Seaside 2023

This time, 12 people with hemophilia (or von Willebrand disease) participated in the trip. In total, 42 of us set out, including a nurse and a physiotherapist. Fortunately, health complications avoided us — there were a few minor treatments and prophylactic applications. We did not "spoil" our stay with intensive physiotherapy either, limiting it to daily pool exercises and the option of individual consultations.

I personally consider the trip a success; it certainly fulfilled its core purpose of enabling those who would not dare to go to the seaside on their own to do so. This was confirmed by personal conversations. If there is interest from members of both organisations, we will be happy to return to organising trips. However, probably again with at least a one-year break. Everything will certainly be better shown by interest, time, and money...

So much for my few words. As usual, I left the further evaluation to the participants, and this time Soňa took it up. I thank her very much not only for the contribution but also for the above-mentioned healthcare.

Here are her words:

At the beginning of July, we completed a week-long stay on Crete, Kavros Beach, with the Czech Hemophilia Society and Hemojunior.

I think most participants were satisfied and enjoyed the stay according to their expectations. Everything was within reach. A pool, a sandy beach with free sunbeds and a gradual entry into the crystal-clear sea.

There was a bar by the pool, a spacious dining room with outdoor seating and all-inclusive catering, so everyone got what they wanted. We spent our free time on the beach, swimming in the sea, fooling around with the children on floats and with balls, snorkelling, catching little fish, and observing the seabed. On some days, we enjoyed the sea waves. Ping pong, darts, water polo, and aqua aerobics were also available.

In the evenings, we ventured into the whirl of local shops and tavernas. As two years ago, there was an option for various excursions, whether by local transport, chartered buses, taxi, or a little train to the nearby crystal-clear Lake Kournas. There, we rented pedal boats and circled the lake, observing the underwater world, various fish, and little turtles. We visited the nearby ancient town of Rethymno with its beautiful fortress, harbour, and charming little streets. Some participants took advantage of the optional trip to Heraklion, others to the pink beach of Elafonisi and the city of Chania. We spent the late evening hours over glasses of local beer or wine, enjoying the warm summer nights.

Everything went without complications; I rate the trip and the atmosphere positively and look forward to further events and cooperation.