I first discovered NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences back in July 2009. I had just arrived in San Francisco and was doing research for an article. The prompt was, “What’s the best kept secret in San Francisco?”
At the time, I had only been living in my new city for ten days. In that short amount of time, I had not yet discovered any secrets. I had not yet met any new friends so I couldn’t ask them about their secrets. And why would they want to share their information with me? After all, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore if I knew about it.
But when I learned about NightLife through my own research, I felt like I had discovered my very own little secret. My friends and family back home in Philadelphia didn’t have access to a science museum that threw a fabulous party every week! This secret would be the leverage that I needed to convince everyone to fly across the country and visit me.
I attended my first NightLife as a participant-observer, not really sure what to expect. Would I only see the geeks who attended simply to enjoy the science? Would I only see the chic that attended simply to see and be seen? I was surprised to fit right in with the crowd. There was a healthy mix of San Franciscans that represented both groups: the geeks and the chic.
I love NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences because it allows the chic geek in me to truly shine. I love getting dressed up in my Thursday best for the events. I love walking onto the living roof and taking in the nighttime sky. I love being immersed in all the science and meeting others who enjoy it just as much as I do.
I am now lucky enough to continue my loving relationship with NightLife as a Scene Insider. Join me every Thursday night as I bring you the best of what NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences has to offer.
