Monday, October 13 was Columbus Day.  Aside from public schools and government jobs, I think the Skoll Foundation is the only employer who recognizes this day and gives their employees the day off.   Lucky for me, Lee had a vacation day to spare and he kept me company.   We debated about going somewhere for the three day weekend, but ultimately decided to stick around here and visit the new Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.

I had never visited the old Academy, but this new one is incredible.   We were very impressed.  We didn't get there early enough to receive one of the free passes to the Planetarium; which was a big disappointment.  We really wanted to see that.  I think the most impressive thing we DID see was the four story rain forest and the aquarium.  Both were pretty fabulous.  They control the temperature in the "rain forest sphere" and it is humid and truly feels like a tropical environment.  The Academy has placed fish in the water and set loose a million GORGEOUS butterflies of all sizes.  There are also glass cages with all sorts of reptiles and amphibians.   We loved it.  Before exiting the rain forest you pass under the river/pond with the tropical fish and exit into a room that has multiple aquariums displaying life from  Northern and Southern California and the Philippines.

There are also displays of African animals, the impact of global warming on the state of California, alligators and penguins and a living roof.  We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon there and can't wait to go back for the Planetarium.

After the Academy we joined up with Joy and Collin for neighborhood pizza night at "The Goat".   We LOVE Monday nights at the Goat.  They make delicious pizza and it's all you can eat.  BUT the best part about it, is that the servers and pizzas (of every combination imaginable) come to you!  The pieces are small and you can eat close to a dozen and try everything under the sun.  MMMMM.  So good!