Personal Stories
The pleasures of group travel: Christiane G.
More than 20 years ago the now 53-year-old journalist and author Christiane G. was diagnosed with MS. She suffers from a relapsing-remitting form of the disease, in which most of the symptoms manifested during a relapse, such as facial paralysis, subside again during remission. Enduring symptoms are balance disorders and visual impairment. The journalist acquired a great deal of information about the disease and wrote the postscript to the book Multiple Sclerosis: New hope for people with MS by Louis J. Rosner and Shelley Ross. Her degree of handicap allows her to travel almost like anyone else.
Years ago, I was newly in love, I wanted to go to Nicaragua more than anything. Although I was aware of the adverse reactions, I went and had the immunglobulin vaccination. In Nicaragua I lived in the simplest hotels with poor bed and bathroom standards. The food was seldom good, and the humid climate got to me. I suffered a severe attack after my return. Nevertheless I do not regret having fulfilled my dream. In the meantime I now abstain from taking backpack tours and more or less make sure I overnight in halfway comfortable hotels. I plan my trips much more carefully. In southern countries I avoid stopping at delicious-smelling street side food stands with a heavy heart, and refrain from eating ice cream and peeled fruits. The key to the success of a trip for me are the interpersonal aspects. In group tours I place high value on emotional security, friendly supervision and care, and the general acceptance of my physical restraints.
I always inform my travel companions of my disease during the early stages of planning. And I clarify beforehand whether I can withdraw my participation if necessary. Thanks to these measures I was able to completely enjoy a study trip to Israel last year, despite the exertion. I knew it would be strenuous, hot and dusty. I made some personal compromises in the programme; the jeep excursion through the desert to Petra in Jordan went without me. I abstained from too many experiences in one day. I love bazaars, but if I stay in them too long, I get dizzy. Sometimes instead of going out to drink coffee with the others, I chose to withdraw to my room.
I was able to enjoy this trip to the hilt. The whole group showed sympathy for my situation and everyone was very considerate.
While travelling I see to it that I:
• am able to take individual breaks as I need them
• do not have to sit for long stretches of time
• am assigned an aisle seat on longer flights
• always have a flashlight along with me
