Galapagos

Having a disability creates problems which you can choose to either overcome or become resigned to the situation in which you find yourself. The latter was not an option for me, and I have always strived to find ways to adapt. One problem which I have struggled to overcome is the willingness to ask for help. My family would call me stubborn, to put it lightly, and that I sometimes need help has not come quickly. Travelling has taught me that people in group situations are more than willing to assist, usually without even being asked. On the trip to Galapagos, the fellow travellers on the ship, 13 in all, formed a cohesive group and at different times and in different situations, there always seemed to be at least two people that were there to support me. There have also been situations where, when traveling solo, I have been struggling with a pack or climbing stairs, and complete strangers have offered me help. It was pointed out to me that it was no burden on others to assist and that the different people who did help were in turn appreciative of some aid and advice I gave them, such as with camera functions and sharing my knowledge of flora and fauna. Similarly, in the latter stages of my career, I have found that while I cannot physically assist community groups and projects, I can offer advice and guidance. My growing confidence as a disabled traveller has encouraged me to share some photos and stories so that others may similarly gain the confidence to travel to places which they otherwise may have thought the virtue of their disability excluded them.