Just a quick post to say I'm back home from my trip, I'm a little tired but not too bad. I've sort of unpacked my bags and started to download some photos. I need to tidy up a few of them so hopfully I'll be able to post in the next few days.
Again I enjoyed many aspects of my trip but maybe I'll report a bit more later when I've looked at the photos (I'm getting old tha knows and the memory is not what it was, lol).
The journey home was a bit of a killer, the flight from Atlanta to Philadelphia was bang on time which was good, I actually fell asleep and even missed my free drink.
The Philadelphia to Manchester Flight was delayed about 1.5hours which was bad cos I already had a 8 hour stopover. Let me tell you there is only so much you can do in Philadelphia Airport in 9.5hours. I got a meal had a few beers, checked out all the shops then got totally bored.
Luckily on the 7 hour flight to Manchester I managed to sleep for a good part of it, but was awake at meal times so I got fed. I was sat with a bloke that was a bit of a pain all he did was complain to the flight attendants, they were doing there best and I couldn't fault them. Anyway I just ignored him, put my Mp3 player on and eventually nodded off.
With the flight delay I missed my normal train home and only just caught the next one by two minutes, I was lucky cos when I went through customs the person in front of me was selected to have his bags searched, if it had been me I don't know what time I would get home.
On another note I'm expecting some news at work, I'll find out the facts when I return tomorrow and maybe post later.
Showing posts with label Holidays - Atlanta 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays - Atlanta 2007. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Rebecca, Me & Great Sax
I'm now nearing the end of my vacation in fact its my last night and I've actually a long day ahead of me tomorrow, I'm first flying from Atlanta to Philadelphia where I've over 7 hours to kill before the long flight home. I won't actually be back in England until 9am Tuesday. I've just booked into my 5th hotel in 13 days close to the airport so I can get a good start in the morning. To be honest this hotel looks the best of the lot, nice swimming pool (with two lovely ladies in it wen I went past) and a cooked breakfast in the morning. My room is right next to the fitness centre, don't know if they are trying to tell me something ?
Anyway on to what as been happening, well as you may have accessed by this posts headline I've met another online friend and had a great time. Friday evening Rebecca drove up from Columbus, she arrived at my hotel just after 7pm, I met her in the lobby recognised her straight away she is a pretty girl. We gave each other a welcome hug then we got her booked into her room.
We agreed to meet in the hotel bar when we'd got scrubbed up and our glad rags on at about 8.30pm, Following a drink and information from the hotel staff we went to a Jazz Club called Sambuca. It was very busy when we arrived and had to wait by the bar for a table, we took the opportunity to phone another online friend Rachel who was supposed to join us, but due to circumstances at home was not able to come. To be honest she's a good friend and we were both bitterly dissapointed for her, I'm sure a weekend away from lifes pressures would have done her the world of good. Plus today is her birthday so "Happy Birthday Lady".
Anyway back to the Jazz Club we were eventually seated in one of the best seats not too close but directly facing the stage, The group were awesome led by a Saxophone player (hence the title of this post for those that thought I'd made a spelling mistake). even Rebecca was impressed and that say's a lot for a lass from New Orleans and Jazz expert, in fact she got a signed CD later and I took a photo of her with the main man.
While we were watching we had a meal at the Club which was really nice, I had steak while Rebecca opted for a Pasta dish, we enjoyed that place.
The Club eventually got us a Taxi back to our hotel just after midnight, we were going to have a nightcap but the bar was shut. Like a true Gentleman I tried to escort Rebecca back to her room, took her up in the lift, said our goodbyes then realised I'd pressed the wrong button in the lift like a total plonker and we were on the wrong floor. Eventually we found the correct floor said our goodnights and both went for some shut eye.
In the morning Rebecca phoned me and we arranged to meet in the lobby at 10am where she insisted it was now the time to do one of her favorite hobbies, yes the dreaded "S", I just knew thats what she would want to do, but as a gentleman its only right to oblige the lady, she was my guest. As a single bloke its not a thing I spend a lot of time doing.
Yes you've all got it we went Shopping the Lenox Square Mall was opposite the hotel and it had a few upmarket shops. Anyway shopping to me is the weeks groceries, maybe some CD's or look in a sports store, tend not to look at much else unless really necessary.
Now first if I remember correctly it was furniture stores and we went through everything that would maybe suit Rebeccas spare room, after a couple of these type store we then moved onto her favorites, first it was a specialist soap store where we spent the next half hour smelling different soaps to see if there was one she liked. I think she bought some in the end.
We then grabbed a Coffee when Rebecca said I'll just pop in that Perfume store, 30 minutes later with me stood outside with loads of husbands and boyfriends of others in the store I decided to venture in. I found trying everthing, I mean everthing. She pointed out the Mens perfumes so to fill in time I had a look but 1o minutes later I joined her again. Now she was actually spraying stuff on her arms and asking what I thought, in fact there was some nice stuff believe me, I will add here even without this Rebecca smells good enough to eat believe me.
Anyway she settled for a new perfume when the shop assistant pointed out to me that they do it in Mens also, the assistant & Rebecca insisted I tried it, so again I did. She sprayed a sample on my arm and they both had a sniff, Hell big smiles appeared on their faces, their eyes started to bulge and they moved towards me, I was frightened and backed off slightly, then bought some.
Anyway after Rebecca had bought most of this shop we eventually went to lunch which was nice, and then made our way back to the hotel as she had to make for home. As we said our goodbyes I must admit I was a little sad to see her go.
I really enjoyed my time with Rebecca she is fantastic company, very intelligent but caring, kind, considerate, she also likes a good laugh, I reckon she is a person I could trust and that is so important to me. She made me feel comfortable with her which is also important for a shy small town boy like myself. I really enjoyed the night out and to be honest I found the shopping fun it was a novelty for me, yeh I enjoyed been with Rebecca, hope we can do it again one day in the future.
Anyway on to what as been happening, well as you may have accessed by this posts headline I've met another online friend and had a great time. Friday evening Rebecca drove up from Columbus, she arrived at my hotel just after 7pm, I met her in the lobby recognised her straight away she is a pretty girl. We gave each other a welcome hug then we got her booked into her room.
We agreed to meet in the hotel bar when we'd got scrubbed up and our glad rags on at about 8.30pm, Following a drink and information from the hotel staff we went to a Jazz Club called Sambuca. It was very busy when we arrived and had to wait by the bar for a table, we took the opportunity to phone another online friend Rachel who was supposed to join us, but due to circumstances at home was not able to come. To be honest she's a good friend and we were both bitterly dissapointed for her, I'm sure a weekend away from lifes pressures would have done her the world of good. Plus today is her birthday so "Happy Birthday Lady".
Anyway back to the Jazz Club we were eventually seated in one of the best seats not too close but directly facing the stage, The group were awesome led by a Saxophone player (hence the title of this post for those that thought I'd made a spelling mistake). even Rebecca was impressed and that say's a lot for a lass from New Orleans and Jazz expert, in fact she got a signed CD later and I took a photo of her with the main man.
While we were watching we had a meal at the Club which was really nice, I had steak while Rebecca opted for a Pasta dish, we enjoyed that place.
The Club eventually got us a Taxi back to our hotel just after midnight, we were going to have a nightcap but the bar was shut. Like a true Gentleman I tried to escort Rebecca back to her room, took her up in the lift, said our goodbyes then realised I'd pressed the wrong button in the lift like a total plonker and we were on the wrong floor. Eventually we found the correct floor said our goodnights and both went for some shut eye.
In the morning Rebecca phoned me and we arranged to meet in the lobby at 10am where she insisted it was now the time to do one of her favorite hobbies, yes the dreaded "S", I just knew thats what she would want to do, but as a gentleman its only right to oblige the lady, she was my guest. As a single bloke its not a thing I spend a lot of time doing.
Yes you've all got it we went Shopping the Lenox Square Mall was opposite the hotel and it had a few upmarket shops. Anyway shopping to me is the weeks groceries, maybe some CD's or look in a sports store, tend not to look at much else unless really necessary.
Now first if I remember correctly it was furniture stores and we went through everything that would maybe suit Rebeccas spare room, after a couple of these type store we then moved onto her favorites, first it was a specialist soap store where we spent the next half hour smelling different soaps to see if there was one she liked. I think she bought some in the end.
We then grabbed a Coffee when Rebecca said I'll just pop in that Perfume store, 30 minutes later with me stood outside with loads of husbands and boyfriends of others in the store I decided to venture in. I found trying everthing, I mean everthing. She pointed out the Mens perfumes so to fill in time I had a look but 1o minutes later I joined her again. Now she was actually spraying stuff on her arms and asking what I thought, in fact there was some nice stuff believe me, I will add here even without this Rebecca smells good enough to eat believe me.
Anyway she settled for a new perfume when the shop assistant pointed out to me that they do it in Mens also, the assistant & Rebecca insisted I tried it, so again I did. She sprayed a sample on my arm and they both had a sniff, Hell big smiles appeared on their faces, their eyes started to bulge and they moved towards me, I was frightened and backed off slightly, then bought some.
Anyway after Rebecca had bought most of this shop we eventually went to lunch which was nice, and then made our way back to the hotel as she had to make for home. As we said our goodbyes I must admit I was a little sad to see her go.
I really enjoyed my time with Rebecca she is fantastic company, very intelligent but caring, kind, considerate, she also likes a good laugh, I reckon she is a person I could trust and that is so important to me. She made me feel comfortable with her which is also important for a shy small town boy like myself. I really enjoyed the night out and to be honest I found the shopping fun it was a novelty for me, yeh I enjoyed been with Rebecca, hope we can do it again one day in the future.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Yet another Update from Atlanta
Another day gone and I'm certainly starting to feel the pace of a lot of walking up and down these mountains, I am tired. I think the Food & Drink maybe playing a part also.
This morning I walked to Piedmont Park and spent a couple of hours there walking around, it is a very nice area. Got talking to a nice lady who originated from Boston she was asking me how I enjoy the US.
This afternoon I visited Underground Atlanta which has loads of shops restaurants and nightclubs, apparently its one of the places to visit downtown. I'm actually staying in Midtown which is a nice area with plenty of decent nightspots itself.
Saying that I was dissapointed with the bar I visited last night it wasn't to the standards of previous nights. The staff I would consider unfriendly it seemed a effort to serve people, the food was not great either in size and quality, won't visit again.
Anyway because I was tired and not enjoying the bar I was in I decided to leave at 9.30pm to have a early night, I am tired so thought maybe that was best. When I got back to my hotel I thought I'd have a nightcap as the hotel bar stays open till 10pm only.
I stook my head in the bar and there was one bloke and the girl serving, the bloke looked like he had downed a few, in fact it turned out he'd booked in 3 hours earlier gone straight to the bar and his luggage was still in his car.
The girl serving was called "Precious" and we got chatting about allsorts, I knew that was her name because she had it tatooed on her neck. After a while I commented on the Tatoo as you do and she cracked a few jokes about it. She then asked if I'd like to she her other tatoo, not been rude I said "yes" to which she suddenly undid her top to reveal the tatoo on her back, sexy bra also I may add.
Did I mention this was even funnier because she is about six months+ pregnant so had a bit of a bulge.
Believe it or not next she started th massage my upper body and asked if I thought it felt good, hell this is the 2nd women to do this in Atlanta, I'm considering moving here, lol. It turned out her other job was a massage therapist, hell I was getting a freebie and not complaining.
Anyway I had a couple more drinks before she suddenly for no reason started mixing cocktails and asking me and the other bloke to try them. She was giving them to us free hell the bar was supposed to be shut ages ago.
Eventually we left just before midnight but she wouldn't let me go until I gave her a hug and kiss, so anything to oblige. I will add it was all in good fun, I tink !
This morning I walked to Piedmont Park and spent a couple of hours there walking around, it is a very nice area. Got talking to a nice lady who originated from Boston she was asking me how I enjoy the US.
This afternoon I visited Underground Atlanta which has loads of shops restaurants and nightclubs, apparently its one of the places to visit downtown. I'm actually staying in Midtown which is a nice area with plenty of decent nightspots itself.
Saying that I was dissapointed with the bar I visited last night it wasn't to the standards of previous nights. The staff I would consider unfriendly it seemed a effort to serve people, the food was not great either in size and quality, won't visit again.
Anyway because I was tired and not enjoying the bar I was in I decided to leave at 9.30pm to have a early night, I am tired so thought maybe that was best. When I got back to my hotel I thought I'd have a nightcap as the hotel bar stays open till 10pm only.
I stook my head in the bar and there was one bloke and the girl serving, the bloke looked like he had downed a few, in fact it turned out he'd booked in 3 hours earlier gone straight to the bar and his luggage was still in his car.
The girl serving was called "Precious" and we got chatting about allsorts, I knew that was her name because she had it tatooed on her neck. After a while I commented on the Tatoo as you do and she cracked a few jokes about it. She then asked if I'd like to she her other tatoo, not been rude I said "yes" to which she suddenly undid her top to reveal the tatoo on her back, sexy bra also I may add.
Did I mention this was even funnier because she is about six months+ pregnant so had a bit of a bulge.
Believe it or not next she started th massage my upper body and asked if I thought it felt good, hell this is the 2nd women to do this in Atlanta, I'm considering moving here, lol. It turned out her other job was a massage therapist, hell I was getting a freebie and not complaining.
Anyway I had a couple more drinks before she suddenly for no reason started mixing cocktails and asking me and the other bloke to try them. She was giving them to us free hell the bar was supposed to be shut ages ago.
Eventually we left just before midnight but she wouldn't let me go until I gave her a hug and kiss, so anything to oblige. I will add it was all in good fun, I tink !
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Another Night & Day enjoyed
I'm still having a good time in Atlanta today I actually visited the Aquarium, I know in Philly I said I wasn't really into Fishy things but apparently the Georgia Aquarium is the biggest in the world so I thought why not while I'm here.
I also went up to the observation deck (72nd floor) of one if not the tallest building and took some photo's of the City and surrounding areas. Apparently Atlanta has the tallest buildings in the US outside Chicago & New York, I was surprised didn't know that until I read up about the place.
Last night I went to a bar advertised in my hotel called "Front Page News" its apparently supposed to have a New Orleans type atmosphere. To be fair it was quiet (it was tuesday) just a few people dinning. I got sat at the bar with some locals and we got talking for ages had a few beers. I had a meal (Steak) which was superb I really enjoyed it and it was filling, I was in the bar about 3 hours so downed a few pints couldn't believe it my bill for food & drink only came to $40, I expected the drinks to be around that without the food, awesome.
I did have a slight accident, I was leaving the restroom when I walked staraight into a glass partition which looked just like a opening, the locals were quite amused and apparently a few people have done the same, no damage though so at least I gave people a laugh.
On my way back to my hotel I heard signing from another bar, thought it must be kareoke cas somebody was slaughtering "Killing me softly". I thought it may be fun so I popped my head around the door and it was a proper singer, by he was terrible.
Gonna get some rest cos I'm tired after all my walking about the city, nobody mentioned the place was on a mountain, believe me is tough on the legs. I'll try another bar tonight after the hotel free beer hour but i'm sure it'll be friendly and a good night.
Take care everyone.
I also went up to the observation deck (72nd floor) of one if not the tallest building and took some photo's of the City and surrounding areas. Apparently Atlanta has the tallest buildings in the US outside Chicago & New York, I was surprised didn't know that until I read up about the place.
Last night I went to a bar advertised in my hotel called "Front Page News" its apparently supposed to have a New Orleans type atmosphere. To be fair it was quiet (it was tuesday) just a few people dinning. I got sat at the bar with some locals and we got talking for ages had a few beers. I had a meal (Steak) which was superb I really enjoyed it and it was filling, I was in the bar about 3 hours so downed a few pints couldn't believe it my bill for food & drink only came to $40, I expected the drinks to be around that without the food, awesome.
I did have a slight accident, I was leaving the restroom when I walked staraight into a glass partition which looked just like a opening, the locals were quite amused and apparently a few people have done the same, no damage though so at least I gave people a laugh.
On my way back to my hotel I heard signing from another bar, thought it must be kareoke cas somebody was slaughtering "Killing me softly". I thought it may be fun so I popped my head around the door and it was a proper singer, by he was terrible.
Gonna get some rest cos I'm tired after all my walking about the city, nobody mentioned the place was on a mountain, believe me is tough on the legs. I'll try another bar tonight after the hotel free beer hour but i'm sure it'll be friendly and a good night.
Take care everyone.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Hello from Atlanta
Had my first night in Atlanta and I'm already impressed with the City it looks an awesome place. Went to the Olympic Park this morning and what a lovely area, I spent the rest of the day walking around the place it is a very clean & nice City believe me, Philly was scruffy in comparison. Even the Subway system is imaculate the cleanest I've ever been on, totally safe, security people everywhere, the trains are even carpeted.
Last night I found a Spanish restaurant/bar close to my hotel, I had a mixed grill it was unbelievable, the lady behind the bar called Diane was extreamly friendly kept calling me honey, babe & darling, she even started massaging my sholders at one stage, I was trying to eat at the time. To be fair I think it was just her friendly nature she was really nice and would try make everyone feel welcome, all the people here are a bit like that, really nice. She spent ages chatting with me as the bar was quiet (I said chatting) and I drunk a lot of beer but it was only $3 per pint so I was virtually making a profit. To be honest I was planning to have an early night cos I was tired but didn't leave the bar until 11.30pm, I enjoyed the place and the people, even the manager came over for a chat and shook my hand when I left (probably due to me increasing his profit). I'd started drinking early cos from 5pm to 6pm its free drinks in the hotel I'm staying at and it would be rude to refuse.
The hotel is great you even get a free cooked breakfast, hell I made myself bacon sarnies this morning.
Gotta go, the free beer for tonight as just started, but I'm not out till later cos I've just got back to the hotel so I'll have a couple of drinks before getting showered.
I'll update more later and try get round a few blogs.
Last night I found a Spanish restaurant/bar close to my hotel, I had a mixed grill it was unbelievable, the lady behind the bar called Diane was extreamly friendly kept calling me honey, babe & darling, she even started massaging my sholders at one stage, I was trying to eat at the time. To be fair I think it was just her friendly nature she was really nice and would try make everyone feel welcome, all the people here are a bit like that, really nice. She spent ages chatting with me as the bar was quiet (I said chatting) and I drunk a lot of beer but it was only $3 per pint so I was virtually making a profit. To be honest I was planning to have an early night cos I was tired but didn't leave the bar until 11.30pm, I enjoyed the place and the people, even the manager came over for a chat and shook my hand when I left (probably due to me increasing his profit). I'd started drinking early cos from 5pm to 6pm its free drinks in the hotel I'm staying at and it would be rude to refuse.
The hotel is great you even get a free cooked breakfast, hell I made myself bacon sarnies this morning.
Gotta go, the free beer for tonight as just started, but I'm not out till later cos I've just got back to the hotel so I'll have a couple of drinks before getting showered.
I'll update more later and try get round a few blogs.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
13 nights 5 hotels
Its less than a month to my next trip to North America and I'm really looking forward to it as I'll be visiting two cities I've never been to. I'm sure I'll have a great time and will be telling you all about it.
The unusual thing about this trip is the fact I'll be staying in 5 seperate hotels in 13 nights so here is the plan :-
Tuesday 11th September - After work I'll be getting a train to Manchester airport (have to change at Huddersfield) staying over at "Bewleys Hotel" on the airport. I usually stay at this hotel I think they are getting to know me, they do a great buffet breakfast.
Wednesday 12th September - Fly with US Airways to Philadelphia where I will stay at the "Comfort Inn Downtown Historic area". On the plus side they provide a free continental breakfast which isn't always the case in the US. Reading the reviews it seems to be in walking distance to most things to see and some good nightspots. I'll be staying here five nights.
Monday 17th September - Fly to Atlanta with Delta airways and staying in midtown at the "Best Western Granada Suites". I'll be staying here 4 nights and again they provide a free breakfast but it sounds like a good British one with bacon & sausage if you want it. During weekdays (like while I'm there) they have a free cocktail hour so I must get my moneys worth lol. I picked midtown over downtown as I checked out some reviews and although downtown is good for all the sites its a bit of a ghost town full of dodgy charactors at night according to some locals. Midtown does have a bit of nightlife and is near enough to downtown to spend the days there.
Friday 21st September - An area I wanted to visit while in Atlanta is Buckhead which is a trendy area up at the north end of the city. It has some big shopping malls and Buckhead village
is full of trendy restaurants and nightspots so it could be a good weekend. I'll be staying Friday & Saturday night at the "Sheraton Hotel" got a real good deal and the big plus is I'll be joined by certainly one of my blog friends Rachel and hopfully we can convince another to join us thats Rebecca , perhaps everyone that reads this can encourage her cos we both really want to meet her.
Sunday 23rd September - This is my final night and I'll be spending it at the "Hampton Inn" which is in a suberb to the south of the city called College Park. It is close to the airport and provides a free shuttle service so I thought it a good idea as my flight is at about 10am Monday.
If I'd stayed an extra night in Buckhead I'd have had to leave the hotel before 7am which would have meant a early night. That was pointless so staying near the airport will mean I'm not so rushed prior to my long journey. I'll probably get a nice meal and just have a quiet drink at a local bar.
Should be a great trip.
The unusual thing about this trip is the fact I'll be staying in 5 seperate hotels in 13 nights so here is the plan :-
Tuesday 11th September - After work I'll be getting a train to Manchester airport (have to change at Huddersfield) staying over at "Bewleys Hotel" on the airport. I usually stay at this hotel I think they are getting to know me, they do a great buffet breakfast.
Wednesday 12th September - Fly with US Airways to Philadelphia where I will stay at the "Comfort Inn Downtown Historic area". On the plus side they provide a free continental breakfast which isn't always the case in the US. Reading the reviews it seems to be in walking distance to most things to see and some good nightspots. I'll be staying here five nights.
Monday 17th September - Fly to Atlanta with Delta airways and staying in midtown at the "Best Western Granada Suites". I'll be staying here 4 nights and again they provide a free breakfast but it sounds like a good British one with bacon & sausage if you want it. During weekdays (like while I'm there) they have a free cocktail hour so I must get my moneys worth lol. I picked midtown over downtown as I checked out some reviews and although downtown is good for all the sites its a bit of a ghost town full of dodgy charactors at night according to some locals. Midtown does have a bit of nightlife and is near enough to downtown to spend the days there.
Friday 21st September - An area I wanted to visit while in Atlanta is Buckhead which is a trendy area up at the north end of the city. It has some big shopping malls and Buckhead village
is full of trendy restaurants and nightspots so it could be a good weekend. I'll be staying Friday & Saturday night at the "Sheraton Hotel" got a real good deal and the big plus is I'll be joined by certainly one of my blog friends Rachel and hopfully we can convince another to join us thats Rebecca , perhaps everyone that reads this can encourage her cos we both really want to meet her.
Sunday 23rd September - This is my final night and I'll be spending it at the "Hampton Inn" which is in a suberb to the south of the city called College Park. It is close to the airport and provides a free shuttle service so I thought it a good idea as my flight is at about 10am Monday.
If I'd stayed an extra night in Buckhead I'd have had to leave the hotel before 7am which would have meant a early night. That was pointless so staying near the airport will mean I'm not so rushed prior to my long journey. I'll probably get a nice meal and just have a quiet drink at a local bar.
Should be a great trip.
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