On the last sunny day in Atlanta, the last sunshiny day, I decided to leave the comfort of my home and take a long walk to enjoy the last of the 90 degree days. And I had a great time.
Midtown was having one of those festivals, midtown market days, the very first of its kind where they closed off Peachtree Street and let street vendors, artists, food vendors, musicians and whatnot peddle their wares and invite us all to partake of the day in their wonderful company. It was one of those days that make you happy that you live in the city. It was good just to stop and look around, and not have to avoid cars running over you, blaring horns, city noise and just take in the sun and the scenery. There was good art, bad art, creative art, art so much in favor of Atlanta you'd think it was "Atlanta-commissioned," and then, food especially of the greasy kind, along with some beer and wine.
Midtown was having one of those festivals, midtown market days, the very first of its kind where they closed off Peachtree Street and let street vendors, artists, food vendors, musicians and whatnot peddle their wares and invite us all to partake of the day in their wonderful company. It was one of those days that make you happy that you live in the city. It was good just to stop and look around, and not have to avoid cars running over you, blaring horns, city noise and just take in the sun and the scenery. There was good art, bad art, creative art, art so much in favor of Atlanta you'd think it was "Atlanta-commissioned," and then, food especially of the greasy kind, along with some beer and wine.
It was so well-organized, so structured that you could tell it was a hard thing for them to do - to just let go and let the crowd feel the day out. There wasn't that much music, not much food going on except for the neighboring restaurants, and not much in the way of entertainment. No spontaneity, no hair out of place, no organized chaos. In other words, this was no New York festival. Hopefully, by the time they get to the 3rd year, they would get the hang of it, Atlanta would get the hang of it and become a more pedestrian friendly city with cultural activities strewn on the streets, giving people an opportunity to express themselves openly. But judging from that festival, it's coming along slowly.
I didn't write about it because there was nothing really to write about. It was so structured that it felt like a nice, neat bun on your head. Well, here are the items to write about, itemized.
1. It felt good to do a walk through a street market in the same city I live in as opposed to doing it on vacation, in maybe New York, or San Fran, etc. That was a nice treat to meet the day.
2. The weather was warm and crisp, perfect weather for exploring. Last of the warm and crispy days.
3. Stopped for fish tacos and margaritas at Tin Lizzy's and guess who walks in, Robin Givens, to partake of some fish tacos and margaritas as well. Hmmm....eventful.
4. My server at Tin Lizzy's ...Jess(?)...had so much zest, very high up there with personality. She actually stopped, sat down to chat, asked me what my plans were for the evening. Did not act weird at all that I was there by myself. I had so much fun with her. I would go there again just to see her. If you go there, ask for Jess with the glasses.
5. Ended up joining a couple of guys seated across from my table and we talked about the "dating scene." And I generally explained to them my theory on what is wrong with Atlanta men. Long story. The type of chat you can only engage in when you've had one too many.
6. Stopped in front of the Arts Center and sat on the stairs taking in the sights of the evening. It was nice to sit there and just meet the evening, breathe in the night air, soak in their energy, all the buzz, the excited people, the lights, and the hum of the city. Some teenagers asked me to join them and then we talked about ...nothing.
7. Joined the crowd at the Arts Center having a rave in their courtyard as part of the Midtown celebration. Danced till the wee hours with this crazy punk-rock band. It felt like some type of Woodstock fest: brightly painted people, artists on stilts, trapeze dancers, randomly thrown confetti balls. I kept asking myself, "Is this Atlanta?" Didn't know they had it in them.
Went home with a smile on my face. The next day it rained horrendously. The summer was over.
