attached show the diversity of cultures and aging. We started at the Davidson Center, which is accessible and outside of the South gate of the old city. We had a delicious picnic lunch outside under a tree then toured and heard lectures by our intrepid and extremely knowledgeable guide, Elat about the history of the building of the Second Temple as well as the Muslim buildings. We saw the

Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is built on top of the Temple Mount.  

The city is an intriguing blend of Jewish and Arabic peoples and religions and through this trip I can also see how ambiguous the boundaries are.  The lectures were fabulous as we learned about the Old City and tried to visualize what was here before the Romans destroyed the Temple. We got to pray and leave messages at the Kotel, Western "wailing" Wall. The women's side divided by a partition from the men's side is one third in width. I stood next to a woman who was literally sobbing with her arms on the wall. Nikki gave us some more background about the Wall and a ramp that was under construction and being blocked politically by Muslims. The ramp would take Jews to the top of the Temple Mount, but they said that it would soften the structure underneath. I am not really clear about what they mean, but it just typifies the challenges of a city that is so sacred to major faiths. 

After the Kotel, we prepared for a Kaballat Shabbat at the Hotel, then a Shabbat dinner and went to bed.  

June 9, Day 6, Saturday, Shabbat, rest, havdalah service at 2015 at the grand court hotel (free wifi!), shopping & downtown Jerusalem. Bought jewelry on Ben Yehuda street and around there and ate dinner.Pita is really handy for a walk-around food and it is the local fast food. So many orthodox families, as well as lots of Taglit young people. Buzzing of English & Hebrew everywhere. We were there until midnight and closed the place down.  More pictures from there forthcoming. 

 

June 7 Activities with No Limits

June 6, Day 3, Wednesday: Day three was our day going to the most north east corner of the country, Golan heights, where we visited an archeological park, Tel Dan, went to an artist colony, and the Golan Heights winery for wine tasting. We tasted a Riesling, a red wine, and a dessert wine that had a little brandy. I loved the dessert wine and got a little tipsy. We went to the gift shop where I purchased a small bottle of wine for $10 equivalent. Lydia bought a white mezuzah and a t-shirt. In the artist colony we had a lovely lunch with tuna or cheese or egg sandwich, whole grain rolls, and pastries. Some time of orange drink was also served. We visited a couple of jewelry stores and Lydia bought  earrings and a ring, but was given a necklace with a glass flower bead. We then drove past the Sea of Galilee and on to Tiberius/a for dinner. The scenery was beautiful with the water a bright blue. The marketplace had fast food type places and sit down restaurants. We had a French bread pizza for dinner. Not sure what Lydia ate, as she was out with new friends. Most places take plastic, but I am glad that I got some sheckles for the market.

June 7, Day 4, Thursday, Mifgash Day 1. Mifgash are Israelis who participate to develop the relationship between peers in North America & Israelis. We now have 3 Mifgash with us. Sapir Lieb & Shiran Fridan are two young women. All Israelis serve in the military after college, then go on with their private lives. Sapir is a law student who is disabled with paraplegia and her companion. Natanel Yhuda is staying with Mickey Kay, our staff member. Natanel is currently serving in the military in intelligence and is a graphic designer. He is also a wheelchair user with a power chair and his English is difficult to understand as his voice is somewhat hoarse and breathy. We drove to Jerusalem where we met the mifgash at the Haas Promenade in front of the conference center where the Taglit 13 year Mega Event was held. We are no longer staying at Beit Kay and are moving to the Leonardo in Jerusalem. The Mega event was exactly so—there were maybe a couple thousand seats filled by Birthright kids from US, Canada, India, & Australia. Lots of loud music by various Israeli stars, including a 13 year old from the Israeli version of So you got talent, etc., and Hope6, which is a Hebrew reggae band. There was dancing, singing, pyrotechnics, and lots of confetti shot down from overhead. Lydia stood holding onto the handles of a w/c in front of her and danced. She had a blast and I really enjoyed the music too. We ate fast food falafels. It was a really late night, meaning that at 1:30 a.m. we hit the pillow. I am generally cranky at night and in the morning until I have my coffee, as we are getting little sleep on a regular basis, but holding up otherwise.

The gal with short curly hair and eyes closed is Nicole "Nikki" Greenspan, who is staff of Routes Travel, who contracts with Taglit (Birthright), coordinates all aspects of the trip, hires our wonderful guide, Elat, and our security person/soldier, Neer.

Charles Bronfman & Michael Steinhardt are co-founders of Birthright Israel. You can click to go to the Wiki about their history with the organization, etc. They are the two elderly gentleman in the pix above.

More Israel photos

Each morning we start out with an Israeli breakfast, which has scrambled eggs (where are my Egg Beaters? I can feel my cholesterol rising), various white cheese, some on olive oil, and various salads. Cukes are very popular at each meal, along with peppers, tomatoes, various farm cheeses and what seems to be sour cream with dill, pastries, two types of coffee, cereals (mostly flakes), and whole milk. The bread has been white. The coffees are instant but one is Turkish which is quite strong. The coffee is a powder mixed with water. Tuna is present, mostly dark. We have breakfast from 8-830 a.m., then hurry to the bus to depart by 9 a.m. We have been getting to our rooms around 10 or 10:30 and in bed around midnight.

Day three was our day going to the most north east corner of the country, Golan heights, where we visited an archeological park, Tel Dan, went to an artist colony, and the Golan Heights winery for wine tasting. We tasted a Riesling, a red wine, and a dessert wine that had a little brandy. I loved the dessert wine and got a little tipsy. We went to the gift shop where I purchased a small bottle of wine for $10 equivalent. Lydia bought a white mezuzah and a t-shirt. In the artist colony we had a lovely lunch with tuna or cheese or egg sandwich, whole grain rolls, and pastries. Some time of orange drink was also served. We visited a couple of jewelry stores and Lydia bought  earrings and a ring, but was given a necklace with a glass flower bead. We then drove past the Sea of Galilee and on to Tiberius/a for dinner. The scenery was beautiful with the water a bright blue. The marketplace had fast food type places and sit down restaurants. We had a French bread pizza for dinner. Not sure what Lydia ate, as she was out with new friends. Most places take plastic, but I am glad that I got some sheckles for the market.

Group at Lotem

Lotem

Haifa

Haifa

Haifa

Nature preserve at lotem

Rosh Hanikra cave cut by Mediterraneam & grottos

Rosh Hanikra tunnel description

Rosh Hanikra cable car

Day 1 continued. The flight to Israel was really amazing. Yes, it was long, however, the service was so supportive. The attendants were very available, assisted with Lydia's transfers, actually walking with her at times, in order to reach the toilet. They seemed very comfortable, unlike the US attendants. I heard that they were trained by the medical reservations specialist, Rona. The food was good and it was difficult to understand what meal were we eating, because of the time zone difference. We eat breakfast at 1:30 a.m. EST, etc. Most of the passengers were Birthright travelers and very noisy as they were excited to be together. They seemed to know each other and there was a rabbi on board. Also, some ultra Orthodox men & women who prayed in the middle of the night were present. Lydia seemed very comfortable on the trip and was awake most of the time--not me! I dozed on an off intentionally to try to get some sleep and get on schedule.

Once we landed we had a full day of sightseeing, eating, and trying to stay awake. We were around Tel Aviv and took a hike around the area. It is rather dry with irrigation in some areas. We had an hour 1/2 bus ride and many of us fell asleep. The tour guide, bus driver, and Routes travel staff are wonderful! So helpful and knowledgeable. Lyd is meeting great young people of all sorts of abilities and interests, and enjoying herself immensely.

We have been staying in Naharyia at Beit Kay and also visited Akka, which is a very historic place. We are learning much about the complex history of Israel. Tuesday we visited an area outside of Lebanon, Rosh Hanikra, and a nature reserve at Lotem. We played standup and w/c basketball. Two of the participants are serious basketball players (1 is now a staff member) and the rest just played. it was a real hoot! You can see pix on Facebook at Amazing Israel.

Trip to NYC

To NYC:  Denice, Lydia's caregiver, helped me take apart Lydia's manual wheelchair, and we put the armrests, back, and foot rests in a large bag from Samsonite that I got at Bed Bath & Beyond a week ago. It is that ripstop nylon stuff and completely collapsible, with handles, and holds a lot. I found out how to unplug the joystick from the battery, so that the chair cannot be accidentally turned on. One of our large bags weights 51#, and the other weighs 53#. They are stuffed, because we have orthoses, breathing equipment, and the usual stuff. The suitcases that we bought are 28-29" high and roll well. I feel good about the planning.



Luckily, last night I remembered to contact Delta to be sure that they were prepared for two wheelchairs. I was so preoccupied with the flight arrangement with EL AL that I had neglected to prepare Delta. It all worked out, however. Lydia had an aisle chair on the way and our seats were in the very back of the plane next to the bathroom. The seats were changed last night once I explained her needs. Delta has a lot of info on their website for individuals with disabilities, including emotional support animals. I was impressed. At first the phone ticket agent said that any change to the ticket would cost $150, but she retracted that.

We learned that Lydia left her Ipad at security in Fort Lauderdale, because she was busy with the screener who put it on the belt while she was doing the usual wiping of Lydia's clothes, chair, orthotics, etc. I didn't know that she had it with her, so....I called the airport and left a message with the lost & found. We can pick it up on the way back. So glad that it is an Ipad I and not terribly valuable at this point.

Lydia was upset however, as she has lots of personal stuff on it.

There was an aisle chair waiting for us at the jetway and the loading of the wheelchairs was smooth. I was glad that I had packed up the parts of the manual chair.The flight from FLL to JFK was comfortable and uneventful. However, we had a 45 minute wait for an aisle chair out of the plane when we arrived at JFK. I ended up walking Lydia with her cane 1/2 way down the narrow aisle and finally an attendant had a chair. The Delta agent manager was very concerned once we deplaned, got our ticket numbers, and gave us each a $100 gift card toward our next Delta flight. That was nice. We had a great airport attendant who was very helpful with moving our stuff. However, when I called the hotel stating that we were at the baggage and needed the wheelchair accessible van to pick us up and take us to the hotel, as they promise, a problem occurred. After a 30 minute wait, the driver pulled up and the van was sizable and had a faintly painted wheelchair symbol on it. The driver noted that the lift or ramp had been removed. He offered to lift the power chair but I declined. The airport attendant walked over to the taxi stand and knew that yellow cab had an accessible van. Another 30 minutes later or so, we had a van with a ramp with tie downs, etc. We were on our way!

When we got to the hotel, I asked the hotel to pay the taxi driver and told them that I expected the same on the way back. It worked out. The room was clean but extremely tight for the power chair. It did have a roll in shower but the floor was not slanted properly, so the floor got wet, even with a drain. It was a decent shower and the bed was comfortable. It would have been OK, had it not been for the power chair and huge pieces of luggage that we had. After 5 hours, we arose and had breakfast. It was a fair breakfast. Lyd did her makeup and I repacked us. The taxi came at 7 ish and we arrived at the airport at 730 a.m. , a real record for us! The rest of the Taglit group arrived between 8 and 930. 

The agent at ELAL asked lots of strange questions, about what was the last Jewish holiday and which Jewish holidays we celebrated, if I knew someone in Israel (any relatives, and their relationships), if we were synagogue members and which synagogue, each of our Jewish names, and other Jewish trivia. I guess that we passed the test because we then were able to deposit our luggage and go through the arduous process of security clearance. Another weird thing happened in security and I almost lost Lydia's cane in the security line. An old woman became impatient waiting for a female attendant to check her and her wheelchair out, so she stood up in the lane for screening. The male HSA agent grabbed Lydia's cane off of the belt, where I had carefully placed it on our bins to keep everything together. He gave the cane to the old lady then placed it aside, so that it was no longer with our stuff. I had gathered all of our stuff and walked to our gate, with two small rolling bags and then realized, deposited the bags with Lydia and walked briskly back to the security area to reclaim the cane. I definitely need to put a sticky label on the cane next time!

The ELAL service on the plane has been just superb! We have never experienced anything like it. The attendants actually help and not just watch. They have an aisle chair that is a tiny wheelchair and the attendant actually helped me walk with Lydia outside the bathroom into the actual water closet and taught me a good technique. He came back when I made eye contact across the room and assisted. They gave us ear phones and ear plugs, and have movies running. Unfortunately, the sound isn't working on our sets, but hummus and warm fresh pita were really nice. The food is Kosher, of course.

It is fun hearing Hebrew accents spoken. We have met nice young people and their companions and are eager to get to know them better. Lydia and I have been napping because when we arrive, it will be 515 a.m.!

Rachelle

Preparing for the big trip

Getting ready for the big adventure to Israel with Lydia. I have been preparing for a couple of months since I have to plan for both of us. Traveling in the US, even in our own city with a wheelchair is challenging enough. Even with the ADA, businesses still put trash cans in front of bathrooms, have crowded aisles,  and inaccessible tables in restaurants.  Sometimes we have been promised a fully accessible room, only to find that the particular room was booked before we got there and there is a tub.

Having never flown out of the country, I had to learn the maximum size of the luggage, translated from metric to the US system of measurement. Packing for an extended period of time without access to the laundry requires special preparation, so I have purchased some apparel that are stain resistant, UV-blocking, and can be hand washed at the sink. After reading various tips online, I also considered lots of pockets in the cargo pants. I even purchased inflatable neck pillow for the flight for each of us, although not sure how comfortable they will be. Not sure what to do about the fleece travel blanket as it takes up a lot of room. Perhaps I can find something thinner online if I search around some more.

The biggest issue has been adapting to all of the electronics. After hearing about devices melting and burning, I was just a tad concerned.  I purchased a dual-voltage hair dryer, as the cost was equal to the price of an adapter. I also bought several adapters, after learning the specific type of plug that is used in Israel. I learned that most modern electronics are made for dual voltage, so you only have to adapt the plug, not transform the current itself. Whew! Laptops and cameras are compatible with dual current, but I was very concerned about Lydia's DME. I learned that both the power chair and the BIPAP are compatible with the 220 voltage. When calling Pride Mobility, the wonderful technician gave me the contact info for a company in Israel that could service the chair if needed.

I have been debating for months whether to take Lydia's manual chair since we will be taking her power chair. I can convince myself either way; the challenge of traveling with two chairs as well as suitcases and a quad cane is a little unsettling, but it is easier for her to navigate in small areas such as hotel rooms with her manual chair. Also, her battery only travels a maximum of 20 miles per day; as in the example of mpg ratings for vehicles, this is probably a big overestimate. So, we will probably take the manual too!

I have been reading various tips about traveling with wheelchairs on airlines. I plan to carefully mark all of the manual chair pieces with tape and put all of the small parts (foot rests, seat cushion, contoured back) in a bag together for the plane. I will probably use Velcro to fasten the manual chair in the folded position. It's a lot of responsibility for one person to manage all this and the loss of the pieces would make it difficult if not impossible to use the chair at all. However, I have traveled many times with the manual chair before, so need to just get over this part. There will be many helpers once we arrive in Israel who will assist with moving our equipment into the hotel.

I did some research about the hotels and guest houses where we will be staying. We will be staying in each hotel for at least two nights. Routes Travel has done an excellent job locating accessible hotels, with pools, etc. There will be 10 young people and their companions on the accessible bus. The trip looks amazing and we will be on the go! Hike at Neot Kedumim, grottos of Rosh Hanikra, Golan Winery, Tiberius, Jerusalem, Ben Yehuda, Dead Sea (of course), Yad Vashem, and more. While I have seen pictures, I cannot even

I have read a few blogs from previous participants on this and related trips and feel more comfortable about the experience. One of the first places that we will stay will be Beit Kay in Naharia, which is a facility built for the disabled veterans. It seems to have lots of rehabilitation services from its description, so I hope to visit that more closely and see if I can take some pix. When I really think about it, what other developed country would have the need for such facilities? And have the resources to do so? I know that I will learn a lot and appreciate the seeing and hearing about the history of the Jewish homeland.