Last Business Trip?

I figured its been awhile so I would update everyone on what has been going on in my world.

I went on my last (at least for now) business trip to Atlanta right before Thanksgiving. I had never been to Atlanta so it was a whole new experience. I was amazed just how 'generic' it looked compared to everywhere else I had been.

The landing into Atlanta was rough... I was almost thinking that the plane wasn't going to stop. I had to stop myself from voicing my opinion to the pilot when I got off. I was greatful to be on land again and was looking forward to my adventure on my company's dime.

After landing, we took the MARTA (think train) from the airport and rode it all the way to the downtown area where our hotel was. On the way there I saw a few horses which I did not expect to see on that side of the Mississippi.

When our stop happened, we got off and then happened upon the street with not much idea where to go. Luckily, Mr. Iphone told us where to go and a MARTA employee was very helpful to direct us. Two blocks later, we were at our hotel and it was just as good as the internet pictures.

That night, we went to dinner at The Hard Rock Cafe down the street and then back to the hotel for some sleep.

The conference itself was just about the same as the others I had gone to in the past but the Fraud Expo was something I was not expecting. I walked into a ballroom with lines of booths and tons of goodies that were handed out. I had three chances for an iPad but didn't win, oh well. The rest of the week was just about the same. One thing that was nice was that our hotel was connected to two other hotels by a skybridge so I never had to walk outside (except to get my Starbucks every morning).

The hotel where the conference was being held was gorgeous! One night we were "wined and dined" by one of our vendors at a nearby seafood restaurant. I was amazed at all of the fancy decorations and wonderful food that they had (and free alcohol!!!!!!!!!!!). I was a little out of my element when it came to the dinner because I had never been 'wined and dined'. Later, the party moved back to the hotel and a tab was started for everyone who wanted to drink.

One of my coworkers and I decided to go visit the World of Coca-Cola that was housed there in Atlanta. We walked the few city blocks and learned more about Coca-Cola.

I was mesmerized by the bottling process. I had no idea it took so many steps!

At the end, everyone that did the tour got an eight ounce bottle that was bottled there.

There was a room that had every coke product made world wide. I found some that were good and some that were not so good.

Overall, I had a blast and I am greatful that I work for a company that has given me these travel opportunities.