It’s our last night in Glasgow!! This was my first time traveling pretty much all my own and it was also my first time in Europe!! I’ve been having an amazing time since day 1.

When I arrived in Edinburgh, I was the first person from UMass there. I spent about 3 hours waiting for everyone to arrive. While I was waiting I had to use the restroom and I noticed something that the US doesn’t have. I was so happy to see the bathroom labeled as “accessible toilet” instead of using “handicap toilet. Underneath the bathroom sign, there was another sign that read “Not all conditions are visible with everyone using these facilities.” I was so happy to see that! I feel that a lot of people don’t realize that invisible disabilities are real and valid disabilities.

I also noticed a few other signs that expressed accessibility in Glasgow. When we went to the Bridge of Allan Highland games, I saw a poster advertising a Disabled Persons Railcard for the train. The Disabled Persons Railcard gets 1/3 of your fare off for you and another person. I thought this deal was amazing because some people with disabilities might get overwhelmed when traveling alone or they are unable to travel alone and might need a companion. The only thing that was surprising is that the train station and the train itself was not that accessible. I only remember seeing one ramp, on one side of the station. There was also a really big gap between the platform and the train, it was kinda scary. Not only was there a gap, but the train was also about a half-foot taller than the platform. I saw an individual with a cane struggling to get off the train because of the gap and no one offered to help or did anything. I think that the bus was a more accessible means of transportation.

Besides that I love Glasgow, and everyone is so nice here!

• -Samuel Costa