Sunday was a real "jab" at the senses... Sight, sound, taste. We met a full schedule of events head on at 9:00 AM and kept at it 'til 7:00 PM. The day started with a light breakfast at the Hampton Inn and out the door headed downtown. First stop was a CityPass venue, the Inside CNN Studio Tour. Atlanta is Ted Turner land and the CNN building is ground zero for the original 24 hour news channel. We arrived at 9:00 AM and booked a 9:40 tour, which gave us time to grab a coffee and use the facilities. Huge TV in there and we caught a live program from CNN Washington.

The tour begins with a security check and then a ride on the world's largest free standing escalator from the first to sixth floor. The guide was a real pro, and began her tour laying out some of the organizational history, as well as defining broadcast terms so everyone could relate to the rest of the tour information. Along the way we saw news rooms, broadcast studios, a studio for tours with a teleprompter, anchor desk, green screen and all that jazz. Fun tour that wound down through the building to end, logically, at the gift shop. Total time of the tour was about 55 minutes. Worth it for any news junkie!

Just across Centennial Olympic Park, infrastructure of the 1996 Atlanta Games, is the World of Coca-Cola Centre. Also covered with the CityPass, this centre is where the Coke mafia spread the good news of the popular soft drink to legions of fans from all over the world. In fact, our hotel was directly across the street from the 29 story Corporate World Headquarters for the company. It was pretty busy there, and we gained timed access with what I'd guess were 250 others. This group was introduced to the product history and a room full of marketing artifacts. This was followed by a new 6 minute "Polar Bear" video. Good fun! Then all were set free to explore the rest of the complex. We took in a 4D movie and especially wandered the "taste it" option that ended the tour, where visitors could sample soda taps amidst the 150 or so differing products from around the globe. Everyone leaves with a souvenir bottle as well! Shades of Disney here for me... Felt like indoctrination with Billy Graham!

Then off to the Georgia Dome for the highlight of the day... NFL match-up featuring the Carolina Panthers versus the Atlanta Falcons on the gridiron. Outside tail gate activities were in full swing, with all manner of sight, sound and promotion. The dome is pretty impressive, and after a security check we made our way to the far side of the stadium and our second level seats. Awesome view where we quickly settled in to all that is the "event" of an NFL game. Music, huge screens, cheers of fans, and vendors with beer, hot dogs, cotton candy. You name it!!! Janie grabbed snacks, a few beers and by kickoff everything was going our way.

Coincidentally, our tix were for the last game of retiring legend and tight end Tony Gonzalez. They had a special presentation for him at half time. As for the game, it was worth the billing as Carolina squeaked out a one point victory, 21-20. Fans were so into it, with a lot of visiting Panther fans in from the neighbouring state. It was a first time experience for Janie and Monica. Never a dull second might be the best description. Peter had a blue jacket on, almost exactly the color of the Panthers jersey. He even got a "high five" from a fan after the game. Football is a bombarding of the senses!

Post game we rallied for a brisk walk to Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta and a mug up. No line up so straight in for a big supper, music and performer memorabilia including everything from Willie Nelson to Ella Fitzgerald. Some of the Panthers fans had made their way and spontaneous roars were also part of the atmosphere. In about an hour we turned things around, all fed, and moving back towards town.

One last item... Janie and the kids took a flight on the SkyView Ferris wheel set up overlooking Centennial Olympic Park. Great vista reported from 20 stories up of the Olympic Rings Water fountain and a great view of Atlanta to boot! At conclusion of the 45 minute ride we sauntered back to our digs and I can say quite honestly, we were out of gas! Big sleeps all the way round.