5 Day Garden Route Tour: 23 - 27 Oct 2019

Day 1

We depart from Cape Town at 7h30am (please refer to Pre-Departure Information) and travel via pretty Hermanus (only in season) which is famous for its miracle of nature as the Antarctic whales come into Walkers Bay to calve (seasonal). Our route to Mossel Bay is via farmlands of apple/pear orchards and rolling hills with lunch on route. From here we drive along the scenic route to Knysna/George, our overnight stop for 2 nights.  

Day 2

After a good breakfast we drive via George and the picturesque Outeniqua Pass to the Mecca of South African ostrich farming – Oudtshoorn. Here we visit one of the many Ostrich Show Ranches, the Cango Wildlife Farm and an optional visit to the dripstone cave – Cango Caves* is possible on request (optional cost as it is not wheelchair accessible at all). After a leisurely drive back with breath-taking views we relax for the 2nd night at Knysna/George.

(B)

Day 3

Today we drive via Knysna, trough Wilderness and the Lake District, one of the world’s most picturesque drives. After a fascinating stop at Knysna Head and a boat cruise* (weather dependant & optional extra cost) on Knysna Lagoon we travel to the heart of the Garden Route – the Tsitsikamma National Park - which embraces an 80km strip of superb coastline together with a marine reserve that stretches 5 km offshore. Here you can relax or take walks in the forest which is richly endowed with plant life and birds, the rock pools teem with colourful marine life; and whales, dolphins & sea otters can often be seen sporting close to the shoreline. (B)

Day 4

In the morning you have the chance to visit the Monkeyland*, Birds of Eden* and the Elephant Sanctuary* (*optional extra cost) where you can do a “Trunk in hand tour” (Elephant-back Ride* also available on request at optional cost) or you can take some time out and just relax. After an exciting or peaceful morning, our journey takes us to Stormsriver, the Adventure centre of the Garden Route with the Bloukrans Bungi-jump* (216M!!), one of the highest in the world. We take a leisurely drive along more fantastic coastline before returning to Tsitsikamma Forest for the second night. (B)

Day 5

On our last day we take a leisurely drive along the breathtaking coastline to the 5th largest city in South Africa - Port Elizabeth, also known as “friendly city” or “windy city”. On arrival in PE the tour ends (B)

Please note that the above itinerary can also run in reverse and other changes may occur due to accommodation availability or other unforeseen circumstances

For more information please visit: Garden Route

Genius Albert Einstein

Celebrating the GENIUS ALBERT EINSTEIN - born 14 March 1879

E=mc² 

So many brilliant & inspiring quotes: 

• Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.
• Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
• Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new
• Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
• Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
• Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.
• Imagination is more important than knowledge.
• If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
• You never fail until you stop trying


Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. - Wikipedia

Mid-Week special @ Epic Guest House

Mid-week Special @EpicGuesthouse Book for 2 nights or longer between Mon – Thur

& receive 20% discount on the sharing rates OR 10% discount the single rates!

- ENDS 18 APRIL 2019 #midweekvibes #EpicEnabled #MarchMadness #CapeTown #Noordhoek

DESTINATIONS FOR ALL - 1 & 2 October 2018 in Brussels

We have exciting news… EPIC ENABLED will be at the DESTINATIONS FOR ALL WORLD SUMMIT in Brussels on the 1^st & 2^nd October 2018!

You can find us @ table no: 11.  We would be delighted to set up an appointment with you! Let us know when it would suit you best?

Come and meet Alfie, the man behind it all!

He would love to chat to you, answer any questions you might have and work on new future projects!

WHAT: EXPO Accessible Tourism 

DATE: 1^st & 2^nd October 2018

LOCATION: The Egg Brussels

ADDRESS: Bara Street 175, 1070 Brussels, Belgium

ACCESS: Free entrance

CONDITIONS: Pre-registration to the EXPO is required -> click here

Cape Town winter-days

Cape Town in winter: The average high temperature during winter is 17 ºC with a minimum temperature of 8 ºC in June, July and August.
We have some of the most wonderful sunny winter days with no wind and just beautiful sunshine, often warmer than a beautiful summer day in Europe with ~25 ºC! 😊

Rainfall in Cape Town has been better this year, thankfully! Hopefully our dams fill up completely again! Cape Town loves the rain 💦! Even better by our cosy fire 🔥 if we get a stormy winter-day.

5 Fun DIY Clothing Hacks (For Better Accessibility)

We all know that with the ever-evolving fashion landscape, looking your best can be a pain. As clothing seems to get fiddlier, fussier and more frustrating, it’s easy to become more and more disenchanted with the sartorial world - particularly if you have a limited range of mobility to deal with.

We’ve found some ways to ease your daily dressing - here’s our collection of inexpensive and easy DIY projects, tricks and hacks.

1. Grip a tricky zip - and add some custom flair!
   
   

    

Slip a pendant or charm onto the hole of your zipper with a keyring.

Not only is this quick method great for making a larger zipper pull, but you can give any drab jacket a cute feature, too!

2. Pull up pants easily

Make high-waisted pants (or even hipster pants) easy to put on by attaching fabric loops to the inside of the waistband.

If you’re not good at sewing, fabric glue is an easy alternative.

3. Create glittens - convertable gloves

Unusual and functional (and less uncool than zip-off pants!), these are great for winter days when you have to access your phone, but taking off and putting gloves back on is a hassle.

You can customize an existing pair of gloves (just cut the fingers off), or you can make these from scratch with this pattern.

4. Never struggle with buttons again…

Stick velcro behind your buttons! Even if you don’t struggle with tiny shirt buttons, getting them all even on the first go is still not always easy.

You can use felt instead of the soft part of the velcro for less bulk.

5. ...Or with laces!

Use an elasticated cord to lace your shoes, and never have to deal with tying and untying and knots and bows and all that trouble.

Now you have perfectly chic slip-on sneakers!

Will you be trying these out? Let us know how it goes!


Art by Jessica

How the Able-Bodied Can Be More Respectful (As Told By People with Disabilities)

Too many able-bodied people are still rather uneducated about how to go about interacting with people with disabilities. A lot of us can be tactless, rude, invasive, overly sensitive or just plain annoying; I personally believe that everybody who interacts with people (all people) on the regular should try to just be nice. You never know how your words and actions could affect somebody (and I think it’s a cop-out to expect people to just deal with your own bad behaviour).

In an effort to educate myself, I looked for answers on the internet. In an attempt to not talk over anybody, I have not re-reported my findings. Instead, I have compiled comments, tweets and other social media posts of people with disabilities. I know that part of being a good ally is listening rather than silencing, even if you have the best intentions.

I hope we can all be mindful of the following:

1. Don’t force yourself into someone’s space; ask if they need assistance

Comment from discussion Disabled people of reddit, what is something we do that we think helps, but it really doesn't?.

Just got #ablesplained - when ablebodied ppl assume we can't possibly know what is going on/are worried we escaped a carer. @everydayableism

— Dr Rich Boden FLS (@BodenLab) May 13, 2016

2. Keep from giving unsolicited advice.

http://a-ravenclaw-to-remember.tumblr.com/post/142651499328/why-do-people-always-assume-theres-a-quick-fix-to

 

Comment from discussion Disabled people of reddit, what is something we do that we think helps, but it really doesn't?.

Comment from discussion Redditors who have a disability (physical or mental) what do you wish people knew about you or your condition?.

3. Don’t be condescending

Disability stops me from doing some things I'd really love to do. But it doesn't stop me from having a life worth living. #MeBeforeAbleism

— RealSocialSkills (@rsocialskills) May 29, 2016

@w00shie @EverydayAbleism things to say well done about: my degree, my amazing lipstick. things not to say well done about: me being outside

— Caroline Marie (@lookingforcm) May 15, 2016

Comment from discussion Redditors who have a disability (physical or mental) what do you wish people knew about you or your condition?.

4. Don’t project your own feelings onto people with disabilities

#MeBeforeAbleism because I am NOT your sob story, NOT your inspiration, and certainly NOT here to benefit the lives of able-bodied people.

— Ophelia Brown (@bandaidknees) May 24, 2016

http://notdifferent-justme.tumblr.com/post/144715745280/when-people-say

 

5. Never dismiss experiences or feelings. Listen.

http://chronicillnesshelp.tumblr.com/post/141498032380/disabled-people-have-to-constantly-modify-our

 

There's like this facade of bravery that PwDs put up, which is *expected of us. #disability #AbleismExists

— Katie (@SciPhiKat) May 9, 2016

We are strong, & never cry [in front of u] bc it makes YOU feel bad. #disability #AbleismExists

— Katie (@SciPhiKat) May 9, 2016

Everybody and every body is entitled to respect.

How else can abled-bodied people be more mindful?

Multiple Sclerosis explained

Multiple Sclerosis is an often disabling condition that affects more than 2.3 million people throughout the world. The disease affects an individual across a broad range of dimensions including emotionally, physically and spiritually.

MS is considered an autoimmune disease meaning that it is a disease that attacks and wreaks havoc on your body without cause. It has an effect on the central nervous system causing the brain to struggle to communicate with the body. As the immune system attacks and destroys the myelin (protective lining) that covers the nerves, the myelin is worn away and disrupts communication between the brain and nerves, creating a variety of symptoms. Myelin that is damaged forms scar tissue hence the naming ‘sclerosis’. The often unpredictable disease is believed to be triggered in genetically susceptible individuals. There is no cure as of yet!

Multiple Sclerosis types

MS warriors may have one of 4 types of the disease and experience mild, moderate or severe symptoms.

Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Relapsing remitting MS is the more common of the types with 85% of multiple sclerosis warriors dealing with it. Those that fight relapsing remitting MS have flare ups or relapses (attacks) that result in a diverse range of symptoms. These relapses may last for several days or months at a time before the warrior experiences fading of the symptoms.  

Progressing Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

Progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis is the rarest of the types of the disease. Symptoms worsen over time, but with periods of flare ups or attacks and recovery. MS warriors generally do not completely recovery after an attack. Often disability is caused as a blend of the disease progressing and only partial recovery after flare ups.

Primary Progressive

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis affects between 10 to 15 percent of MS warriors and is the more serious of all forms of the disease. Symptoms develop and get worse from the time of onset of the disease and do not decrease in intensity. Rather than appearing in sudden relapses and fading in recovery periods, symptoms only gradually worse. As the disease gets progressively worse it often leads to disability.

Secondary Progressive

Of those that have been diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS, many go on to have secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, some 10 to 15 years after being initially diagnosed. Often those affected by this type of the disease experience a change in pattern, with periods of attacks and recovery still occurring but recovery is often partial and symptoms during attacks become worse and more intense over time.

Symptoms

No two people have exactly the same symptoms, and each person’s symptoms can change or alter over time. Symptoms fall into 3 groups; primary, secondary and tertiary.

Primary

Depression,

Stress and anxiety,

Cognition changes,

Changes in appetite,

Weight loss and gain,

Insomnia,

Fatigue,

Weakness,

Numbness or tingling,

Vision problems,

Sensitivity to heat,

Dizziness or vertigo,

Muscle weakness,

Visual disturbances,

Balance problems,

Memory loss and,

Loss of bowel or bladder control,

And more…

Secondary

Secondary symptoms are the complications that are a result of primary symptoms.

Tertiary

Tertiary symptoms are the negative effects that multiple sclerosis has on an individual, such as social and psychological aspects among others.

How to cope with a MS diagnosis

-Learn as much as possible about MS

-Understand that MS symptoms are unpredictable

-Don’t delay treatment

-Find support and don’t give up hope

Living with MS

-Track your MS symptoms

-Avoid MS triggers

-Exercise

-Follow a healthy diet and nutrition plan

-Acupuncture

-Stress management

Manage relapses (attacks or flare-ups)

Relapses occur as a result of inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). It is suggested to contact a GP or other relevant specialist as soon as an attack comes to light, to inform them about symptoms experienced and difficulties the symptoms may be causing. Rest is often advised along with a healthy nutrition plan and medication is sometimes given. 

13 ways to show your pet you love them

''Everyone thinks they have the best dog and none of them are wrong.'' – W.R Purche

Our pets are often showing their love for us in their own ways. Here is a list of how we can show our dog or cat that we adore them :)

7 ways to show you love your dog

• -   Talk to your doggy. Your dog loves to hear your voice.
• -   Pet them and stroke their fur.
• -   Take your dog for a long walk on the beach, round the block or up the  mountain.
• -   Give them a good brush.
• -   Play together. You can chase them, play catch with a ball or stick. There are  so many fun toys you can buy from the pet store that they will enjoy playing  with or chewing.
• -    They love back and tummy scratches.
• -    Give them some dog treats. They sure will appreciate it.

 

5 ways to show you love your cat

• -  A lot of cats go mad for catnip. It  makes them roll around on the floor  and feel blissful. It pretty much gives  them a bit of a buzz.
• -  Gently stroke their fur.
• -   If you catch them slow blinking you,  be sure to slow blink them back, it’s a  sign of love and trust.
• -    Play with them using string, rolled  up newspaper, sticks or cat toys you  can buy.
• -    Talk to them in a high pitch voice.  Also use their name.

Take your dog swimming at a safe beach when the waves are calm. Dogs usually love to swim!

Or treat your kitty cat to some tasty bits of tuna, or chicken.

Take note:

By playing games with your pets you are increasing their happy hormones in their brains', as well as establishing a bond between the both of you. It also provides exercise for your beloved pet as well as helping to relieve anxiety or stress.

''What greater gift than the love of a cat.'' – Charles Dickens

Now go on and show that animal of yours some love…

  

-Keira