New Beginnings!!!

 

I haven’t posted anything here for some time, but I’m back. Today I am announcing that I am slightly changing the direction of this blog.

 I have struggled over the years with both overt discrimination and also just simply being treated as an afterthought. Over the past couple of years, I have realized more than ever that I need to be willing to advocate for myself. I also know that when I do I am advocating for people like me as well.

With this in mind, I am formally launching an initiative that will use this blog (and hopefully a new YouTube channel) to shed light on accessibility challenges throughout West Michigan and elsewhere.

This will be done primarily through a two-pronged approach:

1) I will praise businesses and other public places that get access right.

2) I will constructively criticize businesses and other public places that get access wrong.

I look forward to doing this in a fun and engaging way and I’m open to anyone's suggestions to make it something you would actually engage with.

The other thing I am going to do Lord willing, is offer myself as a Disability Awareness Consultant for businesses as they are remodeling. It is far better to get advice from someone who is actually disabled when you are building than to get criticism after the fact.

I have done extensive research on this topic and have found that there is no formal licensure for people to consult in this crucial area. That being said, I do have almost 44 years of experience as a disabled man, so you’d be hard-pressed to find someone with more experience and insight than myself. If you know of anyone interested in hiring me to assist them with a project of this nature please let me know. I am just starting out so I’m not sure where to begin.

As with all of my ventures, my primary goal will be the glorify the Lord Jesus and to love people. That’s what life is all about!

Thanks for joining me on this adventure,

Andrew

Bonefish Grill

So it's been a while, but I wanted to let you know that about a month ago I went to Bone Fish Gril and it was a really good experience.  The only thing I didn't really like was that there were no nametags on the staff. I really enjoyed it and as you can see the food was great!

Texas Trip Wrap Up

So I know it's been awhile since I wrote, but I wanted to wrap up the Texas Trip.  It was a good trip.  It's always good to be with family.  Also I love being an Uncle so meeting my new neice was a blessing!  Despite the fact that I hurt my foot in the bathroom at the last hotel, I was so blessed to enjoy a great time with family which inclueded a flat tire, waffles shaped like Texas, my first out of state birthday, bowling, indian food, etc. Hope you enjoy the photos!

I ate Texas!!! :)

BBQ in Branson (I think it was called Jack's. Great $11.99 All You Can Eat Buffet!)

Hope's Indian Food!

 Blessings,

Andrew Gommesen

From Bloomington to Branson

Today was quite the day.  We traveled from Blomington, IL to Branson , MO in 8 hours.


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We Started with breakfast!

We then hit the road and 8 hours, one flat tire and a little family stress later, we arrived in Branson, MO.  After a nice dinner across the street at a place called 'Big John's BBQ", (or something like that) I opted to relax in the hotel and write in this blog.  Unfortunately I wasn't relaxed until about an hour ago when I finally figured out how to get wireless on my laptop.  Anyway, I will get better at this travelblog thing. 

Enjoy more pictures of the elevator at yesterday's hotel, my room here at the Southern Oakes Inn.  :)  Good night all!

Andrew

    

 

Country Inn And Suites : Bloomington, IL

Our first stop on this road trip is Country Inn & Suites in Bloomington, IL.  It was a pretty good journey today.  No major difficulties, but the first bummer of the trip is that there were no handicapped rooms.  It's not that bad though as my experience has been that handicapped rooms aren't often what they are cracked up to be.  This place seems nice so far!

The Beds Look Comfy!!! ;)

    I am writing at the desk.  It's working very well!!!
   
   The bathroom looks pretty nice, but the door opens in so that creates a problem, but it's not a handicapped accessible room so I must take that it into consideration.  For the most part I have had great experiences with this chain.

PS: The elevator was a little small, but I am still going to recommend this place!

4/5 Stars

Andrew

Franks Burgers: Holland MI

Franks Burgers was established in 1924 in downtown Zeeland, Mi.  Stepping through the door is like entering a time warp.  Vintage photos and other memorabilia add to the nostalgic feel.

 It has the classic diner feel with a simple menu.  I had the ranch burger.  Lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing.  Simple but tasty.  The fries were good, but not great. They only take cash or checks so that defiantly influenced my purchase!  

As far as the layout, it was reasonably accessible.  I was able to enter the back door and successfully navigate to a table at the front of the restaurant.  The service was friendly and even that had a vintage feel as the waitress wrote the check by hand.

I didn't check out the bathrooms, so I have nothing to report on that front.

If you want to try something new and fun, check them out!

4/5 Stars

Enjoy,

Andrew
      

Hello There!

I started this blog to discuss my travels both around town and on longer trips.  I want to help people find interesting new places to visit with a focus on how wheelchair friendly they are.  I am looking forward to this!