We Need A Bigger Boat

Today I went to the GA Aquarium with my folks and so did the rest of GA with children in a stroller! Because we had season tickets we were able to just walk right up and not stand outside in the cold, like everyone else. Once we got in, we went upstairs so we could get our actual ID cards for the picture season passes, like a 6 Flags season pass. We stood in that line for about 15 mins even thought the sign at the beginning of the line said 90 min wait. Most of the people, who read that, bitched for a moment and then left.

After striking a pose, we heading into the aquarium and got in line to see the exhibits. The first was where the whale sharks where being held. It was the largest of all the tanks in the GA Aquarium. You first start off going through a tunnel where you can stand on a moving side walk or walk on the right. We chose to stand and have the walkway do the moving for us.

As we were moving through the tunnel we felt like hamster running through one of those orange tubes in a cage. Water was surrounding us on 280 degrees. Everywhere we looked you could see fish swimming. We saw sharks, saw-fish, sting-rays and the whale sharks! They were so close, gliding majestically through the water. You would never guess they weighted tons each.

At the end of the tunnel we walked into the viewing room where we stood in front of a wall of acrylic that was about 30 feet long, 20 feet high and 24 inches thick. Behind the wall was a view that was incredible. We saw clouds of yellow and swarms of sting-rays. Huge fish, sharks on the prowl and of course the main attraction the 2 whale sharks. We stayed in that room for about 15 mins watching the 2 regal giants sail around in circles.

Once we left there, we headed to the room which housed the beluga whales. They have 5 belugas that were rescued from different parts of the world and let me tell you, they looked happy to be in Atlanta. As we watched them do their water ballet, I thought to myself, who was watching whom? As on of the ivory creators twisted by, I swear I saw it smile at me. I know that sounds crazy, but with my camera at the ready, the mammal knew I was going to take its picture and it smiled at me. We watched a bit more and left them as they continued to dance away the day.

Onward and upward, to the sea creatures of otters and sea loins. They were what my dad wanted to see all day. The sea lions had a cool spot where you could watch them from inside as well as outside. They splashed around and dove from the rocks having a great time, even though it was about 40 degrees out. We kept walking and it looked to be feeding time at the penguin cage. One of the keepers was in the cage feeding the penguin small fish. Like pigeons at the parks, they all gathered around her as she vigorously passed out lunch. The birds who lacked in the flight department where cute, but we got bored of them quickly, so we headed on our way.

Next, was the GA fresh water exhibit, I think? It had catfish and perch and lots of brown water, I think we were looking at the 'hooch. They had some fish that were really long and spits at its prey from the water. Boring! I spit at thing all the time, I didn't see the big deal. By this time we were hungry, so we headed to the food court and got lunch. 20% discount cause we're season pass members, gotta love that!

Lunch was good, we had the fresh fish of the day...just kidding, burgers all around. Now we were heading to the coral reef room. This room had a wall that was the roof and the wall all in one. In front of you was a coral reef that is part real and part fake. Once the real coral grows, they will remove the fake parts. Until then, your guess is as good as mine as to which is which. They have classical music playing in the background, so during the high part of the song the symbols clash together at the same time as the waves crashing on the roof and it is pretty cool. I bet you could spend hours in there. It is quite calming.

That is about all we could take for the Aquarium. We hit all the exhibits and saw all they had to offer. We even got a trinket or 2. If you’re in town or find yourself with nothing to do, stop by and check the place out. It ain't that bad!

Peace,
DeMo