Author Published on Leave a comment

As a great lover of nature and natural beauty in the countryside, I have always enjoyed the drives in the United Kingdom but especially around Scotland and Wales. I had never been across to North Wales before so when Alan decided he wanted to see it when we were visiting Liverpool I eagerly agreed. As is the norm of the British weather, we chose a day to travel the two hours to Wales only to wake up to chrome skies and damp paths. Nonetheless we clad ourselves in coats and scarves before climbing into the car armed with a packed lunch and a camera.

As we drove towards the motorway and towards North Wales, the skies got darker and the fog heavier. By the time we saw the first sign for Wales we could barely make it out due to the heavy fog. As we drove along by Colwyn Bay, just passed the Wales border, we acknowledged that there was a body of water there as the horizon was darker and the SatNav indicated there was, else we would never have known. As the rain got heavier and the winds picked up eager to pull my car towards the middle barriers, we discussed turning back. Suddenly, there was a patch of lighter cloud which, as we watched, gave way to a tease of sunlight. As quick as it came it disappeared. It encouraged us to risk it though and keep going, hoping that the rain would subside and take the pesky fog along with it. We were not to be disappointed.

By the time we had entered Penrhyn Bay the sun was filtering beautifully through the clouds and the occasional blue sky was spotted. Taking a drive along the coast we spotted some interesting houses with turrets on them. They were most intriguing designs and colours. We found a cute little parking spot that was overlooking the water on the other side of the bay so pulled in for some lunch. As we watched the seagulls circle above, caught on the air thermals, Zita warned us to keep the windows up as these seagulls were very confident and were known to swoop into cars to steal sandwiches. Now I knew why the seagulls were much larger compared to the ones in Dundee.

Back on the road we headed towards the village of Bets-y-Coed. Stumbling upon a beautiful little bridge over a stream and watching as the sun set between two glens over a body of water was worth dodging the vehicles on the narrow roads. As we pulled into the village we saw the most breathtaking river that had a pretty little island with a massive overhanging tree in it with huge limbs stretching for the sky and caressing the water below. We stopped and watched, mesmerised as the water gushed around the island, over the rocks and diving loudly below the bridge before passing quietly through the other side. Not quite ready to return to Zita's, we slipped into a little café for a steaming cup of tea and a slice of cake as we watched the last flickers of light disappear from the sky. Still, we could hear the water's roar as the river rushed along its way to new adventures upon other shores, seeing sights we would not see. Just another day in Wales.

Author Published on Leave a comment

Earlier today I found myself at Birkenhead's Transport Museum. It showed a lovely transition of transport in the local area. From the early trams right up to the modern buses, the museum showed us it all. Despite being focused mostly on the trams, it also had on display some of the older cars that although I had only seen them in museums before, Alan was excited to see some of the older cars from his earliest memories. As I often do when I am in a museum which demonstrates the transition between generations, I often think of the advancement's in which we, as humans, have undertaken. Although we now use much faster, expensive and powerful cars they will be more valuable in the coming years as they fade out of existence whilst their predecessors remain ever loyal albeit less powerful.

As Alan and Zita approached a car - which looked to me 'quaint' and 'foreign' as I had only seen pictures of the car and in movies - he commented that the car was only a little bit older than his childhood. It amazed me that it was still in such a good condition and I supposed that given a little bit of work it would probably run again despite being around half a century old. The common phrases that the elderly say sprang into my mind as so often things made in the early to mid-twentieth century are much better made than the produce of today. As I considered what this meant I was a little sad to think that perhaps there won't be many museums of today's produce as it may not be strong enough to survive the coming years. There's something different about seeing an object from another era in 'real life' as opposed through the recreations of movies and it would be a shame that our coming generations may not get to 'experience' how the people today live.

As we arrived shortly before the tram was due to run its route we jumped aboard its solid frame that had been restored within the transport museum. Like a child in a toy shop I sat upon its hard wood seats grinning before dashing upstairs to the upper level of the tram to watch the passing sights as we bounced along the rickety route. Comparing those means of transports to what we know now today as 'public transport' it is clear that we take a lot of the technology around us in terms of transport for granted. Nowadays we would not settle for the 'bouncy' journey that the tram provided but in previous generations this was a 'revolutionary' breakthrough. As we become more reliant on these luxuries that our predecessors wouldn't have thought possible. Makes we wonder about the new exciting technologies that we could start seeing in the coming years.

Author Published on Leave a comment

As the Christmas season approaches Alan had asked if we could visit his girlfriend, Zita, in Birkenhead shortly after my exams. As we drove down towards the south-west of England we began to pass through some of Scotland's beautiful views. As we whizzed by the mountains in the distance we saw their white topped heads against the bright lively green that was sprouting out from the base of the mountains. Thankfully, this year the snow decided to skip over our little island for the most part so the journey down was relatively smooth and hassle free. Upon arrival in the Birkenhead we ended up spending twenty minutes in traffic!

However, this unexpected extra time gave Alan and I time to admire (or express disgust in) the various decorations on the houses. Some can be rather pretty, but like so many other years, I often think that some people just try too hard to follow the American standards. Most times people can accomplish this and create a pretty scene, however, so often I find that it just looks tacky. There was one house in particular that I couldn't understand how the people could cope with it, the view or the electricity bill! Just about every inch of their garden was covered in a glowing or flashing statue, the drop lights hung loosely from the roof giving an unkempt look about the house and to top it all off their window looked like it was trying to contain the undying beast within. The horrific rapid flashing that (I assumed) came from their Christmas tree would have sent even the most stable epileptic into a cluster of seizures. How the inhabitants of the house could cope within the flashing lights of the room, I do not know.

Often around Christmas we see acts of kindness and giving, of love and charity but just as often we see acts of egotistic people who greedily populate their houses with excess clutter that simply shows off their wealth and social position. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the spirit of Christmas with it's get togethers and clusters of lights but when you hear of some of the expenses that people are willing to spend only to decorate their houses it's shocking!

Anyway, enough rants about that, we arrived just as duck was descending upon Zita's street and the stars were reaching out to us. As we entered the house I was reminded of our last visit to Birlenhead and I settled into my adaption to make the place my temporary home for the next four days. It is my ability to adapt to my surroundings and feel at home wherever I am that I am very fortunate to have and often rely on to make a possibly awkward week more relaxed.

2

Author Published on 2 Comments

He's deteriorating more rapidly than we expected. Each day I spend with him is another day that I see him slip that little bit further away from me. My brother, the last biological link I have to my father is fading. More and more I see him confused in his surroundings, unable to dress himself or, at times, even control his bladder. It's hard sitting by and watching my seventeen year old brother sitting slumped over in the chair, shaking so hard that he is unable to hold anything. To have to help feed him at times because he cannot managed holding the fork by himself. Granted, these are the worst days that I'm describing but each event has happened in the last week.

With a hospital visit already in the last couple of weeks and one a possibly on the cards last night, I'm wondering how much longer my mother can handle the stress and emotional turmoil that this is creating. How my mother can continue to spend most nights checking hourly on my brother whilst remembering what is going on in my life and still managing to spend time with my other brother I do not know. With talks on the table of long stays in the hospital for Callum to have an EEG to finally get to the bottom of his deterioration, I'm wondering how much longer Callum will continue to manage things on his own. I just hope that he stabilises soon as what he is currently doing is not living. Well, except on the occasional bright day of his.

Author Published on Leave a comment

Yesterday we were greeted with the delightful weather that you get living in Scotland. Walking outside armed in layers of clothing, hood raised and body braced for the expected chill. It didn't happen, well not immediately. Passing through the sheltered area within the courtyard of my complex, I walked out just as a gust of wind picked up and swirled around me. Walking briskly against the cold to my first exam, the weather wasn't on my mind that much. Later on that day, it was all everyone was to be talking about...

Sitting in the exam hall surrounded by algorithms and artificial intelligence questions I was finding it hard to concentrate as all around us the wind was howling, rusting the metal roof of the sports hall and generally making me dread walking out into it later. Thankfully, it wasn't that bad as it was still teasing us into thinking that the wind would be kind and die off soon. Driving along to work shortly afterwards I found out that this was not the case. The radio was having constant warning, informing everyone to stay off the roads and only go out if essential, informing us of reduced services on public transport and reminding us again and again that between three and six the weather would be at its peak and the Met Office released a Red Alert - something they only do a couple of times a year.

Just as I was thinking that it wasn't so bad I reached a part of the motorway that was exposed to the wind. The force of it pushing me towards the end of the road forced me to drop from the usual 70mph to around 40mph, a speed most of my fellow drivers were hitting. Just as I thought I could handle being forced to such low speeds I realised I had to overtake a lorry that was driving at an even lower speed of 20mph. As I passed the vehicle twice the height of my car he began to sway into my lane pushing me back. Eventually he managed to stay in his lane long enough to allow me to pass without being crushed into the middle barriers of the road.

Finally I arrived at my employer's house i one piece where I then had to help him navigate through the wind keeping us both balanced at the same time. We had a shortened session that day and paused for a quick lunch as the wind picked up again. Sitting in the café, Alan and I watched as the trees swayed forcefully side and side trying to caress the passers-by as they pushed against the wind. Hair frantically waving as if warning us not to venture back outside, it was finally time to return home.

Driving home alone I have never been so nervous. Car pulling out of my control and speed reduced, I had to keep my distance from all the cars as they too were swaying drunkenly across the lanes. Finally I returned home, frozen and seriously windswept. It was then that I finally realised the extent of the damage of what had become known nationally as Hurricane Bawbag . Apparently our dear Scottish wind even got itself highly spoken on Twitter as STV pointed out .

Thankfully the wind has put it's hat up for the time being and has finally stopped howling. Perhaps the sun will even come out and play sometime soon.

 

Author Published on Leave a comment

With spending more time with Alan and working with the AAC research group at Dundee University has made me more aware of how society cowers away from 'different people' like the AAC users I work with. Disabled people are not a different species, just a different brand of people. Speaking to them is really no different to talking to your friend or colleague - there really is no art to it!

For those of you who really don't believe me, here's some easy steps to follow that may help you realise just how similar it is.

  • Step 1: If someone is with them, watch how they talk to the individual as it gives you an indication of understanding and langage level. If they speak in simple language terms, follow step and do the same and so on.
  • Step 2: If the person is using a device, be patient and give them time to talk. Talking too soon creates a monologue with yourself and you're excluding them from the conversation. Trust me, most individuals love to talk!
  • Step 3: Didn't hear or understand them the first time? No problem, most individuals don't mind repeating what they've said as they'd rather be included and repeat themselves than be excluded.
  • Step 4: Remember that having a disability can be frustrating and that most individuals want to be able to talk to you as anyone is society does so just relax and enjoy a quick (or long!) chat with them. You may even be surprised to find out that you have something in common!

 

It really is as simple as that. Go on, try it, even if you are just doing it to prove me wrong. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Author Published on Leave a comment

This morning I returned from a weekend away with Alan and his girlfriend, Zita. We spent a weekend away at a cute cottage in Methven, Perth. Our cottage was an interesting structure that was almost split in two. This worked out perfectly, giving the two lovers and myself privacy. With a pretty garden and a summer house, it was an enjoyable break.

Alan and Zita sitting down for supper
Alan and Zita sitting down for supper

Upon arrival, we unpacked the car and settled down to a quick meal enjoying in each other's company. As it often happens, we found ourselves in a deep discussion about some topic or another. Gradually the light faded and we retired to bed having planned an exciting weekend of plans.

Waking early the next day, we packed a lunch and set out. Having decided to drive to Loch Earn, I was looking forward to the scenery that Scotland often satisfies me with. Being a water lover, I was not disappointed. Driving along the windy road following the loch we saw a beautiful body of water encapsulated by rolling green hills and the sun streaming through to fall lazily upon the shimmering water. Despite how much I dislike the weather in Scotland, it does give us some breath taking sights. We ate our lunch on the banks of the loch entertained by a group of friendly ducks - one of whom bit me when I wasn't paying attention!

Loch Earn
Lunch on the banks of Loch Earn

That evening we headed down to a local pub for supper. We stayed late chatting and eventually were only one of two tables remaining. The couple at the other table was curious about Alan's word board and got chatting to us. I found them rather interesting as their first reaction - as is a lot of people's - was to speak louder to Alan and use over exaggerated gestures. They meant well, but I couldn't help but stifle a giggle at their gestures.

Our last day in Methven greeted us with your typical Scottish day - wet and cold. Choosing to not let it stop us exploring the surrounding areas, we ventured out in search of a river that Alan remembered as a child. Driving through Crieff we paused only long enough to ask for directions as we were on a mission! After much searching, many beautifully winding roads with breathtaking views, we eventually stumbled upon a a bend of the River Tay that had rapids in the village of Grandtully. Sitting on the terrace of the Tay Inn enjoying a steaming hot chocolate it wasn't long before the weather pushed us inside but we were still able to watch the water rushing down the river, dodging all the rocks.

Returning back to the cottage we enjoyed our last night there, relaxing in the lounge before retiring for the night. Overall it was a very enjoyable break and reminded me once again why I like living in Scotland.

Author Published on Leave a comment

Last month I was visiting two of my dear cousins in Texas. Having grown up with them since I was aged four, they are more like siblings to me than distant cousins. Being similar ages our lives are often similar 'chapters' and this past visit made me think quite a lot about the current stage of our lives.

At aged eleven and nine (Craig) we had big hopes for our futures when we first left Zimbabwe and moved to America. Having returned to the States three times since leaving I have felt the change in all of us towards our career paths. Each year our plans would get more detailed and centred around a more specific area. In so many ways, our family has shaped us and the career paths we are currently pursuing. Our original goals for our careers have changed quite considerably since our arrival in Texas but what stood out more from the visit was that we had finally reached the next chapter of our lives. During my two-week visit the 'next stage' was frequently brought up in conversation. With Kirsten and I at University now and Craig due to start next year it was no surprise really but it seems like only yesterday we had high hopes for the future that seemed like it would never come. Well, we're in that 'next stage' zone now.

At aged nineteen, I am now thinking about post-university life and thinking of possible positions I can undertake as a career. Thinking back to that young, naïve child eight years ago I realise just how far I have come. I'm not sad to be growing up, our lives are just getting more exciting but part of me misses that mystery of what I pursue as a career. Not that what I want to do is set in stone, it's just that time seems to be speeding up and already I can see the pages turning as the next chapter of our lives are in sight. I guess I'm just surprised how quickly we have reached this stage as I wonder what the next stage of our lives will bring us.

Author Published on Leave a comment

Having been a loyal customer to Bank of Scotland for five years after getting fed up with their support I decided to open a new bank account with another bank. I decided on Santander as they seemed respectable. I was so wrong! Where my inter-bank transfer through BOS takes up to two hours, Santander is guaranteed to take at least three days, but more often, four days. That is manageable though once you realise the limitations on your account.

Then there's their transaction limit. Now, I understand why one cannot withdraw more than £300 from an ATM but can you please explain to me why my bank would not even allow to me buy a purchase of £250 because my total transactions for that day with the addition of that purchase would have exceed my daily limit of £300?! It was so embarrassing having my transaction denied when I knew I had more than enough in my bank account.

To add the final frustration, they only have 0800 numbers which makes contacting them almost impossible for students without going into the branch.

If you want a bank that is hard to reach, has a bad user interface design and has so many limitations then Santander is for you. If not, I highly recommend you don't register a bank account with them!

Author Published on Leave a comment

Earlier today my cousin - Kirsten - and I were swimming out in the Gulf of Mexico, just off the coast of Port Aransas. Just as the shore begun to get to small to see we decided to begin swimming back to shore on our boogie boards. Glancing up I realised that we could see my uncle and other cousin - Craig - on the shore and noticed my uncle waving at us with his arms. The next thing, Craig joined in the waving too. Kirsten and I guessed it was just time for lunch when suddenly I noticed Uncle Roland frantically pointing to our left. That was when we saw it.

This sharply pointed fin swimming in a straight line, a mere three hundred yards from us. Kirsten shouted 'shark' and we began frantically swimming towards the shore. Adrenaline pumping, heart trying to burst out my rib cage and mind convinced that we weren't moving at all. Feeling like we were doomed I kept telling Kirsten that I wanted to live, Kirsten just kept telling me we had to move faster. Watching my uncle and Craig swim hastily towards us, leaving my aunt on the shore clueless as to what was happening my worst fears were confirmed. We were swimming in open water too deep for even me to stand in with a shark within danger's reach.

Finally we all were together and in knee-deep water but still eager to get out quickly, baby sharks were known to swim in that depth of water too. Just as we thought we were fairly safe, my Uncle yelped in pain and stumbled.

Not knowing what had attacked him and with emotions already on a high we continued on our hurried pace to get out of the water. Never before had the shore seemed so far away. My uncle was now limping, stumbling and very clearly in pain. All sorts of horrid thoughts were running through my mind and I half expected the water around his leg to turn red signifying the worst. Suddenly my foot brushed up against something slimy and hard, screaming I scared my cousins to move even faster than we already were.

On land at last, my aunt was frantically asking us all what had happened. My uncle's foot had a large puncture wound on it that as bleeding quite a bit. Thankfully Kirsten and Craig are both training for medical positions and had fairly advanced first aid skills. Upon returning to our apartment everyone dashed about trying to attend to Uncle Roland's wound which we had concluded was a sting ray puncture wound. After a while the wound began to heal nicely making us all relax a little bit.

I must say it was a frightening experience but not one that I will forget in a hurry. Although I may think twice about where I go swimming next time!