Hotlanta trip #1-High Art Museum...

Last week, I went to "Hotlanta" to attend a convention. I had decided to fly in one night earlier to avoid any bad delays that I had previously experienced before the convention I attended in Sacramento. (A nightmare!).

With the WSJ writing tons of articles on how the delays and weather this particular summer have been horrid, I did not want to risk being late or missing a convention. (Seriously, someone who was flying from NYC missed the entire Sacramento Convention for missing his flight on THURS and next one was SUNDAY!)

I barely slept the night before and I unwisely slept and ignored my alarm clock. I went to bed around 2:30am and was very tired. I woke up at 6:30am! (My flight was boarding 7:15am and leaving Boston at 7:45am) To take public transport I need at least an hour (two train connections to end with a bus to take me to the terminal). In my rush to leave, I left my blazer and cell phone! I rushed to Coolidge Corner (10 minutes walk away) and grabbed a cab at 6:40am. I got to the airport at 7am (thank goodness I had the foresight to print my boarding pass the night before at work!) and $34 bucks lighter. (One way on the "T" costs $2 or with a Charlie Card only $1.75!). This is the first time I had to take a cab to the airport (in the past it was always to get home!).

I made it in time and Terminal B for American was not that busy (thank goodness!). There was someone looking over me at least! My commuter plane was on time and I got on and headed to La Guardia (less than than an hour flight). I managed to take a cat nap.

Once out of La Guardia my connection was tight. To my chagrin, I had to go through SECURITY again in order to get to my GATE! Luckily I made my flight but this was ridiculous! Who makes people recheck through security after trying to make a connection? Does not make sense!

Again, I napped and then before arriving I read some magazines and my Atlanta research. I realized my best bet for transportation was getting the MARTA Breeze card -one week $13 (they do not tell you the $5 fee for the card is extra). This system only just started so alot of growing pains. By now I am famished with NADA in my stomach since waking up at 6:30am and I land into Atlanta it is 12:30pm.

I go straight to information and meet a kind lady who is patient and explains the many ways to get to my lodging for the night. Also my sister warned me that Atlanta was going through a heat wave about 100+ F everyday with high humidy (bad air conditions too!). I take the train to North Avenue stop and stupidly think four blocks walking is not bad. I should have taken the bus and avoided being a bit lost. Luckily the place is across the street from Mary Macs Tea Room.

The front desk of the hostel is closed so I head out and put my luggage back behind the front desk. My zipper is busted so I am not too thrilled. I am very hot and hungry. Luckily my pal NE told me to be in AC. I head to the HIGH ART MUSEUM (www.high.org) which is only one Marta Stop away. This time I take the Bus back to the station. The Museum is adjacent to the station (what good fortune!).

I get there and notice signs for Louvre in Atlanta (2006-2009). I go and say I am affiliated with the MFA in Boston. They give reciprocal admission for the general collection but the special exhibit I get the discounted fee of $10. I then head straight to the High Cafe (it is now closing in around 2pm). I grab a chicken wrap, chocolate torte and potato chips. I have my lunch in record time. (When you are this hungry, everything tastes marvelous---but it was good!)

Ready to tackle the museum I am told a good plan of attack to see everything by the security guard. I go through the former main portion of the High and go up to the top then connect to the other building via the bridge. Then work my down til I am done with building two.

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(source: www.high.org of following information)

FINAL WEEKS: Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life, 1990 – 2005
Through September 9, 2007Second Level, Wieland Pavilion

FINAL WEEKS: Cecilia Beaux, American Figure Painter
Through September 9, 2007Second Level, Wieland Pavilion

FINAL WEEKS: Louvre Atlanta: Kings as Collectors
Through September 2, 2007Anne Cox Chambers Wing
The French royal collections are the heart of the Louvre's present day holdings. This central exhibition of the first year features more than 30 works assembled during the reigns of Kings Louis XIV and Louis XVI, including a very special masterpieces from the Louvre’s collection—and Nicolas Poussin’s Et in Arcadia Ego.

FINAL WEEKS: Louvre Atlanta: Decorative Arts of the Kings
Through September 2, 2007Anne Cox Chambers Wing
Featuring decorative arts commissioned for the courts of Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI, this exhibition shows the dexterity and excellence of French artisans in the royal factories and includes fine examples of furniture, tapestry, ceramics and silver.

On November 12, 2005, a new High for Atlanta opened to the public. Designed by Renzo Piano, our 177,000-square-foot expansion is the centerpiece of an overall upgrade to the Woodruff Arts Center campus. Three new buildings for the High provide new exhibition space as well as enhanced education and programming facilities that more than double the size of the Museum’s landmark building designed by Richard Meier. The expansion transforms the High into a lively, year-round destination for the arts

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After three hours in the museum, I saw everything I wanted to see. I was content. But I had a problem, I was supposed to meet up with a friend whom I had met in NYC back in June. Due to not having my cell phone, it was problematic. I saw alot of pay phones (more than Boston) but I did not have his number. I needed to get to a computer (where I had my address book stored). To my luck, I found out that outside the High Museum (again someone was taking care of me!) was a local branch of the library. Only could access internet without a library card for 15 minutes at a time and they only had one computer. I eventually got on and emailed NE. We arranged to meet at the Marta station by 5:30pm.

Before meeting up I took some last pics of the High Art Museum and other exterior shots. I did enjoy the audio guide that was included in the fee. I always feel that you get more information and history by having an audio guide. The great Annie Leibovitz pics were great. She is the pop culture photographer! Her images are famous!

We head to get NE's car and then drive to Buford Highway (the bastion of good Asian food) and area you need REAL car to get access to it! Chosun OK here I come!