Our Day with Stephanie

Catri had her friend Stephanie, from Alabama, come spend a few days with us during Christmas break. Yesterday we took them to the World of Coca-Cola and to the new Georgia Aquarium. I've been to the World of Coke before. For the $9 you have to pay to get in, it's really not that impressive. My favorite thing is the architecture of the building and the big neon Coke sign out front. Otherwise, as Mark says, "We're paying them to advertise to us," because essentially that's all it is - a big Coca-Cola marketing tool. You come away feeling a little brain-washed.
Catri and Stephanie really enjoyed the end of the tour, though, when you get to taste different Coke products from around the world. There was a "lychee nut" soda from some country that was particularly distasteful. It is interesting to see what other people around the world consider delicious. Makes you think more about Coke too. I mean, have you ever really paid attention to its taste? It's a very strange blend of flavors. It's the sugar that makes it so good, really. That and the carbonation. All that being said, I confess to being a Coca-Cola addict, myself.



















Catri and Steph in front of the WOCC


















Catri and Steph in Centennial Olympic Park


The Georgia Aquarium was GREAT. AMAZING. AWE-INSPIRING. I can't recommend it enough to anyone and everyone. It was worth every bit of the $22.95 for a ticket.
When you walk through the tunnel in the Oceans exhibit, you're treated to Whale Sharks, Hammerheads, and large schools of Manta Rays gliding above you. It was so beautiful. My favorite comment of the day was from a little boy who was staring at all the manta rays "flying" above us: "It looks like they're taking over the world!" He's seen one too many alien movies, I'm thinking.




















The Cold Waters section had a tank with 5 beluga whales in it, plus other sections with sea lions, otters, and penguins. The penguin habitat had a tunnel you could crawl into and pop up in a contained glass "bubble" inside the habitat itself. Catri and Stephanie checked it out. The penguins didn't seem the least bit phased by it.
















I could go on and on about the Aquarium, but I won't. Just know that if you come to visit us, that's where we're taking you. Bring your $22.95 and some comfortable shoes.

Anyway, Catri left us this morning to go spend a day with her mom (along with Stephanie), and then a day back in Alabama with Stephanie, and then she'll be back with us for New Year's Eve (which we will celebrate with the Signorinis.) I love Catri so much. I hate it when she leaves.