Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States, it was impressive. 

The whale shark exhibit is the reason I wanted to go to this aquarium.

The aquarium has two that were rescued from Taiwan.

Whale Shark

Staff told me that this shark was not albino but definitely lighter than usual. 

There was a small alligator enclosure which did have an albino alligator. 

Shark encounter was also impressive. There were several species of sharks.

Beluga whales were also at the top of my 'must see' list. 

Big Bellied Seahorse.

Green Sea Turtle. 

When Edie found out it was my birthday she put up these decorations. 

We purchased a cake from Whole Foods, it was the perfect way to end the day. 

Atlanta History Center & National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Our first full day in Atlanta could not have been nicer, not only was the weather perfect but our host family is first rate. We have a lovely bedroom and private bath that is adjacent to their pool and hot tub.

First stop was the Atlanta History Center. 

Who doesn't love a good hat?

"In 1886, Dr. John C. Pemberton, an Atlanta pharmacist, produced a beverage syrup and delivered it to his friends at Jacob's pharmacy in Downtown Atlanta. Declaring it "excellent" they mixed it with carbonated water and served it for 5 cents a glass as a soda fountain drink. Pemberton's partner, Frank M. Robinson, suggested the name Coca-Cola for the new drink sensation."

"Margaret Mitchell's novel, Gone With the Wind, was released June 30, 1936. Translated into more than 40 languages, the Pulitzer Prize-winning book remains one of the best-selling novels of all time. When David O. Selznick's popular, yet controversial, film adaptation debuted in Atlanta at Lowe's Grand Theater in December 1939, it broke box office records during its first run."

The Texas, 1856-1895. The locomotive was a workhorse for the western and Atlantic Railroad. 

Picturing the Past: The Battle of Atlanta Cyclorama. 

Now onto the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This was a quilt.

Norman Rockwell

This lunch counter was an immersion exhibit, you sat down with earphones and listened to what a sit-in protest was like, very violent. 

Eleanor Roosevelt and Mahatma Gandhi

Making pasta on Edie's new pasta maker. 

Our homemade pasta, it was delicious. We were also treated to a Caesar salad and tiramisu.

Oahu Hawaii

Today was our one and only sight seeing day with a car. Michael drove around a portion of the island with multiple stops. 

First up was Nu'Uanu Pali Lookout. It was very windy but a pretty view. 

Next up was Ho'Omaluhia Botanical Gardens. I thought this red bamboo was interesting. 

Cacao tree for my love of chocolate. 

I forgot the name of the lake in the botanical gardens but it was teaming with life; ducks and koi. 

We are not sure what the fish were but we are guessing koi. 

I thought this bird was interesting, it has red around the eyes. 

We followed the hiking path which came to this clearing, we were the only ones around. It was very peaceful. 

Continuing on around the island, Makapu'U Beach.

Waimanalo Beach. This side of the island the water was a beautiful teal blue. 

Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. 

One of the many foods we tried and shared with friends. Malasadas are Portuguese fried donuts. Aloha, until next time. 

Hawaii with Friends

 

We met up with one of my previous work mates and we spent the day with her. I also have proof that I do drink on occasion. If was a fun day and a nice surprise. 

Oahu Hawaii

 

View from out hotel. We are staying at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. 

My ongoing goal to visit local libraries. Waikiki Kapahulu Library.

We have been searching out chocolate stores on our vacations, I wonder why? These chocolates were a work of art from Waikiki Chocolates. We picked Lychee caramel hazelnut praline, Yuzu marmalade hazelnut praline, Orange marzipan.

Michael took me to the Ritz Carlton for dinner. This was his starter salad which looked like a work of art. 

I chose the risotto for my starter with shaved truffles, it was equally as beautiful. 

Michael got duck for his entree. 

I had the fish and the chef poured the broth around it at the table. 

Desserts were pretty too. This one was our favorite. 

Our first day in Hawaii was lovely.