Life Underwater: The Georgia Aquarium

Another day in, Hot-Lanta and I'm off to the Georgia Aquarium. Being that I've heard such great things about it, I am expecting a lot. So, I channel that inner 10 year-old in me and venture out, solo, to see some huge whale and friendly penguins.

My first impression started at the entrance where I and many others, had their souvenir pictures taken in front of a green screen, that I'm sure will later display some deep sea wonder in the background within the finished product. Ticket in hand and childish grin on my face I make it in to discover a sea of children and eager parents.

The Touch Tanks! This attraction allows us lovely patrons to feel sea creatures such as starfish, sharks, shrimp (yum) and sting rays. Yea, Sting Rays! Did we not learn anything from the crocodile hunter himself? Of course we did, we learn to live to the fullest! So, I stuck my two fingers in the water and waited for a little ray ray to swing by, as many of them slithered by my finger tips. Sting Rays have gotten a bad rap since the "incident" but their not dangerous; their completely harmless and friendly. Just don't get in the way of the tail. This touch tank not only allows you to play with the various friendly sea creatures but it is also transformed into a huge play pin for the kiddies to romp around in.

There are about 5 exhibits (Cold Water Quest, Georgia Explorer, Ocean Voyager, River Scout, and Tropical Diver) to wander into and I managed to see them all in 2 hours. One of my favorites was the Sea Otter tank. These fella's are such whimsical characters and do the cutest things. One guy would swim on his back with his hands behind his head, just chillin' and the other loved to interact with the humans. Just around the corner were the penguins. Their short and stubby and can fly underwater. Handsome in their tuxedos, they walked around their tank and rocks doing their own thing. I wanted a closer look so I popped my head through this cubicle contraption used to make you feel as if you're hanging with the penguins too. Only no one came to chat and I hurt my back bending down and crawling to get to it. Adults BEWARE!

In another exhibit I chased some waterfalls and was introduced to some gel like sea urchins. I found a little lively Senorita fish and watched some Longsnout Seahorses float in thin air; thin water actually. Very Pretty. This aquarium boasts to hold the largest fish on Earth, the Whale Shark, and well, I can't argue. It almost engulfed the flat glass tank which, if stood close to it, makes you feel like you've dove right in. The first time I laid eyes on it, five small bright yellow fish, Golden Trevally I believe, swam with him perched right in front of his lips like little children playing follow the leader.

I found the Piranha but never got to see their teeth. Darn! They just floated motionless as toddlers poked and prodded at the window. Along the way I discovered the creepiest creature to me: the Japanese Spider Crab. Imagine a daddy long legs as tall as a sixth grader and with a crabs outer shell. Ewww!

Any good attraction always has an IMAX or 3D movie theatre, and the aquarium certainly wasn't left out. I bought a ticket to Deepo's (Nemo's cousin) Undersea Wonder Show. The theatre had great sound, cool lifelike effects and also taught valuable lessons about caring for the sea. We learned about keeping the ocean safe by way of soulful singing, dancing & A gentle giant whale.

As I inched my way towards the exit, I wondered what the cafeteria had to offer its hungry visitors. I found my way towards the dessert table to find a delicious baby cake that had chocolate mousse filling with a chocolate crown circling it. There is a God! After purchasing my treat, I made my way to the gift shop, gave it a swift look over and headed out the door into the Atlanta heat.

Can a 24 year-old lady enjoy an aquarium, solo? Heck yea! I had a wonderful time. In fact, I would love to come back again. Only I'd bring some kiddies to make it more interesting and less awkward.

Happy swimming!