Atlanta, Georgia

Damarise and I have now lived in Georgia for about two years, but never have we visited the capital of our "home" state. With Spring Break coming to an end, and Damarise and I both itching to travel anywhere, we decided to hit the road and go tour Atlanta for a day.

Friday morning our Atlanta adventure began. We woke to the sun shining, clear skies, and an entire day freed up for travel and excitement.

We drove down the mountain and went to pick Micah up at his house. The sky was just beginning to clear up from the rain the day before. Having the sun shine through random openings in the clouds was a gorgeous way to start the day.

After the drive to Atlanta we arrived at our first stop – Ikea. Damarise and I love Ikea. And within minutes of walking into the store, Micah loved Ikea too. We didn't buy anything, but we had a blast walking through all the display rooms and taking pictures.

A map on the wall at Ikea.

Mirrors.

Another mirror picture.

After spending a few hours roaming through Ikea we hit the road once more headed for downtown Atlanta. Damarise was an amazing driver and got us to a cheap parking lot safely.

We parked the car and then headed out into Atlanta to see what we could see.

First sight: An old brick building. I'm not sure if you can see it, but at the top it has a very faded Salvation Army sign. Also, these budding trees are gorgeous!

Second sight: The Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. The tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere.

We went into the hotel and climbed up a few flights of stairs...

And then took the elevator all the way to the 72nd floor. The Westin is a round hotel with glass windows all around, which means that we saw a 360º view of Atlanta from way up above. It was amazing!

We were excited to be up there.

The view was incredible all the way around.

We then hopped back in the elevator and rode it back to the bottom. It went fast and was definitely an experience.

Third sight: Random statue along the road.

Fourth sight: Centennial Park

Damarise and I with a statue of Pierre de Coubertin, the father of modern olympics.

Underneath the Olympic Rings.

Fifth sight: The Coca-Cola Factory.

We didn't want to pay to go into the Coca-Cola factory, so we just visited the gift shop instead.

We went back to Centennial Park and walked around looking at the random names written on bricks throughout the park.

Sixth sight: CNN Center

We didn't go on the CNN center tour, but we did get to see inside the building, and enjoy lunch from the food court inside.

After several hours, lots of laughs, and many miles walked, we headed back to the car to head home.

Until we hit rush hour traffic. Instead of waiting in the traffic, we went back into Atlanta and drove around to see more of the many sights that Atlanta has to offer.

When the sun had set, and the traffic had died down, we drove a little ways, rested a bit in a Starbucks and then left the bustling city of Atlanta and moseyed on home.

Touring Atlanta = Wonderful.

Sights seen = Incredible.

The people involved = Amazing.

Traveling Itch Satisfied = For now... :]

Georgia On My Mind

Thanksgiving break was packed with fun and restful stuff, but it all too quickly came to an end. Sunday morning we were up before the sun rose. We packed our bags and headed off for the airport. Goodbyes were said and hugs were given before Damarise and I darted out of the cold into the welcoming airport.

While waiting in the airport we got to see the sun rise above New York. Mm, what a beautiful sight. It reminded me of Lamentations 3:22-23, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Isn't it wonderful that God's compassions are as sure as the sunrise. It never fails. What an awesome promise.

Our flight left on time and before we knew it we were up in the air bidding a fond farewell to New York. I was so tired that I slept for the whole two hours of flight time. When I woke up the pilot was announcing our arrival into Atlanta. Ah, back in Georgia again.

A good friend from Covenant offered to pick us up from the airport. It was wonderful! (and SO nice of him!!) While Damarise and I were waiting for him, we sat down in the airport to wait. I love sitting and waiting in airports. I love watching people hugging and smiling when their spouse, child, or friend gets off the plane. There's always so much joy in airports. I also love that airports are now playing Christmas music.

Before we knew it our friend was there to drive us home. We had a fun and relaxing drive back home. And, for now the Traveling Banana is taking a break from traveling. Passport and suitcase are safely tucked away while homework is everywhere. Papers need to be written, projects finished, and presentations presented before I can once again travel for Christmas Break. For now though, I'm happy to be back in Georgia.

Can it Be?!

Tomorrow Dad, Mom, Damarise and I are heading off, off and away. Mom and Dad to see us off, and Damarise and I to begin a whole new life. The life of college students. I can't believe that the time to go to college is already here! It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in my bedroom in Canada thinking, "First Portugal for a year, then Mozambique for say four years, and then college..." College seemed so far away, it still does, and yet come Friday I will be an official college student!

For those of you who don't know, I am going to Covenant College in Georgia :) I've never been to Georgia before, so this will be an exciting experience! Also, I will be majoring in Elementary Education (I hope to one day teach 5th and 6th graders :) ) And I will be roommates with Damarise :)

All this start on Friday! Wow! We would both appreciate your prayers as we begin a whole new life. Thank you! And I will try to keep my blog updated as often as possible, but I'm sure I will become pretty busy pretty quickly :)

So long for now, and the next time you hear from me I will be a college student. Wow! :)