So after visiting the local nature centre and lighting a fire in Drew and Sarah's massive back garden (property prices/sizes are almost Texan around here) the big event was our visit to the Georgia Aquarium - so big they named it after the whole state.
And yes, it is big. The main tank houses four whale sharks, and the giant galleries take you through tropical reefs to Georgian rivers and dolphin habitats. We even got a private audience with some belugas, thanks to a volunteer telling us which door to sneak through. Edward, a lifelong member, was encyclopedic in his species knowledge. The only criticism - of the aquarium, not Edward - is that it's a little too Sea World in parts, with several animals captured rather than rescued (like in dearly missed Vancouver). But they all seemed happy enough.
In terms of food - wow. This is southern cuisine, in a way that Texas isn't really because Texas isn't south of anywhere: it's Texas. We started at The Fickle Pickle, where there were indeed pickles, a whole fried portion of them, and continued through breweries and some home grilling to Nuevo Laredo Cantina where, thanks to a babysitter and taxi, three pitchers of margarita were consumed.
Sadly, all too soon, we were on the plane home, although it was a lot warmer back here than there. Thanks to Drew, Sarah, Edward and Margaret for a fantastic stay, and y'all come to Houston real soon. We have coke and margaritas down here too!
New buddies.
The Fickle Pickle's pickles. A half-portion, which we still didn't manage to finish.
Thursday night at the brewery.
Wet wood, and the faces of scepticism.
But I used to be a boy scout, so this was well within my skillset. Ha!
Margaret is happy now.
Georgia Aquarium. Lots of water.
"Whoa!"
Smart and agile.
They had penguins too!
Diverse life on display.
Totally wild, and impossible to capture.
