Charlin vs. Science

As promised, here is an update.

Eager to use my vacation time (semi-)interestingly, I migrated to a bizarre and wonderful world.

I should have brought a poet

Actually, the location was completely Earth-bound. Jerome and I went to the California Science Center. While I came specifically to see a traveling exhibit, I spent the first part of the day observing the permanent collection. Most of the first exhibits reminded me of the paternal unit.

Jerome and the Apollo capsule

 Jerome and the Viking

Jerome and the Window

I wanted to move on, but at least one display silently judged my lack of interest.

Does not approve

Many of the other exhibits focused on biology, which I had more familiarity with. However, they taught me some new information. They also used big models of random plants, bugs, and cells.

 Someone, somewhere, is very proud of this light-up plant

The most impressive exhibit was a 188,000 gallon display of local aquatic life. I managed to meet some divers before they suited up. Actually, I helped them identify some rainbow surfperch and a salema. They kindly posed for a picture.

 Sheephead photobomb!

I still could not find tickets for the special exhibit. Fortunately, two workers willingly pointed me toward the ticket booth.

Thank you!

Twenty bucks later, I had my ticket for the exhibition.

I always liked classical history, and the displays promised information about the particularly enigmatic queen. They delivered.

Jerome: mosasaur, travel buddy, censor bar

While the information was good, the exhibition kept trying to present Cleopatra as a sympathetic character. Personally, I do not think she was. Yes, she was brilliant, creative, beautiful, and talented. Yet, she was still the sort of person most people pray their daughters never become. Her actions imply a manipulative, obsessive, prideful, and demanding personality.

Some examples of the decadence of the time found mention.

 

This is one three-inch earring. The white things are pearls.

Still, the day was fun and enlightening. Until next time, peace out, mah ninjas!