From Oct, 2024
We are repeat visitors to Atlanta, but our recent trip was the first after Amma and Akka passed away (calling them mother-in-law and her cousin sister takes away the special bond we had). They were such dears, so advanced in their thinking. It was Amma’s thirst for knowledge, ever ready to read or listen to various topics, and Akka’s interest in keeping up with the daily activities, from making coffee in the early morning to accompanying others to grocery shopping, that kept them lively. By the way, until her 90+ years, Akka was still being called Baby (!) and somehow it suited her.
Anytime we visit the family in Atlanta, it is guaranteed that we will be surrounded by love and get delicious food, which is an added bonus. Each meal is a family event, meticulously planned and executed. You remember the taste days after; it must be the mixture of love and talent.
Let me tell you, Georgians are very proud of their national parks, and there are plenty of them. They are well cared for with plenty of trails. The one we trekked also has hillocks and a lazy river. The total effect was very calming, charming, and also fun. I saw some families having fun paddling tubes, and the younger the crowd, the bigger the tube :).
We met a dog sitter who shared that she was actually helping her friend get some free time, and she has taken turns to get the dog comfortable with seeing and being with strangers. From what I could see, the dog had no issues and was calm and collected in spite of kids running around, parents shouting, trying to keep up with them, or runners bursting out of the bend. We even went up close to pet the dog, and both dog and sitter were OK with that.
Now let me talk about our aquarium visit. The tunnel walk, where we could see the sharks, whales, giant turtles, and many other water species swimming above our heads, was phenomenal.
When I snapped the picture of this particular fish, all I could think of was that the fish is using God-given teeth without seeking any dental work!
What you are looking here are stingrays, with breathtaking patterns and perfect coloring to go with it. The guide allowed people to touch the stingrays, but I felt that they probably didn’t ask for it or want them, so some of us left them alone.
Initially, before the show, I felt sad for the captive sea lions and dolphins, but the guides explained that they all are rescues, and at some point, they are let back in the big ocean once they are deemed ready. And, what a show! it was fun to watch and interesting to learn about their story.
Topping everything for me was the quiet and sense of peace in the deck; just sitting there and reading (my favorite hobby) made me feel very relaxed and happy.
Hope you have enjoyed this read… Until Next Time