Monday, May 18th - Atlanta Politics Over 3 Centuries

Today was my tourist day in Atlanta – it was a full day …. 

First 19^th Century – Atlanta History Center – it had a great exhibit on the Civil War with a comprehensive overview of the war, the details of which I admit, I knew very little.  Also included was a tour of the historic house on the property - with a stunningly imposing front garden.  And can I say, the walk-in-closet of the day was impressive …

Second 20^th Century – Martin Luther King Jr. Center – the centre was established by his widow shortly after his death and is impressive – it unfolds over at least 4 blocks in the neighborhood where MLK grew up.  Included is his childhood home, grave site, church (still used) and a historical centre with a film story of his life as well as a comprehensive exhibit.  There is also a statue of Gandhi - I hadn’t realized the extent to which MLK had been influenced by Gandhi, and that he and Coretta had spent time in India studying Gandhi's teachings.  Both were truly inspiring individuals and game changing leaders of their time.

Third 21^st Century – Unfortunately the Jimmy Carter Library was closed for renovations, so instead, I toured CNN – well, really 20^th and 21^st given the extent to which CNN has impacted the political debate since it began broadcasting … it was an interesting tour – with a view of the broadcast studio and an ear into the live control room.  Unfortunately, their politics broadcasting is done from Washington and Larry is based in LA so I did miss those two pieces but still a very impressive operation (1500 ee’s based in a tower/complex the size of a city block) with a real buzz.

Then off to find small town Georgia, I had a hotel booked in Macon and after checking in, I drove towards the town centre as I’d heard it was meant to be a very picturesque town with old homes in tree lined streets.  I did find some lovely streets with beautiful older homes and 2 really stunning brick churches on the top of a hill, but when I went in search of food, I couldn’t find a thing.  The centre of town felt incredibly desolate – lots of empty stores and what stores there were, just seemed drab – no quaint downtown area with humming restaurants and people ambling about.  So hungry, I headed out to a mall I’d passed just out of town – it was thriving … 4 different restaurants all doing good business plus a Barnes & Noble / Starbuck’s.  The malls of America do seem to be taking over as the heart of the local community – but maybe it is just me who still believes in the quaint town centre and I’ll find the same thing in small town Ontario when I’m there.

Though I have to say, the people watching at the Starbuck’s after dinner was the highlight of the evening … listening to two men in their 50s with lovely ‘drawls’ catching up on everything from gambling and alcoholism to football …    This is after watching the line ahead of me at the cashier – a guy in his early 30s, good looking, almost military with a ‘Guns’ magazine and then a couple ahead of him, where the guy was in full ‘dress-up’ cowboy mode – the boots, the good jeans, blue shirt and white hat – I’m thinking it was a date.  …. elsewhere, it was kids doing homework, what looked like a 1^st date … and 2 others like me with their PCs ….