Planning for Disneyland as a single person was easy. I didn't have to worry about anyone's needs, but my own. The signing up for the hotel was a big ordeal for me though, not because it was difficult to find one for one person, but because it was the first time I was solely responsible for the finances, and it made me anxious to sign myself up for so much. To be honest, I could have chosen a much cheaper option, but I had enough savings to cover, so I went for a little extravagance, and I think in the long run it was advantageous for me since I was alone.
I was anxious about the idea of travelling out of state alone, and people kept asking me with whom I was going, but there were also many cheering me on, and I had a connection or two in Southern California that mentioned they might be able to meet up with me for at least a day, so I held on to that to keep me going. I've said this many times, but I'll say it again. I try my best to not let my anxiety get me in the way of doing things. Yes, I get nervous exposing myself to the new and unknown, but on the other hand, letting anxiety have the upper hand stunts learning and growth, which I value.
I ought to explain why none of my family went with me. The main reason has to do with family members who have needs. I have a brother who is severely disabled, and needs someone around 24/7 and also parents who are aging and have health problems. I know some of my siblings would have loved to be with me, but had to fill my absence while I was gone. Friends? I've never had many, but most of them are busy taking care of the needs of their own loved ones.
So out to the world alone I traveled, exploring alone, experiencing alone. I had plenty of time at the airport reminiscing about the time when my parents used to take us up there to watch the planes take off, watching the children around me doing the same thing as they wait for their flight, and exchanging a few words with a variety of people. Plenty of people watching there, which I like. I took my time at each location enjoying the various observations, and suddenly I was there at the hotel, only minutes away from the planned destination, and what a pleasant welcome it was when I heard the fireworks, looked out of my hotel balcony, and discovered I had a great view of the Disneyland fireworks! It was real!
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| Fireworks from my hotel balcony |
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| John Wayne Statue at John Wayne Airport aka Orange County Airport |
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| Indoor Palm Tree |
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| Palm Trees at John Wayne Airport |
