A number of years ago, we were there with our son, but not at all in the intervening years. This time I looked a bit different. Having just changed out of shorts, I was wearing gray capri pants with a purple pocket polo top, and fisherman sandals, of course with long hair and nails, Mom's necklace, and my purse, which was full of cameras and other junk. (I often carry two cameras, one for daytime and one for in dark places.)
There were a number of Halloween functions going on at the land of the Mouse, and most of the kids (plus some adults) were walking around in official "costumes." (Saw one guy in a skirt and one in a full kilt outfit, but no way to talk to either.)
My wife and I were being attentive to the many fascinating childrens' costumes as we went around the park. Twice, the tables were turned, as little boys asked me the usual question: "You look like a girl. Are you a boy or a girl?" This seems to be a common question...I've heard it a number of times before.
Fortunately, each time, the boy's parents were right there, so I approached it this way to make it easy for them - and me. "It's Halloween time again, right?" Of course, the boy answered "Sure." "So, you're a boy who looks like Batman, and I'm a boy who looks like a girl." Each boy universally said "Oh, OK - bye!" We did a high five, then he and his parents went right back to doing whatever it was that they were doing when the kid first noticed me. Though I'd be interested to know what, if any, questions were directed at the parents later, my looking like a girl must be OK with the boys... Girls, on the other hand, seem to be a lot more reserved. None of them asked...or even stared (that I noticed.)
My wife was with me, but not right at my side. And the time was not right to go into the transgender issue with strangers. Not sure whether she heard, or what she thought, of these encounters - perhaps simply "toleration?" She never said. So I may never know.
Monorail train near the Disney World Transportation and Ticketing Center
Grand Floridian Lodge in late afternoon sun.
A portion of the Polynesian Lodge at night
This was turning out to be a fun vacation, for sure. And with the advent of "miss-identifications," in addition to frequent omission of gender specific greetings, it was even better. Unfortunately these were interspersed with instances of the "S" word being used. Not a problem...since I wasn't trying to present as female, any feminine recognition I received was a big bonus.
More later...
Mandy
Being on vacation in Florida is always nice and Disney World is always a special place.
ReplyDeleteI think we will be on the Auto Train going down on New Years Day with plans to spend time in Cape Canavral, Pompano and Hutchinson Island
You'll have a good time! We visited the Kennedy Space Center for a day, and had a wonderful time. Pompano and Hutchinson Island would be nice for next time, and Key West will be a must! Some of the Florida sunsets are spectacular!
DeleteThe worst part is the traffic, combined with so many elderly, aggressive, and/or handicapped drivers. Second worst being toll booths with no cash payment option. The first day, 3 automated toll booths had to be run thru as there was no toll collector, so we bought and activated a SunPass, which solved that problem. It's more comfortable when the green light says "Go - Paid SunPass"
Now if they would just get with the program and start to accept EZPass...vacationers would be right at home.
Mandy
The no cash option Sun Pass only booths have been a pain on prior visits. Perhaps this year we will get a Sun Pass.
DeleteI wish that Florida would take the EZPass but I learned a long time ago that "You can't push on a string".
We have a friend who retired to Titus near the Cape and he is a total space nut with an annual pass to the Kennedy Space Center. Last year we stopped by and we spend the day with him at the Space Center. He really knew his way around and was a great tour guide
I suppose we'll find out how much the 3 "run-throughs" will generate in administrative fees when the bills arrive in the mail. One way around that problem may be to run with the "year of manufacture" plates I have for the antique. We have to carry the "real" plates in the car in case of being stopped...as the YOM plates aren't listed in the motor vehicle plate registry.
ReplyDeleteBut I'd rather just pay tolls as I go, than worry about the eventuality of being caught...and paying big fines.
We live about a hundred miles from Wallops Island, VA - where rockets are launched for commercial and weather research. On a clear launch night, when leaves are off the trees, i can see the rocket fire as they ascend to the heavens. Very pretty... And we watched the first flight of the replacement for the Challenger from about 4 miles from the Cape "back in the day.' Yes, the area can definitely be a lot of fun...a knowledgeable guide would be great!
Mandy