Adventures in Thailand

It’s not difficult to trek in Thailand nowadays. All one needs is a sturdy pair of legs. But this wasn’t good enough for Lucien Castagnede and his two friends, Thierry and Therese. So they set out to cover a distance in the region of Chang-Mai-in wheelchairs.

Thierry Boivin and Therese Lemoine lost their legs in road accidents. Thierry has a regular, full-time job as a computer specialist. Therese is a Physical Education teacher for persons with disabilities. Not for them is the world of the living room.

Lucien started his own adventure founding “Handicap Sans Frontieres”, an association devoted to organizing journeys for others like Thierry and Therese, who refuse to let their physical disabilities limit their thirst for adventure and high emotions.

In Thailand, the fearless threesome covered dozens of kilometres in the jungle, crossed countless waterways, kept their balance on rickety bamboo rafts. Sure, they fell, even rolled over several times. But it was a “fantastic” experience, as all three agreed upon their return to Paris.

They were not alone on their adventure. Such an expedition required logistics: 17 Thai porters accompanied the three French travellers all through their escapade. When the terrain proved impossible, the wheelchairs and their occupants were carried on the backs of the porters.

“Frequently, in such cases, we were right next to ravines. One false move by a porter and it would have been a catastrophe. From atop our chairs, the view was even more daunting.

“The aim of such an exercise is to prove that persons with disabilities can set themselves new limits, prove to themselves and to others that they can exceed their wildest expectations,” said Lucien.

They did just that, riding on the backs of elephants and the river waves on rafts – experience which are especially dangerous given their disabilities.

The attitudes of their escorts proved valuable and appreciable. Surprised and even amused at first, the porters were in admiration of the trekkers. Everywhere, villages organized spontaneous celebrations for the visiting foreigners.

Such was their adventure in Thailand-a wonderful victory over the elements and themselves that Lucien, Thierry and Therese would like others to share.