It hasn’t always been easy for Imogen to find inclusive experiences on her adventures, but visiting a community-driven space for disabled people on a trip to Bali with Intrepid reaffirmed her advocacy work and desire to travel
I could smell delicious satay, chilli and spices, but I didn’t give a hoot about what was for lunch. I was more interested to see how the project itself worked and to meet the wonderful employees.
Stepping into Bali’s Global Village Foundation Kafe is like stepping into a home away from home. I almost instantly feel the compassion of this place. Coloured lampshades hang from the ceiling illuminating walls strewn with vintage and retro posters depicting art and inspirational quotes from people like Nelson Mandela. Silver handcrafts tinkle from hooks. Leafy green plants peek through windows.
While all this paraphernalia is a treat, there’s more to this cultural cafe than meets the eye.
Global Village Foundation Kafe was founded in 2013. It supports and provides opportunities for people with disabilities, including a rehabilitation centre for those who have sustained injuries and wheelchairs for kids and adults. They also offer a school sponsorship programme for kids who cannot afford to attend school. They run a turtle hatchery and coral reef conservation project to boost wildlife populations and protect habitats.
They also run the cafe, which is staffed by people with disabilities. The cafe’s profits support the foundation’s projects. I got to stop in on day seven of my recent Beautiful Bali trip. With some translation help from our local leader, I was able to chat with the staff, and I discovered a community hub that I could’ve used a few times in my life.
Nearly 30 years ago, when I was nine years old, I was in a hit and run accident. I went through a long process of rehabilitation and litigation which took up most of my childhood.
Despite a childhood being consumed with a long rehabilitation and litigation process, I developed a love for travel after my experience left me curious to learn about the world.
During the 11-year court case that followed the accident, I started travelling to escape the control, limitations and criticism placed on me at the time. There was an element of trying to prove to myself and everyone around me that, despite my brain injury and epilepsy, I can still live a normal, fulfilling life. Although I have come up against many challenges along the way.
Today, at 37, I live with long-term uncontrollable epilepsy, significant memory impairment and learning difficulties, however I have not let this stop me living my life. Nearly losing my life left me with survivor’s guilt, and a desire to see and do everything.
Meeting the people behind Global Kafe – people who understood what it’s like to live with a disability – and watching them achieve, have purpose and be valued within their community was truly very special and touching. I was almost shocked to be in such a place. I had never come across anything quite like it in my travels.
Nearly 30 years ago, when I was nine years old, I was in a hit and run accident. I went through a long process of rehabilitation and litigation which took up most of my childhood.
I have had ups and downs with my travel experiences over the years. The negatives generally come down to ignorance around disabilities, in particular epilepsy. Due to my epilepsy, I have been refused to fly in the past, refused on tours and told I cannot partake in certain activities like hiking, quad biking and canoeing, despite having permission from my epilepsy nurse and knowing how to assess whether I’m able or well enough etc to do something.
This kind of exclusion is not just when I travel, either. I’ve been turned down for and even lost jobs because of my memory impairment and the stigma around epilepsy, especially when I bring it up during interviews.
Walking into this social enterprise cafe and experiencing a place that thrives on inclusivity was profound.
I chatted with the manager about the project and asked him if they were doing much for those with neurological conditions. He explained several of the employees had epilepsy and they were doing various work supporting those with neurological difficulties.
I feel strongly about promoting awareness of disabilities – hidden and seen… Had I been travelling alone; I doubt I would have come across The Global Foundation Village Kafe’s [work].
At its core, Global Kafe validates people with disabilities, showing them they have a purpose in this world and they can do things and needn’t feel restricted or judged. Most importantly it is helping these individuals to feel a part of something, to feel included.
My hope is for everyone to understand that despite having a disability we have the right to freedom and control over our own lives. As this cafe demonstrates we have value and the potential to live a normal life. Much of my own advocacy work around disability as a speaker is aimed at that.
I feel strongly about promoting awareness of disabilities – hidden and seen – which is exactly what Global Kafe is doing. Had I been travelling alone; I doubt I would have come across The Global Foundation Village Kafe.
I have travelled solo – I went around Asia by myself and had a great experience because people were so friendly – but I often travel with a group to experience as much as possible.
I have made many friends from around the world on these trips, but occasionally, I have felt judged and ridiculed. I was even told by one tour guide, ‘People did not come on holiday to see an epileptic fit.’
This incident put me off travelling for a whole year, but I missed it so much. Travel is such a huge part of my life and I’m resilient, so I decided not to be held back. It wasn’t easy getting back into it. I had lost confidence and like felt a burden and that my presence may ruin other people’s holidays.
I still experience PTSD from that incident, and I am still cautious when travelling. Me and my support worker plan my trips meticulously to ensure I’ll feel safe, confident, and appreciated. It took me hours of research to find a company I could feel comfortable with, like Intrepid.
In Bali, I was fortunate with my leader and fellow travellers. We got along so well. They supported me and were compassionate and kind regarding my disabilities. I felt included, I was trusted, and I trusted others, and I did not feel like an outsider or that I was different to the group.
Of course, my lunch at Global Kafe was fresh and delicious. I ended up having gado gado (a peanut salad with tofu) and watermelon juice. If you are ever in Bali, I urge you to visit. The staff create such a welcoming feel, and it’s a great way of engaging with and supporting the local community. It feels as if you’re travelling with purpose.
Meet the Global Village Foundation Kafe community (and try their gado gado) on one of these small group adventures.
