Both Dick and Patti slept in late, until Dick got up to go to the bathroom and noticed it was 9:15. We had planned to already be at the Zoo by then. As well as our really fine breakfast buffet stop serving at 9:30. So we threw in some clothes and grabbed some breakfast. That was close.
Then, we filled the car up with gas and headed a mile down the road to Zoo Atlanta. This was a very old zoo in a park that was dedicated in 1883. We understand in earlier days it was a pretty old-fashioned classic zoo with lots of cement blocks and cages with bars. Thank heavens quite a while ago, the change had been made to create the current arrangement, which was filled with wide open spaces, beautiful trees, and landscapes, and animals that are being well taken care of.
Because Dick volunteers with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, we are always interested in talking with volunteers at other zoos. This one had several who were very excellent in their interpretation and in their history and knowledge about the animals and the zoo. That made things so much more enjoyable.
We saw a lot of of the basic animals that we are used to seeing including giraffes, elephants and rhinos. But, there were also some other animals that were unique to the zoo. It is always fun to see some new animals that we haven’t seen before, such as the Indian White Peacock.
We arrived at the zoo at a little after 10 and we’re able to stay for about 2 1/2 hours. The heat of the day grew hotter and hotter, and the humidity was beastly. We found our selves very pleased to have taken refuge in a couple of air-conditioned buildings. We’re just not used to the humidity in San Diego.
Then we went a few miles up the road to the Georgia Aquarium. This is the largest aquarium in the United States and was very, very well done.
We spent the remainder of the afternoon wandering through different types of biomes, including rainforest, rivers, Arctic and other cold areas, and swamps and alligators.
There were many massive water tanks, including one large enough for whale sharks and also some for beluga whales. And then many other smaller sea creatures. The jellyfish were particularly a favorite of ours. And we really just enjoyed seeing so many wonderful animals. They were well displayed with lots of good educational and conservation tips.
At the end of the afternoon, we went a little further to Midtown Atlanta, where we met Patti‘s long-term friend, Catherine, who she had known since elementary school in Rochester MN. We met with Catherine and her husband, Terry at a southern restaurant and had fried green tomatoes, fried chicken and collards, And had a chance to try shrimp and grits as well as cornbread. Very southern meal.
Then, we walked a few blocks to an interesting downtown landmark: the house where Margaret Mitchell wrote “Gone With the Wind.” It was fun to see this and imagine years ago this author settling in in this exact space and writing that epic book which of course was also made into a movie which premiered in Atlanta.
As we were walking, we also saw a delivery robot who was trying to make some kind of a food delivery. None of us had actually seen anything like this in person, and we were delighted in watching it. Wait for the traffic light and cross the street, make a turn to go and try to find its address. However, it turned around seeming to be lost and confused. We’re imagining as we go forward there will be more and more of this kind of delivery happening. But we all had a good laugh.
Then we parted ways and Dick and Patti headed south to their hotel room again. We really enjoyed our taste of Atlanta and we hope to return return again.
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