We have been chomping

at the bit to get to the California Academy of Sciences since it re-opened in December of 2008 (yes, 2008). The only deterrent thus far has been the constant barrage of complaints about long lines.  My father was able to go when he had a free day during a visit last February, but it was a dreary Monday, and the lines were few, if any, as everyone was either at school or work.  After not making it last week, we figured it would be the perfect way to spend Nicholas's birthday.

We headed out very early on a Saturday morning (for us), after dragging Caitlin out of bed kicking and screaming.  Apparently, she "wasn't aware" of the plans for the day.  A bit of moaning and groaning and 23 books later, we were in the car and on the way.  We were through the tunnel before we knew it and the bridge traffic was practically non-existent.  Peter thought there was a hiccup when he saw an enormously long line as we drove up to the parking garage, but then realized he was looking at the de Young, not the Academy (free day at the King Tut exhibit).

As mentioned previously, we tried to go last week, but opted to wait and, YES!, saved $25.  Pete is officially a hero as far as their terms require, so he flashed the badge and we got in.   I could have done without the snarky look from the cashier (um, he earned those creds, no looks necessary!), but his ticket read $0.00 and we headed through the doors.

 
I really hesitate to do much of a review here, because I am afraid I will do the Academy a disservice.  I have heard so much about it since it opened, and could not wait to get there.  My reasons are probably a little bit different as I was more excited about the environmentally sound aspects of the building itself (my heart went aflutter when I saw compost bins next to every waste basket & recycling bin).  I was sure I would also find the exhibits fascinating, but really wanted to see more about the design of the  building.  Turns out I could have stayed home and studied the website if that was my only interest.

The Academy has a lot to offer, but perhaps we have been to too many aquariums, gardens, conservatories, natural history museums, and, yes, gift shops.  I had a constant feeling of deja vu…take a bit of the Smithsonian, add it to the Baltimore Aquarium, sprinkle a little of the butterfly conservancy on it, add a side of the zoo in Caracas, and don't forget to cover it with Icelandic turf houses.  For once, I felt over-traveled and, well, disappointed?

The kids loved it, but Pete and I left feeling sort of…blah.  The kicker was standing on the roof with everyone oohing and ahhing over the grass covering.  Yes, it is awesome and energy efficient, but we saw them on a regular basis all around the country in Iceland.  Heck, our friends just outside the city proper were living in a house with a turf roof.  So, to be quite honest, the only thing that surprised us was how much other folks seemed to be in awe, and I realized, sadly, that I am officially a museum snob.

Does this mean you shouldn't go?  No, it doesn't.  Every child we saw seemed to truly enjoy themselves and were totally immersed in the activities, as were most adults.   Nicholas is still amazed by everything, and Kelsey and Cait really dug the rain forest portion, as it jibed neatly with studies they have done in science class.  I also know myself well enough to know I would have been extremely disappointed to not go and experience it.  However, that being said, I am relieved I didn't purchase a membership.  If we lived down the street, it would be one thing, but given our distance and the short time we have left here, I don't see us returning anytime soon.

It was still a great day for the birthday boy, though, as he was treated to not one, but two free "chock-chock" ice creams during the day.  His sisters were quite vocal with the waiters at both lunch and dinner about his new age, and the Little Guy was very appreciative.  We saved the real cake and ice cream (and presents) for Sunday, and just enjoyed having so much free time to explore the city's offerings on his special day.