People often say that when you return from a holiday, the first thing you think about is where to go next.
This year, after my trip to China, I’ve been doing that, and revisiting an earlier idea of a plan to visit Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm.
After my fall and a total hip replacement in Feburary, I wasn’t sure I could make the trip to Europe.
A friend mentioned the cheap flight deal to China, and since I had been there before before I became a lower-limb amputee, I knew what to expect and decided to give it a try. That trip, which I’ve written about previously, was a great experience.
Now, after some thought, I’ve decided to revisit the European option! Since Sweden is one of my favorite countries, I knew I wanted to go there, and prioritized that over Paris and Berlin.
As I thought deeply about it, the prospect of long flight seemed a bit daunting, so I’ve decided to break up the trip. I’ve booked a flight to Bangkok for a few days, then on to Sweden for about three weeks, which may also include a quick side trip to London.
I’ve been to the Bangkok airport many times but have never actually explored the city. I’m excited to finally spend a few days there and learn about Thai culture. I’ll also be spending a couple of days in Ayutthaya, a nearby historic town. Funnily enough, one of the women who works at my local pub is from Ayutthaya, and she told me her sister works at a motel there. She was very keen to know where I was staying, but I’m not sure yet since it’s a two-day group tour.
I’m a little concerned about visiting temples, though, as I understand you’re expected to take off your shoes. This is a bit of an issue for me, as a lower limb amputee, as I can’t easily walk around barefoot on either my physical foot or my prosthetic. I’ll need to figure out a solution for that, so any tips would be welcome! Or maybe I just stay outside?
After Bangkok, I’m heading to Sweden. I was worried I might never be able to go to a snowy or icy place again because of the risk of falling. The last time I was there was in 2017. Since then, the pandemic and my amputation have kept me from going back.
A friend in Sweden warned me that February is the “worst time of the year” because it’s so cold and icy. I know I have to be extra careful, especially after my fall this year. But if other amputees can be winter Paralympians, I can at least give it a try. I’m so excited to (hopefully) see snow and ice again!
My plan is to travel light to Bangkok, and pick up some winter gear there to start with, and then visit a second hand clothing store on arrival in Stockholm.
To prepare, I’ve been watching YouTube videos on what people wear in Stockholm during February.
I’ve also been paying close attention to the footpaths and accessibility of different areas to remind myself of what to expect to avoid slipping over.
What you can’t see, of course, is the thermal underwear, which is not so much of a thing in Australia, and which I’ve also been researching!! According to this video, synthetics are probably the best!
My previous trips in March were wonderful, with beautiful snowy and icy weather, so I’m hoping for a similar experience this time around.
But it’s not just slipping over that I need to worry about. A previous post of when I visited Stockholm in March indicated a propensity for cold weather hives. https://jamesobrien.id.au/2013/03/thursday-in-stockholm/ And some research around amputees and cold weather told me, “Cold weather can pose unique challenges for individuals with amputations, impacting both their residual limbs and prosthetic devices.:
So, that’s my next big plan! If you have any advice for me, especially about the temple situation, or indeed the snow and ice, I’d love to hear it.
It immediately struck me that there may not be a large range of cold weather clothing available in Bangkok.
Hi Andrew, yes I know what you mean, though I looked it up and Bangkok has winter gear readily available, because it’s an international city etc. But the more I’m learning about layering, the more I’m realizing I just need some good thermal underwear, and my existing jacket to get me through the first 48 hours, and then if I still need something extra, I can pick it up in Stockholm. It’s likely Bangkok where I can pick up something additional to what I’ll be wearing on the plane.
I reached out to a triple amputee in Sweden on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/christofferlindhe/# and he offered some wonderful advice.
He says Stockholm’s subway is great, but the real challenge is navigating the slippery and snowy streets. He strongly recommended getting a pair of spikes to wear under my shoes for extra grip, which I’ll definitely be looking for when I arrive.
Christopher’s advice on stump care was also really helpful. He said to stick to my normal routine but add some moisturizer at night to combat the cold and dry weather. Interestingly, he finds hot weather is more of a problem for his stump than the cold. He also stressed the importance of dressing in warm layers, including a jacket, long pants, and a hat.
I also shared this story on an amputee Facebook group I’m part of, and the results were grace. They all recommend using shoe spikes, chains, or ice grips to prevent slipping on ice and snow. They emphasize that these grips are easy to put on and take off, and they are a worthwhile investment.
Other key pieces of advice include:
Walking like a penguin (taking small steps) on icy surfaces.
Avoiding “glossy ice” at all costs as it is the most slippery.
Using walking poles for added stability.
Wearing multiple layers of good-quality thermal clothing.
One commenter shared a cautionary tale about a person who refused to buy the inexpensive ice grips and ended up needing crutches after falling. Another shared a positive personal experience, stating that shoe spikes were essential for a snow monkey walk in Japan and a trip to Iceland.