Tales from Atlanta

View from the 43rd floor of the hotel room

View down into the hotel atrium from the 43rd floor

Cast of characters including these dressed as Roman soldiers parading through downtown Atlanta

Historic Underground city beneath Atlanta

World of Coca-Cola lobby

World of Coca-Cola taste room with 70 different free sample Coke drinks

Dispenser of colas from Africa

Georgia Aquarium

Statute of Pierre De Coubertin at Centennial Olympic Park who pushed to revive the ancient Olympic games in 1894

After an all day journey from California to Georgia, it went relatively smoothly until we reached the hotel. The front desk could not locate our reservation we booked in June and later find out the hotel canceled our reservation without ever notifying us!!! And, they blamed us for canceling it. Can you believe this?!

It didn't matter that we had our confirmation letter on hand. They refused to honor the reservation with the price we originally booked. After disputing this over an hour with the hotel, it was now past 10pm and we were hungry with no place to stay. We were now stuck and had to book a room at a price well above the rate we originally were quoted.

Other than this incident, the weather was humid, but clear and we were able visit with friends, see a parade, tour World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park.

In World of Coca-Cola, visitors could sample 70 Coke products throughout the world. Sodas made for North America, Latin America, Asia, and Africa each had their own dispensers and we could go to different ones for a taste test. Since I don't drink too much soda, I liked the bland versions from Africa compared to the sugary ones from North America.

I didn't get a chance to visit the Georgia Aquarium which is touted as the largest aquarium in the world. The place was packed with visitors and I didn't feel like waiting in the heat.

Although relatively new, the walk through the Centennial Olympic Park, was satisfying knowing I visited a place that is part of Olympic history.

- AV