A GIMPS EYE VIEW OF HOLLAND

Holland is a wonderfully gimp friendly country. With the exception of their insanely large confusing international airport, Schipol for which either a power chair or marathon runner for pushing duty is required, it is extremely easy to get around in a wheelchair. The reason for that is the same as that for why Dutch people are so slim and healthy looking: Bicycles! There are bike paths everywhere and they are smooth and easy to use. It *is* wise to keep a sharp eye on the traffic as some of the crossing give path users the right of way, but others don't as I almost found out the hard way when I almost ran over a very large bus, or did it almost run me over? No matter, the driver and I were both unpleasantly pale and Leia was most apologetic. The Dutch people are very friendly and don't gawk unless given good reason, like the times Leia and I *flew* down a ramp sending people scrambling out of our way with much happy laughter and when we had a race with R2D2 which we lost but not for trying. I think we lost because we were laughing so hard. Innocent onlookers seemed to quite enjoy it, and there were none of pitying looks we sometimes get over here. Our hotel was great too. We got the gimp room and it was kitted out to perfection, rails in all the right places, shower seat and emergency button. The few times we had trouble going up ramps (which are all over the place) there was always a friendly hand to help. Even a hotel we went to for the bar, went out of it's way to take us to correct floor in their secret service elevator and they willingly moved carts and other obstacles out of the way with a most off hand cheerful manner. There was none of the Israeli condescending "it's good that you get out" crap. It was all as natural as can be. Right, so most of my parts don't work right, but somehow the Dutch realize that there is still a real person in that crap body and they treat us like everyone else. Go Holland!! I fully intend to go back and see even more of that wonderful country. What a difference. England is great too, but no bike paths, however they do know how to slope a curb seamlessly to the street and the people are every bit as gracious.