Almost lost it

Trip Start Nov 01, 2001
1
6
9
Trip End Apr 04, 2002


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Where I stayed
My Jeep
(Atlanta hotels)

Flag of United States  , Georgia,
Monday, November 26, 2001

ATLANTA, GA 11/26/01- Back on line! It's hard to comprehend how the sprawling metropolis of Atlanta rises up from it's humble country surroundings. The ride from Tallahassee to Atlanta is full of cotton fields, Piggly Wigglys, truck stops and kindly southern locals. Everyone speaks with a slow Southern drawl and owns a pick up truck. Because there are no city lights the night is dark and the sky is packed with stars. Then suddenly Atlanta rises up over the horizon. It's buildings are huge, it's people are quick, and the traffic is crazy. The traffic around Peachtree St. is unbelievable. I don't think there is a single left turn lane or left turn signal on its entirety. People drive fast and you had better keep your eyes open and stay awake because if someone needs to make a left turn they'll stop in the middle of traffic. If this happens you either have to wait behind them until they finally turn or you'll have to make your move and cut to the right in order to swerve around them. If you do decide to swerve make sure you check your rear view mirrors because everyone else will be trying to do the same thing and they'll run up your backside real quick unless you punch the gas. Dangerous driving indeed.
If you can survive the drive Atlanta is a pretty cool place. Atlanta is entrepreneur land. If you are a go-getter Atlanta is the place to be. Just hanging out at the Kinko's on Peachtree and 17th I ran into an A&R rep for a small record label, a web-design guru, and a internet business consultant. I crashed at my friend John's house for a night. He owns a furniture company. Going out to lunch that very same day I ran into the program director for 99X which is a large commercial radio station in the area. All in all Atlanta's not a bad place to meet people. Not bad at all.
Unfortunately, my friend wasn't home for most of the time I spent in Atlanta so to save money I spent about three nights sleeping in my car. I think I'm actually starting to get used to it. NOT. Ha ha. Luckily, I made some friends at the local gym and they let me shower up. Freedom Dave don't like to stink. At the gym I met the South African owner of a really nice jewelry store, and a really cool Moroccan dude who just happened to be one of the owners of a cool pizza restaurant and bar.
Lesson Learned: Always be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet and you'll never know who you might befriend.
Today the plan is to climb up the Westin Hotel. This building is 73 stories high and I'm sure It'll be one hell of a challenge. I'll have pictures up on this site pretty soon detailing my expedition.
11/30/01- OK. The challenge I faced at the Westin Hotel was enormous. I couldn't climb the tower my friends. It's not because my legs were too weak, it's because security at the hotel in no way lets anyone in the stairwell unless it's an emergency. Freedom Dave understands, but I was forced to pay $7.50 for a ride up the elevator to the observation level. Now this is still a challenge. Why you ask. Well Freedom Dave is scared of heights. I hate flying and observation elevators, but for you my friends I will risk my life and conquer my fears. The view was amazing and I was able to get some good footage of the view from the top and riding down the elevator.
Views from the ground and observation level at Atlanta's tallest building- The Westin Hotel.
Lesson Learned: Things rarely work out exactly the way you plan
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