Athens, GA

I believe it rained five of the six hours I was in the car! Not hard rain, but constant. The traffic was moving so it was not the end of the world. In Athens, I was staying with a friend and UGA grad! She was the same year as me even studied finance, but she was not scared by the financial markets (like myself) and now works for a small financial planning firm right in Athens. True to the stereotype, people are more giving, kind, out going in the south. I arrived to appetizers, beers and a hot meal...SO AWESOME! After catching up for awhile, we decided to go out on the town. I wanted to see the local bars not the "UGA" bars. I wanted to see the little pubs that people go to when they just want to get a beer. We drove down the road to a little English pub, forget the name, but I do know it was in the five corners part of Athens right next to a liquor store. It was a shot and a beer type bar and they even had golf on! My kir and of place to say the least. Ont he way back from the bar we took a little driving tour around UGA. Major buildings and land marks were pointed out and routes for tomorrow were discussed.

My plan in the morning was to do the ol UGA walk about. I have never been one for very organized tours or museums. I enjoy walking, reading the signs, trying the local fare and asking questions later. I began my walking tout after some coffee and a breakfast casserole (I have some awesome friends!). I started by walking down the street to see the only tree, as far as I know, that actually owns itself. Leave it to William H. Jackson to will a tree and the surrounding 8 feet to itself. The tree actually owns itself... Not sure if that law still exists, I would be surprised, but I like the idea. 

After taking a few photos at the tree I continued my walking tour down the hill towards campus. I had my eyes set on the UGA football stadium;) I spent some time walking through the Tate student center and then over what they call "Ag Hill" a hill where many of the agriculture buildings are located. Then down the hill around the football stadium and through the Oconee Hill cemetery. Then it was off to Weaver D's. A local meat and two side soul food place which inspired REM's album Automatic For The People. The place has been a UGA institution for 25 years..I had to get the fried chicken! AND we sat next to the lead singer of Citizen Cope! Clarence Greenwood, he was performing at the Georgia Theater that night. 

I also got to make a stop at "Jittery Joe's" a local Athens, GA coffee roast house, pics below.

I got a ride down the road and was dropped off in the middle of campus. I was told I needed to make a trip to the Georgia Theater before I left town. The theater had burned down two years ago and was since completely renovated. There is a really great roof top bar, which I took advantage of:)

After a couple beers I was off back up the hill. Needed to gather a few things and pack the car and make my way to Roswell, GA. Just north of Atlanta where my cousin lives. I could not wait to see my little second/half/first cousins once removed...twins!