Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Oh... ATL do me Dirrrty!


I'm about to become a dirty boy; a Dirty South Boy that is. I recently came back from my business/vacation trip to Atlanta, GA and let me tell you, the Dirty South is not ready for JBS! This was my first trip to ATL as an adult and it was an experience that will not leave my memory. I had withdrawals when I got back to Southern California for about 2 days! It may have had something to do with the test I had to next day, that I'm pretty sure I failed Lol.


I fell in love with Atlanta. I tend to fall in love with things that are new to me, just for the simple fact they are "new". Even landing at ATL and seeing a bunch of yellow dust all over every one's vehicles (that apparently was the annual pollen envision every spring), I knew I was in for a new and exciting experience. After being told that I "looked funny" by a 3 year old (slightly insulted! haha), we headed downtown.

Everyone told me that I was going to be overwhelmed by the "niggas" and the gays, but it was actually not bad at all. I fact, my eyes seemed to focus on the select white people living happily among a society of predominantly African Americans. I would walk into a high class sushi restaurant and bar and would be greatly by the smiling face of someone who was black... and this is normal! I was no longer the minority... I have to say it was refreshing. Downtown Atlanta was an "LA", but with better looking buildings and melting pot of black people that ranged classy and sophisticated to "country as hell, with a twang or a drawllll" haha. People there were so nice and love to talk to you, which is perfect for my personality! I learned that "county" and "ghetto" are two separate things.

"My Chick Bad" by Luda and Nicki was the song of the weekend. Every club, car ride, and restaurant was playing local artist like Ludacris, Monica, and Usher. I was happy to hear that radio stations were heavily supporting their local artist. I feel sometimes in SoCal the only West Coast artist we hear from regularly is Snoop Dogg ... and he is a piece of work in himself!

Whaaa... NO DENNYS!? But we did make our way to the famous Waffle House after the club got out at 3 something or another in the AM. I was forewarned that "there was never a dull moment at the Waffle House, something always goes wrong". You are literally in the kitchen! As I enjoyed my crispy bacon (I our server Teresa cooked for me herself after she took the spatula away from the cook because he was "taking too long"), the woman in front of us was washing dishes behind the counter as she was carrying a full conversation with us. Again... This was normal! I was waiting for all of the buck servers to get into a physical altercation eager to go on their late night smoke break after a long evening of serving hot syrup and creamy grits. That's just how they love each other in the South!

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Unfortunately, with so much to do in so little time, I was not about to visit all of the tourist attractions. The World of Coke is on my next visit. it's a museum with Coke from every country. Also Atlanta has the biggest Aquarium in the WORLD, and I love seafood! I was however able to visit the Martin Luther King National Site. All I can say is that is was a very humbling experience. A lot of times on the West Coast we don't realize that magnitude of the civil rights movement as much as the people in the South. Being in Ebenezer Church and well as the pool honoring Dr. MLK and his late wife Coretta Scott King, made me appreciate what was done for me by strong African Americans that much more. Our generation is very fortunate to have just missed that. (And why was I wearing a shirt with a GIANT gun on it that day!? So bad Jayce!!!)

After graduation, I plan to move to Atlanta. Why? What could possibly be better than Southern California's weather, fast paced Hollywood lifestyle, blah blah blah. I've heard it all and I'm moving! I need something new, and I am not upset about the 900+ sq ft apartment I found with maid service, complimentary laundry, breakfast, and trash! No, no, I am not mad at ALL! I know I'm going to love my new life in Atlanta, and if i don't I can always move back home to where my heart is, California!

J B S

Also, shout out to Gladys Knight for some amazing Chicken and Strawberry Waffles, but I say... Roscoes is better. WESTSIDEEE!!!


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1 comment:

  1. I'm glad you got to see what "Southern Hospitality" is really like first hand. Being from FL people in California don't understand what I mean when I say I miss that - is it truly something you need to experience FIRST HAND. Once again, glad you got to experience that.

    PS I'm going to be in Atlanta this summer on internship & then moving there after graduation in December - hopefully we can chill :-).

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