I had a good trip to San Diego, learned a lot of science, ate some good food, and explored the city a little bit more. This was my second and longer trip where the conference wasn't in the same hotel and I was able to walk around the city more. In fact, my hotel was about 1.5 miles from the convention center forcing me walk and wishing I had wore my hiking shoes.
One of the highlights of the trip was a tour of the aircraft carrier USS Midway. I was invited to attend a party there by a textbook publisher. When I RSVPed the invitation, I didn't think about the venue. But, after walking pass it daily between the hotel and convention center, I was in awe by the shear size of the ship and was glad that I would have a chance to see the inside. I was not disappointed! The Midway was build toward the end of WWII. It was deployed to Vietnam, served several missions in the 80's, and was involved in Operation Desert Storm in the early 90's. Whereas many other decommissioned aircraft carriers were turned into scrap metal, the Midway is now a museum. Many of the tour guides working there now were former sailors on the ship. My tour guide was a Vietnamese man who was rescued from a refugee boat.
There were several fighter aircrafts and helicopters on the deck of the ship that would impress anyone with aviation interests. My favorite was the helicopter used to rescue 5 space capsules at the end of those Apollo moon missions. I have always had a special interest in WWII history and an appreciation for men and women who served in the Pacific. I was actually born in an Naval hospital! So, what a special treat to see this wonderful place!
In case you are wondering, Bun Bun fared very well without me for 4 full days! Daddy did, too! John did a wonderful job getting her for school while I was gone.
婆婆 was in charge of bath time in my stead. I missed them all terribly. It is great to be home!
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| San Diego Convention Center with palm trees... kind of reminded me of Taiwan |
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| USS Midway from port side |
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| Helicopter used in the rescue of Apollo capsules |
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| Five Apollo capsules were rescued after they touched down at sea. |
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| Small collection of helicopters on the flight deck |
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| Chewbacca doughnut and a small coffee were my breakfast on Wednesday. |
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| Extra large statue inspired by the Broadway parade commemorating the end of WWII |
