Atlanta trip - CNN Center

The CNN Center, Anderson Cooper works out of NY, so sad I wanted to see him. We did see three other anchors and one even waved at our tour. The center was interesting, but security was everywhere.

Atlanta trip - historical center part two

You are missing the fact that I am standing on the winners podium from the Olympics.
A huge Swatch from the Atlanta olympics
Only a bronze, so sad
A gold yeah!!
` Qatar for Qatar
The history center has a exhibit on the Olympics, upstairs is a fun area to try out your skills.

Atlanta trip - the historical center

The Smith farm, they moved it from North Druid road and set it up for visitors. The tour guide is dressed in the era clothing(1850's)
The Swan House built in 1920's and the historical center is build here.
Beautiful gardens and fountains.
My Kingdom, what do you think?

Atlanta trip - Hindu Temple

In Lilburn GA, where David's sister lives, is the largest Hindu Temple in North America. Here is the link to their page. Alex gave us directions and we were amazed when we arrived. A service was taking place in 30 mins and we were invited to stay. The service lasted 15 mins. and involved chanting and candles. It was quiet and reverent, I enjoyed the experience. Women sat behind the line and men sat in front of it. The statues in the sanctuary were dressed beautifully, but instead of the turbans from the photos they were wearing stocking caps. The weather was cold for Atlanta, 55 to 65 degrees.

Atlanta trip - Fernbank Natural History Museum

Outside the museum
This museum was amazingly beautiful. Large center atrium with dino bones hanging from the ceiling. We also watched the IMAX movie Caves while we were there. This was an option of the Citypass and well worth the drive and getting a bit lost with my great navigation skills.

The dinos were big

This is worth a look if you ever get the chance.

Atlanta trip - The Zoo

Lot of birds.
Not as much fun without the kids to ride along.

Large apes were there
A sleeping Panda and they had a baby recently that was not on display.
A warthog
Flamingos

The zoo was fun, but the building next to it was amazing. The Cyclorama of the Battle for Atlanta. The painting is the size of a football field and it is mounted in the round and the seats move around it. A 20 foot diorama is in front of the painting to give it a life like look. That was well worth the trip. If you go to Atlanta don't miss the Cyclorama.

Atlanta trip - Alabama Unclaimed Luggage store

David has been talking about this place for years and this is as close as we have ever been, so we went. It was about 3 hours north of Atlanta, it was a pretty drive.
He's very happy with the books he found. Three favorite authors that have books in England now but not coming here until the end of this year. Yeah he gets to read ahead. That was worth the trip for him, also a new ipod, some nice clothes and a few other items. This place is huge and the brands are amazing. Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Douney and Burke, Coach, Jimmy Chou shoes, you name it they have it. Lots of fun.

Atlanta trip - the aquarium part-three

We were hungry after looking at all the fish, so we ate some for dinner.
Massive tanks and you can scuba and even swim if you want to pay for that privilege.

We took a behind the scene tour and the huge tank was just that. A viewing tunnel runs through it and that huge window from the other day.

Atlanta trip - the aquarium part-two

Strange worms with big eyes.
Beluga whales swimming around with seals. Very cold water. Another huge tank with a big viewing window.
Mississippi fish, funny that we have more of these types in the aquarium at the mega mall in Bloomington.
Another tunnel, lots of these so you could get a good look at the different habitats and fish.
Up close and personal with the penguins
They are so cute and walked right up to the glass to have a look at us.

Atlanta trip - the aquarium part-one

Playing with the penguins.
This place was amazing and this area was huge.
That is a Whale Shark and it is over 20 feet long.
I love this room, the sun is shining into the tank and I wish I could live here.

Atlanta trip World of Coke

David getting tired of me taking photos of him.
Austin got a mention at the museum.
Olympic torches that Coke has been involved with.
Many different bottles and designs from around the world.
The lobby of the World of Coke, we had fun. The 4D Movie gave me a headache, but it was cute. The constant jarring of the seats is what did it. At the end of the tour is the tasting room and there are over 100 different soft drinks from around the world to try. Some were good, some were not. Beverly from Italy was nasty and the Bitter Lemon from the UK was only slightly better. One from Mexico was my favorite. It was a fun tour and since it was winter(50 plus degrees) we had the place almost to ourselves. In the summer the wait is long and reservations are suggested. We bought a Citypass to see all the big attractions in Atlanta.\

We stayed with David's sister, Suzanne's, family. Thanks for the fun!