Bringing My Guide Dog to SPAIN! (his longest flight yet + how I did it)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ค. 2023
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I'm Molly, a typical sushi, makeup, and fashion loving millennial girl who just so happens to be blind! I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at just 4 years old and began public speaking at age 5. I started just doing motivational speaking, but now I make videos and even model! Even though I can’t see, I know that there are bright spots in everything we face. Let’s find them together. 💕
In Barcelona, and Catalonia in general, is very common to use "merci" to say thank you so Niamh was just blending in with the locals 😂
That's good to know! I would've thought saying "Merci" would just be confusing for those in Spain. I'm more used to speaking Spanish, so "Muchas gracias" just rolls of the tongue for me better.
@@HaleyMaryIt’s because of the strong French/Catalonian influence in Barcelona!
Just came here to comment this!
I feel like Gaudi is a blind persons kind of architect. There’s so much texture and movement ❤
Molly, I really appreciate you being open about having a rough time with your period. You never know who’s watching and might have similar struggles. They can know they’re not alone or it’s not imagination that it feels so bad.
I'm so sorry she had to have her period while on vacation! It's awful when nature aligns like that 😩
11:25 In Barcelona people normally speak Spanish and Catalan, and in catalan you can say "merci" or "gràcies" to say thank you. So i think people in the store understand your mother without a problem 😊👌
As an expat in Spain, I can tell you the fireworks were for the San Juan celebrations (I guess Saint John in English) which is always around solstice. So they basically have fireworks the whole night and it's custom for people to spend the night at the beach partying to celebrate the fact that it is the shortest night of the year and the arrival of summer. And I can confirm they do still burn furniture in the street which is still crazy to me 😅. But the city is prepared and by the next day everything gets cleaned.
The huge fires burning through the night is a tradition all over Europe I think. At least we have it in Norway too, though no fireworks since it doesn’t get dark enough for there to be a point to having them (where I’m from, the sun doesn’t set in all of June, so definitely not a point for us).
@@ragnkja Im from Belgium, it's not a thing there, whish we had some kind of tradition though
@@judithdesmet4056
Maybe you used to, centuries ago? I know England used to have St John’s Night fires, so maybe Belgium too?
You burn things on midsummer? I thought norway celebrated same as Sweden, dancing around a pole
@@SannaNaumanen
As far as I know, Norway has no dancing-around-a-pole traditions.
Molly, I hope you're in the care of a good gynecologist. It took me years to get the help I needed and found out I have a few conditions that needed the help from my specialist. I hope you're doing well. ❤
I loved how much joy Molly got from feeling a door!
The holiday you mention is called San Juan it celebrates the Summer Solstice, the start of summer, we make bonfires and we do use any wood we find so chairs aren't uncommon, some people burn their old school books, or wishes, here in Galicia is pretty common to have bonfires in every house and in the city they light them at the beach, also theres a tradition to jump the fire 7 times for good luck.
Big fires, especially on the beaches, is part of the traditional Norwegian celebration as well, but fireworks isn’t, presumably because it doesn’t get dark enough (I’m from the Arctic Circle, where it doesn’t get dark at all).
SPAIN IS GORGEOUS COUNTRY! So much culture and beauty and history and love it 💛🩵🏝️🏝️🩵💛💛🩵🏝️🏝️🩵🌞🌞🌞💛💛🏝️🏝️🩵💛💛🩵🏝️🏝️🏝️💛🌞🌞💛🩵🏝️🏝️🩵🩵💛🌞💛🩵🏝️🏝️🏝️🩵💛🌞🌞💛
I’m so glad Elton got to come to Spain.
Barcelona was *magical* when I went to see it- And when you talked about the tour having gone through what used to be someone's house, that was the reaction I had! And the tour was in what USED to be someone's house, there are plenty of Gaudi designed buildings that people still just live in! Every day! It was ridiculous to me. Couldn't imagine living in an environment where things I salivated over in art history is just your day to day building.
Anyway, lately I've been finding myself investigating airlines more regarding accommodations for disability, and the way you prepared for having Elton on board got me particularly curious (If you've made a video covering this, I can't recall it!) about your thoughts on the state of reasonable accommodations for travel situations. Like in your case, Elton is BIG and seats are getting smaller, but you still have to pay more for the expanded space despite clearly having a need that cannot realistically be met with the basic seating.
Do you think there's something to be done in that realm with compensating people who have documented needs, instead of having them pay more like everyone else because the "base" accommodations the airlines provide (letting your dog on the flight, letting you have a carry on despite the dog needing to be at your feet, etc) meet the very bare minimum threshold of disability access?
WAY TO GO ELTON!!! And Molly has such a great team working with her! You can tell! I love that molly had those opportunities to feel her world
I’m Australian and we have the tactile markers at pedestrian crossings everywhere I live too and I had no idea what they were for until you mentioned them in one of your videos.
They’re awesome and my mum has always found them helpful, she’s blind but refuses to use any kind of mobility aid and my sister or I have to guide her around 🙄, so I’m really grateful to whoever came up with these designs ❤
Spain looks so stunning!
It’s so cool that the places you’ve wanted to visit for so long are extremely accessible now that you’re finally getting to travel there 👌🏽💞
Aw glad you enjoyed Gaudi’s architecture! Glad to see examples of what Marta said about accessibility! 🙌
Traveling is fatiguing anyway so kudos to Molly feeling off and yet still being able to function outside the hotel. Impressive how Elton is becoming such a considerate world traveler. I am not blind, but am visually impaired so that the standardized Spanish curb-less crossing areas was very appealing to me. As I tell friends when I grab their hands before stepping off a crosswalk, tripping is my cardio. Hey sometimes they laugh! LOVED the Loewe bag.
Because I got my service dog right before the pandemic my first flight with him (and any service dog) was when I moved to Austria from Canada and had a 8+ hour overnight flight. (Which by the way Vienna also has the built in grooves on sidewalks and even public buildings for cane users and is super accessible! Europe is way ahead of us in North America there for sure!).
I was so stressed about how my first flight would go. Especially because I had to be at the airport 3+ hours before my flight because it was still a disaster having just barely reopened to a few non-essential travellers on international flights and he absolutely refused to use the pet relief areas (which he still refuses to use 🙄). But I had thankfully been limiting his water and doing just what you did. Other than him not sleeping at all because he felt he needed to keep an eye on everything he was a champ and just laid there the whole flight with his nose just barely peeking into the aisle so that he could see everything coming (don’t worry I made sure it was enough to not get knocked by a cart or accidentally get kicked or trip someone. It was right in line with the seat end). Several flights back and forth later he doesn’t care at all anymore and sleeps through them day or night. though I always travel with some sedatives for him just in case. The last thing he or anyone needs is for him to suddenly get anxious about something (like some intense turbulence or something) mid flight and not be able to settle down so it’s always a backup). I also travel with a couple disposable pee pads and doggie diapers just in case as well and I’ve never had to use any of those things but I’m prepared for anything! Which helps me be more confident and also makes sure both us and the rest of the passengers around us all have a good flight.
My other tip for people flying with service dogs is definitely premium economy if you can afford it. With a big dog it’s so much more comfortable and I often fly alone with him so if you have someone you don’t know beside you then economy is just not enough to keep him out of others spaces. Also try for the first row of premium economy. There is usually a washroom right in front of you so if that will disturb your dog more than that might be something to avoid, but only premium economy or first class can use those toilets and so they aren’t used that frequently. And you get so much more leg room and the dog doesn’t have to be underneath of a seat in front of you at all which is so nice because they can sit up comfortably which is great on a long flight. I also don’t feed full normal meals (well for night flights I feed breakfast but not dinner). And I bring his food as extra treats. And so I’ll give him a small dinner but feeding as treats during takeoff helps to make that a positive experience and can help with his ears if they are popping (just like chewing gum for people). I also will massage his ears during takeoff. It’s the only time he’s even a bit antsy on flights so I think it must be a bit uncomfortable for him. But as soon as we are levelled off an pressurized he’s totally fine.
I’ve been to that Gaudi museum/house and it’s so cool that you got to experience it with an audio guide, with the tactile maps, the tactile building model, and so on! Barcelona is one of a kind! ❤
Thanks for sharing your trip to Barcelona and for including the bad with the good while maintaining a positive attitude. It was so cool seeing how the self-guided tour for the blind in the Gaudi building included directions and instructions of what could be touched. Gaudi is one of my favorite architects, and it's really awesome that you were able to experience his artistry. I like that you included how you "looked" at the model of the building. My husband has vision in one eye, and I'm always interested in travel experiences he could still have if he loses the vision he has left.
I like hearing Robin audio description of the B Roll. Has Robin ever been to Spain? The architecture texture must feel and look astonishing.😃
I am a Spanish follower and I am so excited that you came here. Thanks for sharing this content.
Who knew Niamh was so acquainted with Catalan customs 😂 turns out that a lot of Catalans say “merci” as well as gràcies ❤
I’m so glad you and Elton are having a good time! Can you do a video on the process of getting Elton approved to fly to Spain and how the accessibility is for sd there?
You looked so stunning in Spain, so sunny and warm in the yellow and gold!! What a lovely trip
Thank you for letting us know about the fire works on screen it helps people who have seizures to decide if they should watch. My grandson is epileptic so the warning is nice
Thumbs up for mama and papa 🐝
I’m so glad you liked barcelona! ❤ I’m from there! Next time you should go for the 23 of April, the city is beautiful, full of books and roses, and it’s usually a bit cooler the weather 😊
us locals often say 'merci' in Barcelona, so your mum was spot on! actually it's mersi in catalan, so it's not the same pronunciation but it's almost the same
Your new bag is adorable and beautiful!!! I love the texture and color, too!
Molly, you are SO kind, and generous, and GORGEOUS! 👑💕
i AM sooo happy for the way you are sooo careful with him!!!
Thank you for bringing us with you to beautiful Spain! You definitely found a way to make the best of this trip! Love your positive attitude and outlook on life! And Elton of course, was such a good boy! 🌊😎🌅💖
Amazing video Molly ! Your such a trouper!! ❤️❤️
Congratulations on your brothers marriage! Hopefully everyone has a blast!!!
Im so jealous of all your amazing traveling! Live your best life miss Molly!!
Your video was super informative about all of your doggy travel info! Thanks!
Very jelly, what an amazing adventure!
Molly, I can totally relate to having a hellacious period while on vacation. Last summer my family spent a week and a half on Oahu and I had such a hellacious period in the middle of our trip that I basically had to spend a couple of days in bed because I was having such a difficult time. Thank you for being so open and transparent with all of us. 💗 It makes me feel a lot less alone. 💞
Spectacular 😊
Thank you lady who change the seat ❤️
Very much enjoyed this video, good job guys! Have fun overseas.
It’s very common in Asian countries to have rice and egg (omelette) for breakfast. Rice is just their preferred carb! We might use toast, or grain/cereal. Rice crispies are just a puffed version!
That La Pedreira place looks amazing! I love the old phone! It's so cool to see you being able to feel a telephone and the door and seeing the joy it gives you to be able to feel the texture.
Premium economy is a game changer. When I moved to LA from the UK, I booked premium economy with BA in their January sale and got to check two bags plus had my backpack and carry on with stuff I’d need for the first couple of days before I moved into my new flat. It was like £400 so an absolute bargain! Plus the extra room really helped me settle a bit more and I managed to nap a few times - I’m 5 foot 2 and don’t have a guide dog so didn’t need the extra leg room, but I find it almost impossible to sleep on planes. The extra leg room and slightly wider seat helped me drop off as I’m a restless sleeper!
I really enjoy following your adventures. You mentioned Zara and there are 2 in Vancouver. 45 throughout Canada.
There was also a large glass sculpture in a lobby and just want mention that is by the famous Dale Chihuly from Seattle. Love what you do young lady.
Safe travels to Spain Molly and Elton John! So glad to bring him with you Molly how exciting fun xoxo 😘 🌞🏝️🩵🏝️🌞💛💛🏝️🩵🏝️💛💛🌞🩵🩵🩵🏝️🌞💛🏝️🏝️🩵🩵🏝️🏝️🌞💛💛🏝️🩵🩵🩵🏝️🌞💛💛🏝️🏝️🌞🌞
New bucket list item added.
GIRL, you’re giving hella Barbie vibes in the beginning when you were at the airport 😍✨💅🏽
Have fun
Gracias! Lovely video.
Elton is such a good boy!! ☺️💕
This was such a throwback to my trip to Barcelona a few years ago! It's such an incredible city, I'd love to go again. Unfortunately I got really sick with a stomach bug the day we were supposed to see the Sagrada Familia, so I really want to return and go see it. You have a clip showing it off in the distance from Park Guell, which is actually the only spot I was able to see it from! Luckily we caught the soccer match my boyfriend was dying to see before I got sick. We went in January/February and the weather was beautiful.
Omg that movie made me cry so much my gosh!😊
Barcelona is truly a great city. Hope you had a great trip there
Okay Molly youve just given me the inspiration to take Bernie to Europe. He's big so I'll need to purchase an extra seat but thats okay. Take an overnighter!
Barcelona is my favorite city in Spain. Im so glad you were able to enjoy it as much as you could. You did so well. Gaudi architecture is out of this world.i
We also happened on the San Juan festival back in 2012 on our first trip to Barcelona and it was amazing!!! One of my best memories with my husband
I hope you made it to Gracia for shopping! I loved shopping there! So many cute little boutiques and stuff.
Happy Friday Molly hope you have a amazing weekend LUV U 💛🩵🏝️🏝️🩵💛🌞🌞💛🏝️🏝️🏝️🏝️💛💛💛🏝️🏝️🏝️🩵💛💛💛🩵🏝️🏝️🩵💛💛💛🩵🩵🏝️🏝️🩵🩵💛💛🩵🏝️🏝️🏝️🩵🩵🏝️🏝️🏝️💛🌞🌞🩵🩵💛
Would be nice to know which hotel. I am a breakfast girl 😄 and booking for Barcelona soon❤ The outside breakfast paio looks so cozy
I had super super bad periods for many years! I feel so bad for you! Barcelona looks awesome!
Good to see Elton play with his toy. Nice fashion choices, cool. Nice informative video, I liked it. Thanks for sharing your life as you do things. Spain is fun but this summer it is soooo hot! Peace and stay positive.
Watch this again. Would love to go. So beautiful! Elton John did so good. I loved the way Elton enjoyed the hotel balcony.
I watched take care of maya because of you and wow! More people need to watch it be prepared to cry 😢
Lol at the munchausen’s by proxy joking. My mom and I always do the same (as she has been my caretaker since I had a pulmonary embolism and a stroke). We get a lot of strange reactions. (Thankfully nothing like the trauma experienced by the poor family in the show, though.) I appreciate you sharing these travel vlogs. I am quite paranoid about traveling since becoming disabled, but seeing how you manage it and with all of the tips that you provide, it’s a lot less frightening to consider.
Also, regarding the period issues, add a tens unit and thermacare heat wraps to your monthly toolkit. They help so much!!
Wow, can't believe you were in my city! I hope you enjoyed your time here!
Barcelona is truly a beautiful city, I'm glad you guys enjoyed it ❤ Come back soon ❤
Oh, that yogurt is French style yogurt! Some brands in the US are starting to carry it, specifically Yoplait; it's called Oui. I have a friend that doesn't normally like yogurt but loves that style.
There’s a French bakery near my job, the family is actually from France and make everything themselves, so the croquettes are so amazing. The ones you had look so good as well, and the scenery of the city is so beautiful!! I wish I was there with you!
I was there a year ago and I think I might have even stayed in the same hotel as you. Very interesting to see you do some of the same things I did as a blind person.
Wow I was finishing video and I hadn’t realized how beautiful and big Elton is! He truly has a beautiful face. I think the Spanish light makes him glow ever more hahah
Spain is a lovely country, I did some traveling there after high school. I spent a couple of days in Barcelona. The flight from Barcelona to Chicago through Frankfurt was my longest time on an airplane
This was great! Also loved how you touched on the accessibility for wheelchair users too! Makes me want to go visit now it looks so accessible!! But lets be honest everywhere is more accessible than here in Canada =(
The old section of Barcelona has some unique shops. And in the center of Las Ramblas, there’s a department store called El Cortez Ingles. It’s like a Home Depot, Sears, and Nordstrom all wrapped up in one and is absolutely massive.
Taking care of Mya is about a girl with CRPS. I have it. It’s why I amputated my leg.
I love Barcelona and love Gaudi.
I really want to go to Spain now as well, never been there before 😊
I'm in the middle of watching your video and you're talking about watching Take Care of Maya. No spoilers but prepare to cry your eyes out. Its an absolutely devastating story and it broke my heart 😢
On a lighter note , I see Elton being such a good boy! So proud of him! Hope you all had so much fun ❤
I have CRPS (like Maya) and as much as I want to, I don't even think I can watch it. It just hits too close to home, but maybe one day I'll be able to.
Your white outfit is so so cute on you. You are so summery I love it❤
I think people traveling with guide dogs should get automatic Business or First Class seats provided by the airlines at no extra cost. The pooch deserves it!
Your outfits are so pretty! Barcelona looks wonderful. Those tactile models - what a great idea! Too bad those aren’t everywhere! Poor Elton with all that thick fur in the heat, and you with your issues! 😢 I love that chunky necklace you’ve had on in this whole video.
cool seeing how Elton did on the plane rides
Molly! Next time you visit your brother I’m inviting you and your parents to visit Maastricht. If you loved that breakfast already, you will absolutely love the breakfast and pastries we have in Limburg (province in the south of the Netherlands). Also the sights are so much fun and the shopping is awesome 😎
Hi molly airplanes should be made by law to have larger spaces for guide dogs and visually impaired passengers no one should have to pay more than your average person who doesn't have the same barriers
Love your nails!
Amazing video! Its so good to see rep of disabled folks traveling internationally. Could you do a video about the legal process and paperwork of international travel with an service dog? There seems to be very little info on it out there.
The green twisters are the best ice lolly ever 😋
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BROTHERS WEDDING! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Actualy merci in catalan means thank you!
The conditions that my son have which require a gtube, also comes along with the fear of munchousen syndrome being thrown at us but no luckily we have alot of support. (always could use more) i didnt even know about munchousen until i had my son which is crazy and scary. Poor kids that have to go through that.
I had a really hard time on my Spain&Portugal as well, I had food poisoning, really strong cramping/period and anaphylaxis but still had an amazing vacation somehow. I tried to make the most of it but it wasn't easy. I had to take 2 rest days and didn't get to do everything I wanted to but that's okay there will hopefully be a next time.
Hiiii from Calgary
Molly!!! I NEED to know where your beautiful bathing suit is from! It’s beautiful and looks so comfy!
I would watch you review anything! 😂
There is a French yogurt sold in glass jars in US grocery stores.
OMG if you watched take care of Amaya ON THE FLIGHT I cried alllll the way through🥺😂loved the vlog 🫶🏻
We are going to Barcelona next April. Where did you stay? And what were your favorite places to eat? I'm really excited
Lol now I know why I was hearing snoring on that last video! 🤣🤣 I had to pause it to see if it was someone in real life snoring. I thought well I guess someone behind the camera is taking a nap 😂😂
Celia B is a Spanish designer who's designs always make me think of you when I see them. But looks like she is only in Madrid anyway. You should look her up though, I think some boutiques in the US sell her stuff (they must do because some in Australia do!)
Lol korokets (croquets) are French from nature, but are also a Dutch snack next to fries
love always, stay safe take it easy xoxoxox