'Xmas in Atlanta

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Hello Christmas 2008. This year we went to Sean and Pat's condo in Atlanta. My second visit to Atlanta and not a disappointing one compared to my first visit that was so short and so city-confined.

Since it's been a few years and I don't feel like recalling the details of our trip, this entry will be quite short. What i want to mention is DeKalb Farmers Market. I really wish we had one here in Northern Virginia. All those spices were so darn cheap and abundant for me to choose from. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures there because I wasn't allowed to and also I was busy looking around getting stuff to take back home with me. It was an enjoyable grocery shopping.

We went to Amicalola Falls before Heather, Alx, and Ian arrived, since we got a warning that Ian might not exactly be up for doing much walking. Ehh... or maybe the parents themselves... don't remember. It was a pretty falls. My first visit to Atlanta really gave me a lot of negative preconceptions of Atlanta. What would I know from spending only a few hours after a conference walking around touristy traps in Atlanta before having to rush to the airport. This was what I was hoping to see... nature, life, and living.

According to Georgia State Parks website, Amicalola Falls is Cherokee Indian words meaning "tumbling waters". It's the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. From the bottom of the falls, we climbed hundreds of steps to get to the top of the falls. I would have probably taken roughly 30 minutes, but on a clear sky day like that I took my time taking pictures and enjoying the weather so it took me much longer than that. Sean and Doug were patient enough to not rush me.

After Heather, Alx, and Ian arrived, we went to Stone Mountain. The fascinating part of the place is the top of the mountain; moon/mars-like looking. You're up there standing against this gusty wind. The gusty wind made the late 60s degree and clear sky day like this more like mid winter in Alaska. Those pot holes sure helped confirm my imagination that I was walking on the moon or Mars. I let my eyes wandered to places from the surface of the rock underneath my feet, to pot holes filled with water, to the unknown city in the distance, and to the clear biggg bluuue sky. I liked this.......until my limbs started yelling at me for not keeping them warm. I finally reunited with the rest of us and then we headed back down.

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Photos

Amicalola Falls
the falls became more visible once we reached the stairs. I was at the first have-a-seat-and-enjoy-the views spot.

Amicalola Falls
getting closer

Amicalola Falls
you don't actually get much water spray on the bridge. A little disappointing.

Amicalola Falls
Like father like son

Amicalola Falls
The second part of the stairs leading to the top of the falls, 429 steps away.

Amicalola Falls
Looking back to the bridge from the stairs

Amicalola Falls
View of the falls from the stairs paralleled with the falls.

Amicalola Falls
Looking down the steps

Amicalola Falls
Amicalola Falls from the top

Amicalola Falls
Views from the view point up top of the falls.

Amicalola Falls
plant and water falls

Amicalola Falls
Heading down the falls, back the way we came.

Amicalola Falls
taken from the parking lot.

Stone mountain
I heard people called it "gum pole". I have closer look of it but I don't think they look too pleasant.

Stone mountain
Atlanta?

Stone mountain
Sean and Doug, speedy people, were up ahead of everyone else.