Latin America for All: making the impossible possible

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." -Francis of Assisi

- Cristina Vallejo

I believe this phrase fits perfectly for a person like me, who has to learn to live with a disability. Almost five years ago, I had a horse accident that left me with a paraplegia from my waist down, which means I cannot feel or move any part of my body below my ribs. In a matter of seconds, my life had an irreversible turnabout, which would not only bring difficulties, but several life lessons and blessings as well. I feel blessed by the fact that I am still alive, with full use of my mind, and am able to share my life with my children, who at the time of the accident were aged one and three. I have felt the love and support of family and friends more intensely than ever. And I have proven myself to be stronger than I ever imagined possible. Perhaps my new life has brought more blessings than difficulties. But, until recently, there was something that really upset me, and I simply decided not to give it much thought: how challenging it would be for me to travel.

ME AND TRAVELLING

I love to travel. I loved to work in the travel field. I traveled for work, and worked so I could travel. Besides being passionate about travelling, I've always been passionate about promoting my country as a unique destination. I wrote travel articles for over 15 years for our family business.

As a journalist, I travelled countless times throughout my wonderful country. I was invited on several press trips. I also worked for a public relations office, where I got to organize and accompany national and international journalists on press trips throughout Ecuador. I loved to share all the wonders I discovered in my own country both with our magazine readers as well as with journalists, family and friends.

BUT NOW THAT I'M IN A WHEELCHAIR, GALAPAGOS... ACCESSIBLE?