Ronald Reagan Library

Aug 25:  Ronald Reagan Library and Museum

I drove from my hotel in Oxnard back to Simi Valley to visit Ron and Nancy.   They are entombed with a nice view of the area.   However, there are warning signs about rattlesnakes down the hillsides, and the entire states is in a drought and high fire condition. 

The place was overflowing with families and senior citizens.   I had my Reagan Foundation membership card which got me to the front of the line with free access to the Reagan exhibits, but I had to pay the reduced rate of $10 (vice $20) to also see the Treasures of the Vatican Exhibit.   They guy at the front desk said that the Vatican exhibit closes on Sunday and that is why it is so crowded.  I even saw two priests standing in line with their friends in the long line to get into the Vatican Exhibit, but I got to get in the front of the line!   It pays to be a member!

The Vatican Exhibit took two hours to walk through as there was much to read and slow moving crowds.  There were several original art works, papal vestments, documents, chalices, and Gregorian Chants playing in the background.

The Reagan exhibits are well done.   I didn’t find any pictures of myself in any of the numerous photos.   There were pictures of that night Princess Diana danced with John Travolta, and I was somewhere in the crowd watching them.   That was the night Travolta dumped his date and took off with Diana. 

It was cute watching kids and babies standing behind the presidential podium.  

That was a shame that the Oval Office was roped off with no entry allowed.   I think they just didn’t want it open with so many people there.

The Air Force One area is very large.   I walked through the jet and also the helicopter.   I had pictures taken by the helicopter but didn’t bother looking at much less buying the prints they were selling.   I went out to the observation deck to look at the surrounding hills, and I observed an old guy playing kissing face with his boy toy.   How romantic!  However, the boy toy seemed embarrassed, and I think he is just in it for the money. 

I completed the tour after 4 hours of walking around.  There were cars parked along the winding road all the way down to the main road.  The lower level parking lot was also packed.  

https://goo.gl/photos/4yVo8QJUiDoLvtWD7