Vacation From Hell.

Eleven years young. I had a casette player--radio stations plus my two picks for the trip of Paula Abdul and Milli Vanilli! I was in a red minivan, window seat, my family of five and the brand new minivan owner would take part. The destination Anaheim, California. The starting point Burien, Washington.

I was the middle child between two boys. For my parents, this was the vacation of a lifetime! Normally, vacations would be destined for the hot sun of the middle of Eastern Washington town along the Columbia River with less than 500 residents. No bathrooms--just a dam and a raging cold river--at times. So the saving of dollars proved to be enough this year and we had Disneyland on our sights...and Knotts Berry Farm!

Of course, there were cramped quarters of the vehicle and people nagging at one thing or another! Bathrooms were sought out when convenient--gas stations and fastfood. Knott's Berry Farm was a theme park where I can remember a water ride with inner tubes, a restaurant and a musician on tour called "Dino". I loved the song "Summertime Girls"--hearing it was the highlight of the trip for me!

Meanwhile, Paula's "Straight Up" and Milli Vanilli's hits kept me perked in the vehicle. Now, I am not sure when this happened; but it happened. We camped in campgrounds--with the minivan and it seemed the pressure unleashed! The poking fun began and yelling ensued. I convinced my younger brother to go on a walk with me. And I walked as swiftly as I could away from the spewing rage. Words engulfed the air and swearing was had between the three adults! I was embarassed. I don't know if my younger brother appreciated me pulling him out of the pit or was it just understood silence as we walked away? It may be the memory for my parents as the biggest, most extravagant vacation they provided for us but for me it was the vacation from hell.

Disneyland was an oasis. Hotel, rides, and food. I had a camera and I lost a camera. Iam pretty sure I placed it on a railing overlooking hte water--"ker-plunk!" No visual memories, just some chaotic memories and fantasy world blur. Till we meet again Disney!