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GLOBETROTTINGFIFTH ISSUE - WEEK OF OCTOBER 5, 1999“THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE DEVOTION TO MOTION WORLD TOUR” Welcome friends as we circle the globe in search of more effective ways to improve the quality of life. During our journey we will explore various forms of complementary medicines and share our findings with you. We will also address accessibility issues and investigate more convenient options to ease the never ending pressures of traveling. In each issue, Globetrotting will have a special section created for today's youth with an emphasis on educating children and teens on the historical facts of each country. Finally, each issue will contain two trivia questions and some popular words and/or phrases from each country. For more updated news, diary entries, in-depth research results, and pictures from our journey, please visit our website, www.d2motion.com. We hope you will enjoy the path we have chosen!!
D2M TRIVIA QUESTION #1... World Trivia Complementary MedicineOne of the oldest and most popular methods of complementary medicine in Greece is homeopathy. Created in 1796 by a German doctor, Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathy is the Greek word meaning “similar suffering.” The primary focus of this type of treatment is to awaken the body’s natural healing abilities which can be best described as restoring vitality to the root of a tree. Without strong roots, the tree would die. Homeopathy focuses on the body as a whole, rather than treating parts of the body which claim to be ailing. The belief of its practioners is that when there is disharmony within a person, there is a natural tendency for the body to produce symptoms of ill health. When a person is experiencing good health, his or her emotional, physical, and mental states are flowing harmoniously and are free of blockages. The main objective of homeopathy is to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism which can often be difficult due to the body’s creativity in what it interprets to be survival. A homeopath can intervene through a very lengthy and thorough interview which precludes any dissemination of medicines or other recommendations. During the interview, which can last from about 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the severity or complexity of the illness, a series of questions are asked that focus on one’s physical, emotional, and mental states. These questions have a tendency to involve one’s childhood, family, relationships, previous illnesses, career, and all the other ingredients packaged together to form one’s life. Many researchers observe homeopaths in a psychologist’s role, trying to unveil any trauma, fears, or insecurities which may be contributing to one’s physical, emotional, or mental health. Communication is a vital element in the equation. The patient must be willing to be open and honest while answering the questions so that the homeopath can have as much knowledge as possible so that he or she may narrow down the choices of homeopathic remedies. Please note that homeopathic remedies consist of over 2500 natural plants, animal and mineral products which are diluted in a pharmaceutical-like setting. Considering the numerous remedies and dosages which can be described, it is very important for the homeopath to recognize any his or her patient’s defense mechanism while answering questions. This is another reason why the interviewing process takes longer with some patients. During our visit to Athens, I had the opportunity to connect with Greece’s father of homeopathy, George Vithoulkas, who has written many books about this fascinating modality of healing. In our one hour session, we appeared to discuss everything from the moment I was born up until I arrived for my appointment with him. While I had a basic knowledge of homeopathy, I was not prepared for the series of questions he asked me. Had I been prepared for any of the questions, I may have been able to develop some defense mechanisms prior to my visit. I still managed to construct a small fortress during the interview which George was able to crumble with little effort. He has been practicing homeopathy for many years, so he is very intuitive when it comes to our many ways of deflecting questions. I found myself laughing at many times when he caught me trying to hide. It was virtually impossible. I still find it to be quite amazing on how protective we are of ourselves even during times when we have a complete knowingness that someone is trying to help us. After our consultation, he placed me on two homeopathic remedies with no mention of what was being treated. Even after asking him what these prescriptions were for treating, he would not respond. Again, I laughed. Had he told me what he was treating, my mind and defense mechanisms could have begun a reconstruction. When I finished the treatments, I did some research and found out that the two remedies, which I should note were of the same name but different potency, focus on releasing the suppression that one feels from others. In other words, he believed that I do not like to be told what to do and as my body’s resistance to this constant badgering, my body channeled this resentment in the form of paralysis. Quite interesting, I must say! Did the remedies work? The first night I began taking the remedies I was up all night as my legs would not stop trembling and the pins and needles sensation I constantly feel in my legs increased twofold. Eventually the following day the trembling and increased sensation subsided and George phoned me and said with a laugh, “You had a rough night, didn’t you?” I had not said a word before he asked me that question. In conclusion, homeopathy has intrigued the Devotion to Motion team for many reasons. First, no promises are made in regards to restoring one’s health. Second, homeopaths believe that every case is as unique as you are. Third, this practice focuses on the body as a whole. Finally, the homeopath is a facilitator, but recognizes that ultimately, the individual can only heal or cure him or herself. Homeopathy is practiced around the world and remedies are even now available at many pharmacies. Note of caution...please visit a licensed homeopath before purchasing any remedies. Claims can be made that a certain remedy can treat a specific symptom, but as we mentioned before, the correct remedy and dosage is recommended solely on your answers during an interview with a homeopath. Our thanks to George Vithoulkas for his precision and dedication to assisting others in their healing process. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our newfound friend, , who drove us to the airport and provided us with more knowledge on homeopathy. NOTE: If you or anyone in your circle of friends are connected with any healer or complementary/alternative medical practitioner around the world who you would like us to research or visit, please email us at chesney12@comcast.net. D2M TRIVIA QUESTION #2... Funny Trivia Accessibility Based on AbilityGreece is a country that has much work to do in preparation for the 2004 Olympics, to be held in Athens. We had a pretty decent transition from the airport in Rome to the one in Athens. Scott was assisted with boarding from the front of the aircraft in Rome, and was lead out in Athens from the rear of the plane. First, a bit about our luggage. Since we are doing quite a bit of traveling, it is impossible to pact lightly. Thus far, we have not had to pay an additional fee for extra weight, until we came flew Alitalia. Despite our efforts to explain to them that the majority was from medical supplies (honestly), the officials did not budge much. We ended up spending almost $200.00 before we could board the plane. We understand that the plane is smaller, but there were only 15 people on the entire plane, including the flight crew. The aircraft was equipped to seat 30 persons. Oh well, the price to pay for traveling. We have to give Alitalia credit for their “on-board safety instructions,” not only did they have television screens to depict the emergency procedure, they also had a sign-language interpreter on the screen, for those persons with difficulty hearing. We have not witnessed this at all during our travels, thus far. After landing, we were taken to baggage claim in a small van, specially equipped for transporting a wheelchair. The other passengers are taken to baggage claim via a shuttle bus that comes to the plane. Note, in many airports, the plane does not stop at a gate, it stops in the middle of the runway, whereby the passengers walk down the staircase and board the awaiting shuttle bus. We have been informed that there is to be a brand new airport built specifically for the Olympics. Now for the fun part, the cab ride to the hotel. (Dear friends, please read Scott’s commentary about taxi drivers “on the Lighter Side.”) I’m sure you’ll have a good laugh at our expense. But seriously, we had a difficult time getting a cab driver to pick us up. A police officer actually forced the taxi driver to stop and take us. Then we ended up paying a pretty penny, or shall I say drachmas, to the driver when we finally got to the hotel. However, not to worry, we will share our experiences with you, in hopes that you won’t be taken advantage of, at least not too much. Just a note, the taxis look like regular cars just yellow. In quotation marks, is advice about taxi’s from “Odyssey, the World of Greece,” a complementary guide from our hotel, (our comments). “Taxi drivers tend to smoke like fiends; feel free to ask them to put their cigarettes out, but don’t expect a courteous reply.” (Folks, this is so true...Scott & I don’t even dare try this). Although you will see signs for taxi stands, “you’ll seldom find taxis at them,” (seldom, more like never). ”Getting a cab in Athens on the street is a matter of flagging it down and calling out the street where you are going as they approach make sure you mouth your destination clearly, because the driver won’t slow down much.” (If they slow down at all). “It’s rare to get a cab to yourself during rush hours, so expect other people to be in the cab, or to pick up others heading in the same direction after you’re already in. Remember, you can always reserve the right to refuse.” (Yeah right, our drivers kept stopping every two blocks, we didn’t seem to have an option to refuse). But seriously, the guide was helpful in at least explaining the customs of the Greek taxis. We spoke with Mr. Angelos Rouchotas, Deputy Director of Public Transportation and Coordinator for the project to make mass transit accessible. He was extremely honest and excited about the plans to make Athens “fully accessible” by the Olympics. As per Mr. Rouchotas currently, there is a “pilot project” (a scale down version of their plans) underway in Athens, with 46 bus lines accessible; meaning a low step, and a ramp. By 2004 the Metro (trains), a total of three lines will be adapted for the handicapped. In addition to making public transportation wheelchair accessible, they are also planning on assisting the blind by installing voice activated buses to announce each bus stop. As well as a different texture of pavement at the entrance of bus and train stops. Furthermore, persons who are deaf will benefit from this renovation, as the buses will have written input for the name of the bus stop. This seems like a massive undertaking by the public transportation system, best of luck to them in this grandiose endeavor. It is hoped that all transportation, except the trolleys, will be able to carry people who are disabled. Trolleys you see, are the main source for commuter traveling to the heart of Athens. They are electrically powered buses that obtain energy from cables attached to each bus. Technical electrical difficulties have been the primary cause for not making this means of transportation accessible. There is a plan to add a low step for entrance, but none for a ramp. Let’s shift to the hotel accessibility, we researched six different hotel chains (ranging from 3 star to 5 star establishments). Despite the fact that we were given their names as being accessible by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, when speaking to the staff, we realized that the majority were not “accessible.” Our hotel, the Holiday Inn in Athens, a 5 star hotel, has 192 rooms, and one accessible room with a roll-in shower. However, this room was with a single bed, and we didn’t feel like emulating sardines. The gracious staff was able to change our room to an executive suite. (Not made to be accessible, but the bathroom and its doorway was big enough for Scott’s wheelchair to enter. The sink also had enough room underneath, and suited his needs). This has been happening pretty often on our journey, accessible accommodations can be made. The second hotel we’d like to mention is the Ledra Marriott, also in Athens, this is a 5-star hotel, with 270 rooms, including 3 accessible rooms. Accommodations are quite spacious and fully functional for a person in a wheelchair. In addition, the Hilton in Athens, has 453 rooms including 2 accessible rooms. Of the others, one was said to be accessible, but “has a large step to enter into the bathroom.” Finally, I will leave you with one quote from a 5-star hotel, when asked how many of your rooms are accessible, reply “All of our rooms are wheelchair accessible, except that the person cannot get into any of the bathrooms, aside from that, we are an accessible hotel.” Things that make you go “hmmmm???” As a fitting conclusion to our one week visit
to Athens, we decided to do what every tourist to Greece should
experience...a cruise! Whenever you speak to someone about Greece,
immediately he or she tells you that you must take a cruise to some of
its beautiful islands. So, as quickly as we put our intention out there
to venture on a one day cruise to the islands of Poros, Aegina, and
Hydra, Hermes en Grece, one of the oldest and most respected tourism
corporations in Greece since 1925, requested that we evaluate
accessibility on their ship and the three islands. On board the vessel
Hermes, accessibility was very good on the main deck. Boarding the ship
will require assistance because one is greeted by a portable,
boardwalk-like ramp which is difficult to maneuver alone considering the
angle of the ramp and the grooves of the ramp itself. No need to worry
as the entire staff is trained to lift an individual in a wheelchair and
is open to The bathrooms are not accessible, so I managed to find isolated areas on board the ship, while Pat stood in front of me to assure me of privacy. On route to the second of three islands, lunch is served in the dining room on board the ship and requires a simple lift over a ten inch curb. On the return trip home to Athens, a traditional Greek performance is held up stairs on board and the staff is willing to carry you up, chair and all once again. So basically, the disabled traveler is not excluded from enjoying an aspect of the voyage if he is she is willing to be carried. If you are seeking total independence on board this ship then you will be quite frustrated. We strongly suggest that you allow others to assist you because it is a trip that you will cherish for the rest of your life. For your information, we are in constant contact with Hermes en Grece and have been informing them of infrastructure changes which could benefit the disabled passenger and they have been quite receptive. In regards to accessibility on the three islands, they are very difficult to maneuver. Considering that the time was limited on each of the islands, it is only fair that we inform you of the general surroundings closest to the port where our ship docked. Just as Athens is a very old city and built primarily out of stone, the islands of Poros, Aegina, and Hydra are structurally similar. One will face many passage ways or sidewalks of the cobblestone nature which is very uneven and a “rocky” ride to say the least. Since my wheelchair has smaller front casters, comparable to the smaller wheels on roller blades, I found myself popping “wheelies” many times to avoid punishing my wheelchair and avoiding any obstacles involving my sitting balance. Some of the tourist shops in the surrounding areas of the port have a six inch curb to get into while many of the restaurants are located outside and are similar to outdoor cafes. Please take into consideration that you will find it difficult to locate accessible bathrooms, so you will have to be creative when nature calls. Once again, it is imperative to communicate and let others assist you. By the way be sure that you don’t make the same mistake we did when reading a sign that reads “To Let” or to lease an apartment or office building. On many occasions we thought the signs read “TOILET,” but with the “I” missing! All in all, if you do allow others to help you to get around, whether it be to take in a breathtaking view of the beautiful Aegean Sea or museums, you will be quite pleased with our Greece experience. Our thanks go out to the staff for the Holiday Inn, Athens, for contributing to our pleasant stay. Our appreciation to Mr. Yannis Paleologos, Manager of Chat Tours, who arranged for a complementary one-day cruise so that we could assess the accessibility. To contact Chat / Hermes Tour Group, email them: hermesgr@ath.forthnet.gr Our sincere gratitude to Mr. Angelos Rouchotas, Director of Public transportation for taking the time to inform us of the upcoming plans to make Athens more accessible, www.oasa.gr.
EducationPROPER NAME OF COUNTRY: Elliniki Dimokratia Facts:
ON A LIGHTER NOTE... Greek Taxi DriversNext time when you look up the word “angry” in the dictionary, please let us know if you find a picture of a Greek taxi driver next to the word. The anger within many of these individuals can be felt immediately when entering the car. The passenger often feels guilty for stopping the driver and giving him some business. No joke! Now, it is politically correct that we take all the factors that may be contributing to this anger into consideration. First of all, never in our worldwide experiences have we witnessed taxi meters that were so slow. In the majority of the countries we have visited, we became nauseated while watching the fares increase. This is not the case. You almost want to tap the meter on the side to make sure that it is working. Second, traffic usually moves at a generous crawl at best. The city just can not handle the number of residents and tourists with its existing roadways. Thank God for the many changes which the 2004 Olympics will foster!! Otherwise, there are no excuses for their behavior. Do you need a laugh? There were many times when I had to hide in between parked cars, while Pat flagged down a taxi. Why? Because if many of the taxi drivers saw me next to Pat in the wheelchair, they would not even consider picking us up. Too much work to put my wheelchair in the car, I guess! There was actually an occasion when Pat flagged down a cab, it stopped, I reappeared from my hiding place, and the driver drove off with a perplexed look. Technically, this is not allowed in Greece, but it still happens. Oh, to add insult to injury, the few drivers who will actually pick me up attempt to charge us extra for transporting my wheelchair! Sometimes I think I would have more luck hitchhiking!!
Your Help is Needed!!!We will be traveling to United Arab Emirates
(Dubai), Israel (Tel Aviv), Egypt (Cairo), Kenya (Nairobi) and South
Africa (Capetown) in the next few months. If you or any of your family,
friends, and/or colleagues have contacts (alternative medicine
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