Rolling Traveler

I won’t be typing much today: I have a condition that doesn’t have an official name, but I call it the cobble-wobbles. It’s that combination of lower back, wrist, elbow and shoulder ache that comes from maneuvering a wheelchair over a traditionally cobblestoned surface for longer than a few minutes. The little front wheels stick and jam in the gaps between the cobbles, jarring your upper body, and when you do pick up speed, the rattling your bones get stays with you for ages. Getting a push doesn’t really help either, and with the potential for wheeljam, can even be dangerous; while you don’t expend the effort and your elbows and shoulders are spared, you still get bounced around and come to jarring halts.
The perils of exploring old European cities… I shouldn’t complain too much, as I could’ve done something to help myself. Changing my very small front wheels for a larger pair would’ve been a good start. Being less stubborn about seeing as much as possible would’ve been even better.
Remember the lesson: if you’re going to a city with beautiful medieval cobblestoned streets and squares, pump your tires up well, change your mini front wheels for a good chunky pair, and take plenty of breaks.
I’m off to soak in the tub. Have a good evening!