Atlanta, Georgia on my mind

High Museum of Art - 4D house

Happy to be fleeing from the bitter cold winter of Montreal with expectations of sunshine and warmth in Atlanta! Arriving into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Terminal, the world's busiest airport ( i didn't know, silly me ) with 104 million passengers passing through its doors, I must have looked sheepish with the new knowledge i just learnt.

We stayed at the Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta, a nice property on Peachtree Road in the chic district of Buckhead. With the upscale Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza within walking distance, I got my Christmas shopping done there easily.  There is also a food mall and several coffee shops, you can spend half an afternoon here. As it was a few weeks to Christmas, I was lucky to catch a choir carolling in the mall.

National Centre for Civil and Human Rights
Close to the hotel is the MARTA rail station, which I planned to get me to the old town / downtown. I bought my tickets and waited for the train. A huge chunky train came along and I boarded it. I was surprised that there were hardly any commuters. I re-assured myself that most Americans are car owners and would very rarely commute by trains.

After about 20 minutes, I arrived at the Civic Centre stop. I wasn't sure if that was the correct stop, but took my chances anyway. From a distance, I could see a cluster of skyscrapers and I assumed that would be Downtown. Walking briskly in that direction, I was aware of being the only pedestrian on that street. A guy stopped to ask me questions but I ignored him and pressed on. I have to admit I felt a little uneasy that day. There had been a couple of instances where I got accosted by beggars asking for lose change and I am not used to that kind of approach.

I finally reached  Peachtree Street ( lots of streets are named Peachtree ) after about 30 minutes of walking and saw the vital signs of civilisations. Yes, there was Hooters, Hard Rock cafe, Corner Bakery along with banks and corporations like Georgia Pacific Tower.

Around the Woodruff park area, just next to Georgia State University, I decided to make a u-turn as there were many homeless people and beggars sleeping rough and I did not feel at ease. I recounted this to my friend and he was rather surprised because he had never been bothered by beggars. Maybe I looked like a wealthy Chinese tai tai.

The next day I went by car to the Centennial Olympic park, the CNN centre, National Centre for Civil and Human Rights ( Martin Luther Museum ), World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium. As I only had 2 hours before leaving for the airport, I had to choose which one to visit.  I chose the museum and did not regret one bit. It is very much of Atlanta's history and to miss it would be a real shame. 

The High Museum of Art is also a great place for a quick bite in a chic and modern art gallery.

Don't miss that 4D house model.

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