My First Two Trips...

My first trip abroad was when I was 10 years old. We traveled all the way to West Germany. It was before the East German wall came down. Oh dear, I may be dating myself.

We traveled by plane for approximately 10 hours to Frankfurt Airport and then drove another 5 hours to my Aunt and Uncle's house. At the time, I did not have an electric wheelchair, so it was easier to get around. Since I was a child it was easy for my parents to colapse the small wheelchair, put it in the trunk of the car, and take me everywhere they wanted to go. Thankfully, my parents enrolled my sister and I into German school on Saturday's for approximately 6 months prior to our trip so that we could talk to our relatives. We visited not only our relatives, but also Walsrode Birdpark (Vogelpark Walsrode), health spas, that had beautiful gardens and many relatives. It was a wonderful four week trip that exposed me to the world of traveling. I enjoyed meeting new people and eating wonderful food my grandmother would make.

My family and I traveled to Disneyland California. We drove down the Oregon coast and saw the Sea Lions caves. Then across the San Diego California bridge, down a windy road and finally to Disneyland. A magical place that is sure to light up the smile on any child's face. I was able to go on a few rides, but my father had to carry me because at that time a wheelchair could not go on a ride. My favorite two were "It's a small world after all" and "Pirates of the Caribbean".

On our way down to Disneyland we stayed in Motels along the way. Once we were in California we stayed at my parents friend's place in La Habra California approximately 13 miles from one of the largest amusement parks in the US to Univeral Studios. Another large amusement parks that the entertainment industry made to promote their past and upcoming movies. We saw so many interesting sets some were scary and some were just fun. It was great to be able to travel with my family and see what new adventure is around the next corner.