“Right Hand at One O’Clock”
Blind American poet Andrea Applebee experienced an extraordinary climbing adventure on Kalymnos, demonstrating how the right guidance and support can open up new possibilities. Her visit, however, also highlighted serious shortcomings in the island’s accessibility infrastructure.
Applebee, who lives in Athens with her guide dog, Alex, travelled to Kalymnos with her blind twin sister, their two guide dogs and a sighted friend. Her sister is a passionate climber and a member of the US National Climbing Team.
The sisters chose Kalymnos to celebrate their birthday through climbing, visiting an island internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading destinations for the sport.
In an interview with journalist Georgia Karkani for Marie Claire Greece, Applebee spoke about the island’s rugged beauty and the warmth of its residents, while also describing the considerable difficulties they faced when moving around independently.
Climbing Through Clock-Face Directions
A key figure in their adventure was Sergi Medina, an experienced Barcelona-born climbing guide who has lived on Kalymnos and has previously worked with blind climbers.
Standing at the base of the cliff, Medina guided Applebee by using clock-face directions to describe the position of each hold: her right hand should move toward one o’clock, for example, while her left foot could find support at seven o’clock.
His precise instructions, encouragement and careful timing helped her locate the next handholds and footholds along the route. Despite climbing not being her favourite activity, Applebee pushed herself to reach the final bolt at the top.
The following day, her twin sister and Medina spent the day at “The Odyssey,” one of Kalymnos’ major climbing sectors. Her sister’s guide dog, Courage, rested at the base while she climbed.
A Simple Walk Became the Greater Challenge
Away from the cliffs, the group explored Massouri, visited local beaches and took a sea taxi to Telendos, accompanied throughout the trip by their guide dogs.
Yet everyday movement around the island proved far more difficult than expected. The lack of pavements, continuous vehicle traffic, numerous stairways and uneven terrain severely restricted their independence.
During one outing, they attempted to walk to the village square but were forced to turn back. Walking along the edge of the road and pressing close to building walls whenever a vehicle passed made the journey particularly stressful.
Applebee’s experience highlights the considerable potential of accessible sports tourism on Kalymnos, but also the urgent need for practical improvements to public infrastructure. The island already possesses climbing fields of international standing; the next challenge is ensuring that every visitor can reach and enjoy them safely, independently and with dignity.
Source: www.marieclaire.gr
