Everyone knows about the Japanese train system, particularly the Shinkansen “Bullet Trains.” Seeing it is vastly different than reading about it.
I was unprepared the first time a bullet train rocketed past us as we waited on the train platform. The rush of air and whooshing sound swiveled my head around, my eyes trying to catch up with the object which had just hurtled past me. By the time the third one approached, I was ready and videoed it with my phone. This was dazzling stuff to someone like me who lives in San Diego where cars are king and public transportation is almost non-existent.
Carrying Ramp
Within minutes of experiencing the bullet trains, I saw something that was almost as impressive to someone who travels in a wheelchair. When we went through the ticket gate, the man in the ticket office pulled us aside and asked if we need a ramp to board the train. Not knowing if there was a big step up from the platform into the train, we said yes.
A minute later, a uniformed trainman walked up to us carrying a compact bag in his hand. It looked like a laptop computer case. As we neared the train, he stopped and put on a pair of ubiquitous white gloves, opened the case, took out metal plates which he unfolded and…
Wheelchair Ramp
Voila…there was a cute little ramp in front of us. He bowed and motioned us to roll into the train. We found our seats, heaved our bags on the overhead racks just in the nick of time as the train pulled out of the station. I leaned back, looked out the window, and let out a sigh of relief as we sped past flooded rice paddies. It’s the beginning of a three week trip to Japan that will end in Kyoto at the World Parkinson Congress 2019.
I love riding trains. Many people find that strange, considering that forty years ago this August, Dave’s and my lives turned upside down when I lost my legs and right arm in a train accident. To us, trains take the stress out of travel, especially in countries where people drive their cars on the other side of the road or in countries whose language uses a different alphabet. Sometimes, while sitting in my wheelchair on a railway platform, I look down at the tracks to see if it will make me feel bad or have nightmares. It never does. We love riding trains.
It only took three trains to get the right timing?????? it took Chuck and Rich many more than that. I am so happy you enjoyed the special attention boarding the train. Japan is amazing. And you got a great shot!
Amazing what you can do for infrastructure, medical care and education if you spend little on arms.
Enjoy Japan. We went for the first time in 2017 and were sorry we waited so long. Probably back again next year.
Aloha
Jack and Deb
love! This is so Japan.
I love that you love trains too!
I feel like a kid again when I get on a train. I think it’s the most glamorous way to travel.
The story of the white gloves helper with a folding ramp is wonderful. I hope someone videoed your speaking at the conference. Would love to see it.
You rock my friend!
Linda I think you are one amazing lady! Glass always half full!!!! Your stories amaze and delight me. I love those little magic bags because you never know what is going to pop out of them. Who would ever think ” a ramp’. So fun!
I love the story of the ramp. Leave it to the Japanese to pack it small and efficient.
You are amazing and I love you.
Elisabeth
Did you get the joy of train travel from Sid or did he get it from you?!? I enjoyed this new episode!
Stay cool in this heat.
Best to you and all in your family,
There you go! Great blog stuff!
You are the most “grounded” person I know, even zipping around on a train! You are my hero!
Cruise across the lap top train ramp, speed through Japan, drink Soju, eat sushi. Repeat PRN. I believe that is true Zen. Maybe not, need to add archery in there.
Another great story and I love the ramp ….so compact and easily transportable!
Yep…trains are magical especially steam trains…I love the sounds and smells but not the pollution, fortunately mostly tourist trips only….the bullet trains are amazing so fast