Vacation From Hell.

I was about 11 years old. I had a cassette player. Radio stations plus my cassette tapes of Paula Abdul and Milli Vanilli were the music selections I had. There was a minivan, I was in the window seat, with my family of five and owner of the vehicle to embark on an adventure! The major destination: Anaheim, California. The jumping point: Burien, Washington.

I was the middle child, between two boys. For my parents, this was the vacation of a lifetime for their children, however it was a parent born in the 50's who had the love for Disney! (It took a few years of savings...) Normally, vacations would be destined for the hot sun of a middle of Eastern Washington town. Along the Columbia River where less than 500 residents would reside. No bathrooms, just a dam and a raging cold river when the dam's flood gates were opened. So the saving of dollars proved enough for this year and we had Disneyland on target...and Knott's Berry Farm, and the Hearst Castle! Of course, there was the cramped quarters of the vehicle and people nagging "are we there yet?" Bathrooms were sought out on a regular basis and M&M Blizzards were a treat!

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park was a theme park where I can remember a water ride with inner tubes, a restaurant and a band on tour called "Dino." I loved over-hearing the song "Summertime Girls" during a live concert--the highlight of my trip. Meanwhile, Paula's "Straight Up" and Milli Vanilli's hits kept me perked on the ride.

Now, I am not sure this happened but it happened. We camped in the campgrounds with our minivan and it seemed to pressure unleashed. The poking of fun began, and escalating yelling ensued. I convinced my little brother to walk with me. And we walked as swiftly as we could away from the spewing rage. Words engulfed the air and swearing was had between the three adults. I was embarrassed. Maybe my younger sibling appreciated me pulling him away from the campground scene--I think we understood in silence that we didn't want to be a part of it! It may be the memory of my parents as the biggest, most extravagant vacation they provided us with...but for me, it was the vacation from hell!

Disneyland was an oasis (but I think I liked the charm of Knott's Berry Farm better). Rides, food and smiles. I had a camera and I lost a camera. I am pretty sure I placed it on a railing overlooking the water--kerplunk. No visual memories from the trip with photos; but I do remember taking a photograph of a brother with an extra large sombrero. (I remember getting yelled at for losing the camera because this photograph was desired!) The ride I'd rather not remember is "It's a small world after all" and I remember a roller coaster was on top of our list (Space Mountain?)! The Disneyland destination was over and we even checked for my small film camera at the lost and found--with no luck! Circa 1988? Till we meet again Disney!

The ride home. Highlight--Hearst Castle. Gilded floors designed and installed during the Great Depression. A media mogul built this endeavor. In memory, there were exotic animals that roamed the property extending over the hillsides. Giraffes, zebras and others. A pool was built, may I assume, for a Greek god--may I say Neptune? Opulence and extravagance--now I was home.

I felt satisfied. I could return home, to school and to my life with hearing "Summertime Girls" in concert, visiting Disneyland under my belt, and taking a tour of the Hearst Castle.

Song selection: "Easy On Me" by Adele

Video: Anything But Humble: Hearst Castle

Swim In the Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle