This past weekend, my husband, son and I drove to California to pick my daughter up from overnight summer camp. We had very little time in LA, as it was a quick turn around trip just to bring her back home. We were in Los Angeles for not even 24 hours, but in the short afternoon we had there, we had an incredible experience that I must write about.
We decided to take a trip to the California Science Center to see the space shuttle, Endeavor, which is now housed there. To add to the adventure, we parked in Culver City and took the metro to the Expo Park/USC stop. The metro didn’t exist in LA when we lived there some 10 years ago, and our young Tucson boy is most definitely not used to public transit. He loved going on it!
When we arrived, we crossed through the magnificent rose garden and stepped foot into the massive science center. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to walk around, and I must say that we will make it a point to spend a full day there on our next visit. The California Science Center is a must-see stop for any family, and we can’t wait to go back.
Regardless of our time constraint, our visit to the Endeavor did not even slightly disappoint. When you walk into the hanger where she is housed, it is overwhelming to see the size of this space flying machine! For all the times I have watched space shuttle launches on TV, I never realized just how expansive and powerful a space shuttle really is. Between its 3 huge engines and enormous breadth, to be standing right beside it really puts its power into perspective. The best way I can describe it is by showing you pictures. In order to get the scale, compare the size of people standing all around it. Check it out!
If you ever have the opportunity to see a space shuttle, go! It was such an impressive sight, and even our son was mesmerized. I know it left a lasting impression on him as it did for us, too.
After spending time in Endeavor’s hanger, we crossed through the science center to the Imax theater also housed on the grounds and watched a 3D movie about the Hubble telescope. After seeing the space shuttle, getting so involved in the work of astronauts was not only educational, but it was so captivating, too. It’s just amazing to get a glance of the infinite possibilities of space, and seeing an Imax film in 3D really made the experience up close and personal.
I highly recommend a visit to the California Science Center and to see the Endeavor along with the Imax movie. This is one experience that will stay with me for years to come. My song of the day is in honor of all of the heroic astronauts whose work is so impressive and inspiring. To the amazing “Rocket Man” — thank you for bringing space to Earth for all of us to see!
