Determination helps Australian women see Egyptian sights

Gloria McLachlan had always wanted to visit the pyramids in Egypt, but found being a wheelchair user a real obstacle. Not for her, mind you, but for those who arrange tours. No one she encountered had ever done a tour for a wheelchair user. She finally found one willing to give it a try and, with a lot of improvisation on the spot, managed to have a memorable trip. She even kept her sense of humor through many trials, as witnessed in this excerpt from an article on the The Sydney Morning Herald's Web site:
"Fortunately (or maybe not) when buying souvenirs - such as perfume at Giza ... papyrus and Alabastar at Luxor - Gloria joked these places were more likely to damage the credit card than the wheelchair."
My takeaway from reading about McLachlan's experience was there is still much to be done in this region to come close to acceptable accessibility. Those that benefit from tourism there are surely missing out. Gloria McClachlan is not alone in her ambition to see the great sites of Egypt, though she may be somewhat extraordinary in her determination to see it through. Make it accessible, and they will come, many more Glorias to damage their credit cards. (Photo by Tomasz J. Klossowski via morgueFile.com)