Today was public day, when the general public and thousands of school children got the chance to view the science projects and meet the budding scientists and engineers. ISEF was open to the public from 9 am till 9 pm while the finalists received them from 10 to 2. Dylan spoke with lots of kids about his project and quite a few adults. Who doesn’t want to talk about robots?
Tami and I took this day to check out some of the interesting parts of downtown LA, in particular the grand Central market and the Walt Disney Music Center designed by Frank Gehry.
The market was full of life, fruit, vegetables and some great eating. Established in 1917, the Market is home to vegetable vendors and several ethnic food cafes. Japanese, Chinese, and Mexican food made with amazing fresh vegetables from the farms that surround LA can be ordered. Dining at wrought iron tables under the market canopy while people watching was great. Tami had sushi and I choose an assorted bento box from the local vendor. Fresh food abounds with pricing less than half what we pay in Pensacola. i.e. Bananas 5 lbs. for $2 and avocados 7 for $1!
A short needed walk up the hill was all it took to get to the Gehry designed Walt Disney Music Center. Wow, is all I can say. This shiny stainless steel mass of flow and interest draws your eye, especially when under the cloudless California sky. I just wanted to touch it. Was it hot? Smooth? How do the seams fit? Is it dirty? what is it like inside? where’s the door? Question after question ……….
The building is cool to the touch, smooth, and clean, and we found the door. Once inside, the eye is pulled upward by the symbolic tree trunk columns.
A garden terrace is along the west side of the building access from an outdoor staircase. Trees with multi-horned red flowers protect the smaller shrubs, flowers, and a lotus flower sculpture made broken china.
A downhill walk from the Music Center to our hotel for a short rest before meeting Dylan and taking a look at a few of the incredible ISEF projects. The fellow next to Dylan’s booth was from the Czech Republic and had designed an eye-tracking mouse that could help those with limited hand mobility. Another finalist had a precision sundial made with what looked like a magnesium wheel. Another mixed seaweed and tapioca to create a protein enhanced gelatin. Lots of amazing projects and I’m glad I didn’t have to select the winners of any category.
A downhill walk from the Music Center to our hotel for a short rest before meeting Dylan and taking a look at a few of the incredible ISEF projects. The fellow next to Dylan’s booth was from the Czech Republic and had designed an eye-tracking mouse that could help those with limited hand mobility. Another finalist had a precision sundial made with what looked like a magnesium wheel. Another mixed seaweed and tapioca to create a protein enhanced gelatin. Lots of amazing projects and I’m glad I didn’t have to select the winners of any category.
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