It was a hot hot day to make a trip to Nasa and do a 2-mile (or was it 5? Boy, it felt like 10, anyway) self-guided tour. But we did, nevertheless, because Daddy once dreamed of being an astronaut and PK is interested in outer space and I just do not want to miss the chance to see this event that hasn't happened in the last 17 years. But it was nothing too fancy, especially with two little ones. Too many booths, too much information, not much organization.
The only thing that got us going was to collect 6 stamps (we managed to get 5!) for the passport on the complimentary map we received at the entrance. It was crazy going booth to booth to get stamps. Make me feel like a young kid. Anyway, I tried to remember something from each stamp so that it is not too meaningless. But you will see, the learning here is pretty superficial.
- Solar System and Beyond: we saw rocks, one of which was white crystal-like and that was PK's favorite.
- Aeronautic Research: we saw airplanes, model ones.
- NASA Technology: we saw many different types of copper tubes and rings that were used in a machine to generate power using water and wind. Kind of cool. Even BB wanted to bite on those copper things.
- Mars: we saw launchers that they use to launch into other planets' atmosphere. I was told there are launchers that go out from Earth and never come back and re-entry launchers that they do receive back to Earth. Some launchers are shaped like a disc so that they can slow down in the atmosphere instead of crashing onto the planet's ground if they were made more like a rocket-shape. And the materials they used were tested on many levels to withstand heat when entering Mars' atmosphere.
- International Space Station: the lady at the booth just gave us the stamp and told us which way to go to get the last one (Earth Right Now). But we headed in a different direction to exit and that where we saw the next best thing PK and BB loved.
So, the best thing that PK and BB loved about this open house was this huge bubble machine that kept blowing out bubbles for the kids to enjoy. Ask me why it was there, I have no idea! But it actually made BB laugh and giggle for the first time this afternoon. And PK actually stopped to play. Thus, it was good.
Oh yes, and we did a little autograph on a Nasa banner. That was special, I guess.
And we were lucky to be with our friends for most of the stamp-collecting journey, until we lost them at the autograph... But we met PK's favorite friend at the end of the trip, how lucky! In such a big place with so many people. And thus, we got a photo shot from them.
We headed home after 3 hours of walking under the hot sun and got on a train to Daddy's office. Thank goodness, both kids napped on the long train ride and was all jolly at the office. See, PK decided to graffiti on Daddy's whiteboard to remind him of us every day at work.
It was all in all a wonderful day to be together. And we had a Saturday movie night while BB slept. Hope everyone has a great weekend too.