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Kennedy Space Centre
On our last visit as we were going with friends we decided to take a look at Kennedy Space Centre. On previous vacations other members of our family had visited and all really enjoyed it but it was not something I was that keen to do it just did not appeal to me. How wrong I was. Its an absolutely fascinating place to go especially if you are from the era when the first shuttle was launched etc. You see the shuttles on the TV, on the news etc. but until you get up close you have absolutely no idea how enormous they are. More recently they have been sending up several parts of a space laboratory. Its still not finished and is an amazing size, when you see it, you wonder how it stays up there? They are developing new medicines, growing crystals that wouldn't grow on earth and finding new cures all the time. One of the main things they are looking at is new cures for cancer which has to be a good thing.
When we first arrived my dad advised us to go into the two theatres first where you are taken on a virtual reality tour into space. One of the films is narrated by Tom Hanks and the other by Tom Cruise. The one by Tom Hanks was fantastic, you felt like you were up there with the astronauts. I really would advise doing this first before you go around the rest of Kennedy because it gives you an idea of what is to come and of course the background on the shuttles launched and sadly tells you about those very brave people we have lost in the process.
A bus then takes you around the space centre which you get on and off to see the different displays and shuttle launch pad etc. There are 3 different stops including taking you past the viewing stand for VIP's when the shuttles are launched.
As you walk around the area there is an enormous rememberance wall dedicated and detailed with all the names of those we have lost to the development of space research. Other memorials group the different shuttles together and give you detailed information about those brave people. Gives you food for thought and you can't help but feel a little melancholy as you read the memorials.
On an up note and to finish this article although not renowned for its rides, as there currently aren't any, in May 2007 (not finished when we were there at the beginning of the month though) there is a ride being opened which is going to give you the feeling of really being launched into space. Definitely have to go back even if just to do this it sounds fabulous.
I recommend you be a little bit more open minded than I was and take a look, its only about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours from the I4 and not at all expensive. Good for adults and children alike.
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