Well, I finally did it. I finally visited Endeavour.

It had been on my list of things to do but I had no desire to make a reservation and wait in line to see it. Nothing against the ship…I’m just not a fan of crowds. So I waited…and waited. This past weekend I was headed to Exposition Park and decided it was about time to stop by the California Science Center and check it out. It was certainly worth the wait.

As you can see, it’s massive. To think this vehicle has been to space and back is simply mind boggling. And to think that I was so close that I could see each and every tile of it’s surface is even more astounding.

And speaking of those tiles. I had no idea that the exterior is rubber. Ok, I just looked it up and it’s not rubber. It’s a much fancier scientific concoction. But it looked like rubber. And that surprised me. I was picturing an overgrown airplane.

Yeah, I don’t know why I was thinking that either.

Seeing the shuttle in person was simply incredible. Without thinking about it, I was overcome with a sense of overwhelming patriotism. It seems like that’s almost a dirty word nowadays and that the average person is to be jaded and realistic and think about how we’re not such a great country anymore. And God knows I’ve been there…it’s often hard not to be. But…I don’t know…seeing this massive structure, this incredible feat of science and industry and innovation and just plain moxie almost took my breath away. Endeavour is a product of my state, my country and the good old American Dream. And for that I’m proud.

Space Shuttle Endeavour at California Science Center

700 Exposition Park Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90037