Academy of Sciences (and a Cocktail)

One of my favorite new places in SF is the Academy of Sciences. Unfortunately, it seems to be the favorite of many other fans as well. Every time I've gone on a weekend, I've been confronted with mobs at the door. Luckily, I opted early on for an annual pass so J and I have been enjoying the Academy in sections instead of trying to fight the crowds to finish everything in one day.

This is a view of the lagoon from inside the rainforest. If you look carefully through the bottom, you can see people in a viewing gallery below. One of the Academy's coolest features is that many aquarium exhibits can be seen from multiple angles. You might see some fish from above, then walk around and realize you're staring at them from below later on!

Butterflies at the top of the rainforest. Try to enlarge the photo, there were a lot on this bush! The Academy has a really unique selection of butterflies, many in colors and patterns I'd never seen.

The live rooftop garden, which helps attract wildlife to Golden Gate Park and also insulates the building. Compared to the first time I visited, the roof is in full bloom now and quite charming. I wish they'd let people frolic in the fields of wildflowers, but I think that's only allowed for very important donors. So for now, I can only admire the solar panels and big round windows from afar.

Did I mention I ran most of the way to Golden Gate Park? 3 miles, including a break! After that, walking around inside for a few hours, and then buying groceries, I totally deserved this martini:

• 1 shot Tanqueray Sterling, my new favorite vodka. It tastes better than most $30 vodka and costs $15! Sure, I still have vodkas I prefer more, but not anywhere near $15.
• a few drops Dolin vermouth. I like to just swish some in the cup and then toss it out, but you can use up to two teaspoons. Dolin dry vermouth was described to me by a cocktail junkie as good enough to drink neat, and I do agree it's quite tasty.
• 1-3 drops olive juice, optional. Or if you like your martinis salty, a teaspoon
  

Shake all the ingredients with lots of ice, then strain into a martini glass and serve with some olives. Delish.