zanzibar's European Adventure

[zanzibar138]

Random things​

Hong Kong​

I caved during Black Friday specials and booked a sea view room at Explorer's Lodge for my final night in HK. Still not cheap, but it was 40% off through Expedia, making it slightly cheaper than their standard room (which wasn't discounted at all) and not much more than another night at the Hollywood. I could have stayed offsite for slightly cheaper, but not enough to make it worthwhile while remaining convenient. I'll still book an earlier flight home if I can (although still have not had any luck finding a suitable reward flight), but it will be an epic finale if I can't.

Malaysia​

Hubby and Grandma finally decided to spend their final few days in Penang, and have booked a sea facing room at the ParkRoyal. Fancy.





Hubby is still working through the best option for flights home.

Mobility​

I think Grandma has been getting a little overwhelmed with all our talk of mobility aids and access passes etc. Initially she was thinking of taking a walking frame instead of a wheelchair, but she has now decided that she doesn't want to take ANY mobility aid (only her cane). Obviously it's her choice, and I just want her to feel comfortable. I've never had accessibility concerns when travelling, so I honestly have no idea how easy/difficult it will be to find something to hire if she does need it (other than at DLP, where I know there are wheelchairs available to hire).

 

[pkondz]

I'll still book an earlier flight home if I can

This is something I'd probably never do... booking a vacay without having the flights nailed down first.

she has now decided that she doesn't want to take ANY mobility aid (only her cane).

Um... How do you feel about that? If it was my mom, I'd be more than a little nervous!

 

[zanzibar138]

This is something I'd probably never do... booking a vacay without having the flights nailed down first.

Well I do have flights booked in... just not on the day I want It won't be a problem to change my flight closer to the time if I can, since it's just me, that final night's accommodation is fully refundable and I'm not really planning anything specific in Hong Kong. Once we start our trip, I'll pretty much be locked in, since the accommodation is only refundable up until the month prior.

Um... How do you feel about that? If it was my mom, I'd be more than a little nervous!

Honestly, it does make me a little nervous, but I wasn't sure if I was over-reacting. It'll be ok as long as Grandma knows her limitations and is happy to make her own accommodations to suit depending on the circumstances and be a little independent. It'll be a bit of a nightmare if we end up having to trudge around every town we end up in looking for mobility aids, or someone has to stay 'home' with Grandma if she's struggling and we can't find anything.

There's still plenty of time though, and she could very well change her mind again.

 

[pkondz]

Well I do have flights booked in... just not on the day I want It won't be a problem to change my flight closer to the time if I can, since it's just me, that final night's accommodation is fully refundable and I'm not really planning anything specific in Hong Kong. Once we start our trip, I'll pretty much be locked in, since the accommodation is only refundable up until the month prior.

ohhhhhh....

Okay. I'll accept this.

Honestly, it does make me a little nervous, but I wasn't sure if I was over-reacting. It'll be ok as long as Grandma knows her limitations and is happy to make her own accommodations to suit depending on the circumstances and be a little independent.

Hopefully it'll all work out.

It'll be a bit of a nightmare if we end up having to trudge around every town we end up in looking for mobility aids, or someone has to stay 'home' with Grandma if she's struggling and we can't find anything.

 

[Steppesister]

I caved during Black Friday specials and booked a sea view room at Explorer's Lodge for my final night in HK.

Looks like a really nice place! Fancy for sure!

Hubby and Grandma finally decided to spend their final few days in Penang

Sounds like a more solid plan has been decided.

she has now decided that she doesn't want to take ANY mobility aid (only her cane)

EEK! This would make me SO nervous! I mean everyone is different and I have no clue what her limitations are or how severe, but man, I'd sure want her to have options in case things flare up and get worse with the extra activity.

 

[zanzibar138]

Mobility update​

Hubby was also nervous about Grandma travelling with no mobility aids, so has decided to get her something for Christmas He's gone with a walking frame that converts into a wheelchair. It may not be the comfiest or easiest to manage wheelchair, but it will give us more flexibility depending on Grandma's needs at the time. And yes, they have discussed it and found one that Grandma didn't mind the look of - we just weren't sure whether she would ever actually bite the bullet and order one. At least now she'll have it and can start getting used to it so hopefully by the time we go on the trip, she'll be pretty comfortable with it.

I'll be much happier just knowing that she will always have the option to sit down for a rest if she needs to!

 

[pkondz]

Mobility update​

Hubby was also nervous about Grandma travelling with no mobility aids, so has decided to get her something for Christmas He's gone with a walking frame that converts into a wheelchair. It may not be the comfiest or easiest to manage wheelchair, but it will give us more flexibility depending on Grandma's needs at the time. And yes, they have discussed it and found one that Grandma didn't mind the look of - we just weren't sure whether she would ever actually bite the bullet and order one. At least now she'll have it and can start getting used to it so hopefully by the time we go on the trip, she'll be pretty comfortable with it.

I'll be much happier just knowing that she will always have the option to sit down for a rest if she needs to!

Sounds like a win-win.
Would you happen to know which kind/model it is? Preferably a picture?

Just curious.

 

[zanzibar138]

Sounds like a win-win.
Would you happen to know which kind/model it is? Preferably a picture?

Just curious.

I think he went with this one:

Altus Hybrid Duo 2-in-1 Mobility Rollator and Transit Wheelchair Combo

 

[pkondz]

I think he went with this one:

Altus Hybrid Duo 2-in-1 Mobility Rollator and Transit Wheelchair Combo

View attachment 1031434

View attachment 1031435

I like the foot rests. My mom has similar, but doesn't have those (not needed, mind you. She never is pushed in it, just for sitting.)

Very similar to this:

 

[zanzibar138]

Playing around with Disneybounds​

We're in another bit of a lull period now, having locked in our itinerary and booked pretty much all our accommodation. Now just waiting until experiences and train tickets are available to book. In the meantime, I had a bit of a play around with some potential Disneybounds. I was going a bit nuts and had multiple bounds planned for the trip, but the packing list was getting a bit crazy for a 5 week trip. So I've pared it right back to just a few at Disneyland, with a focus on unique characters to each park.







I already have quite a few of these items, so will just keep an eye out for some of the missing pieces and accessories as I go. Most pieces will be versatile enough to wear throughout the trip too.

 

[pkondz]

I’m not very good at guessing bounding outfits… but I’m really liking those!

 

[zanzibar138]

I’m not very good at guessing bounding outfits… but I’m really liking those!

I definitely won't be expecting anyone to 'get' these fairly obscure Disneybounds, but I always find it a lot of fun anyway