shindotv

Ever since I’ve bitched and moaned about having to pay admission to a museum, I now feel obligated to bring up something that San Diegans in the know do from time to time. To have that Smithsonian, museum-hopping kind of experience, hit Balboa Park for Free Tuesdays. Be mindful of the schedule as only certain museums and galleries are open on any given Tuesday, Also, this may not include special exhibits.

There are also 24 other affordable things to do in Balboa Park this summer. Have fun!

Every once in a while, there’s a reminder here and there that geekiness is expensive. Yesterday, I went to the Star Trek Exhibit at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. In San Diego, one can expect to pay $10-$15 bucks for a museum visit, even for those affiliated. with the Smithsonian. One must be truly dedicated to see exhibits here, especially special ones. That requires even a higher financial commitment. To look at various Star Trek props, models, set replicas, and costumes, I paid $27.

I probably shouldn’t complain. I barely remember how much I paid to enter the Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas, but I believe that was $37-$40. For at least $10 more, I got to look at cosumes, props, a chronology of the future, and see a replica of Quark’s Bar, which doubled as a theme restaurant. I also got to go on a few rides, where I got treated to some convincing set replicas.

At this exhbit, there was plenty to learn and enjoy about Star Trek. Like many Star Trek oriented events, opportunities to fleece the fans abound.

In an amusement park kind of tactic, a volunteer can take your picture in Captain Kirk’s Chair or on the transporter pad. Price of these photos if you claim them: $2 each.

Outside of the exhibit, closer to the gift shop, you can pay $8 to ride a simulated shuttlecraft ride. Before leaving to the main gift shop, there are t-shirts, action figures/dolls, posters and DVD’s of the various shows’ seasons. If a Trekkie (excuse me, Trekker) can be parted with their money, it will happen.* I’m sure the Ferengi are jealous that they haven’t thought of this.

It would be fun to see again, but the price is little over half a tank of gas.

*on a personal note, I have other priorities. In plainer terms, I’m broke and it ain’t in my budget to buy merchandise.