Before I jump from LV to LA, something about what I have forgotten. The only ride that I went on in Disneyland was called ‘Space Mountain,’ I think. It goes something like this: a dark, enclosed space with no light. A roller coaster ride. You would not know, because of the darkness, which way the ride will go—up or down, left or right. That is the thrill. The unexpected movements. At a particular point in the ride, a photograph is taken of all the cars with the riders to show their facial expression. I was with my wife and younger son. Showing a lot of ‘unpossessed’ mettle and absent ‘courage’ and all because I did not know the terrible misfortunes awaiting me on all sides, and nobody took the least pity to tell a leg-shaking, nervous intruder into unknown space, showing a facade of a calm face with a hidden volcano brewing inside. My Himalayan blunder hit me as soon as the ride commenced. The heart attack that I suffered in 2023 could have successfully marauded me in 2001 during this ride. Even a marathon runner towards the end of his run or a 100-meter hurdler nearing the finishing line would not have had a faster heartbeat. With my heart almost hanging as if outside of my thumping chest, I felt I was hanging from a thin rod from the outside of the top of the Empire

 State Building, ready to fall and clutching at the straw for my dear life. The volcano of my stomach was bubbling, simmering, and ready to spew out all the lava of contents, including the gutless gut into the dark space. Praying to all Gods and Goddesses, I closed my eyes, which made the feelings and fear even worse. And suddenly, with a jolt and bang, it stopped.

I was one of the first ones to jump out, giving the impression I am the one who enjoyed the ride most. As we were coming out, the photographs were ready and on display. My son and wife were laughing and enjoying, as if at my obvious discomfort, and I looked like I had swallowed a ton of castor oil. I never like to look at my own photographs for fear of developing a hatred for myself. And this particular one—shelved in an unknown place. Nothing wrong in trying out a bit of adventure. But do enquire what you are getting into so that you are prepared.

After that, even before a train ride in Disneyland, I would ask a thousand questions. And the train ride was the only ride I took after the roller coaster.

After that, what I enjoyed was the typical Disney show with all characters, the laser show, and the fireworks. I did not have to endure the untold and told sufferings I underwent during the most complicated ride of my career in adventure. At least the tour ended well with me relaxing and watching the peaceful display of rockets and the designs they created.

My elder son was totally fatigued, and my younger son took hold of the steering. Confidently, I told him that I was not sleepy or tired and I would give company in the front seat so that I would keep him awake too. And the next day, my younger son told me what all I had blabbered in half sleep during the ride.

And this way, the next day, we launched ourselves into the make-believe world of Universal Studios.

Continued in 255. May Believe Make Believe - Part 2