Last day in Atlanta was at a lesser pace... We were starting to wear after the drive and two full days on the ground. So not so many items on the itinerary for Day 5, but still a couple great attractions. We woke to a pretty morning view of the Atlanta skyline... Used one for the header for the intro page.

Opting to walk, we headed downtown and east underneath the I-75 to the Sweet Auburn neighbourhood to visit the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site. It was a quiet walk, I suspect traffic reduced due to the holidays. Just prior to the 9:00 am opening we arrived at the visitor centre. We took some pictures outside and then entered to secure timed entry tix (thnx Janie) for tours of the MLK birthplace, at 9:30 am. The tour of the home MLK grew up in was excellently done by Ranger Marty Smith... NHS personnel are always top shelf! He started with an introduction, we introduced ourselves as well. Then to the home... Where Marty touched on some key points during the tour. He focused on how King's upbringing and the neighbourhood had a profound effect on later life.

This tour was so informative, working hard to wrestle away the idea that King worked in some sort of vacuum towards advancements in civil rights for African Americans. His family's focus on education, belief in religion and encouragement to give voice were an essential starting place. Civil Rights groups across the south were looking for change, and much work had been initiated in organizing and identifying change as inevitable. King's ability to bring cohesion and be a "Leader of leaders" proved him the right man at the right time, and through tremendous personal sacrifice the movement of the 60's took shape. They must have been hard times. This NHS, and especially the birthplace tour, should be a mandatory visit for us all!

We walked up to the Georgia Aquarium and really didn't think we'd get in. The line up was massive! That being said, I dragged the CityPass out of my pocket and who'd have thunk... We walked around the whole line and into the aquarium. Scores! However, inside must have been near capacity too! Patience won the day, as we did get through most exhibits. Pretty lively though, kids everywhere and lots of holiday sugar being burned off (or maybe Coke from the museum next door). Inside, the highlights included the huge viewing area of the rays and whale sharks, Sea Dragons, beluga, penguins, and albino gators (weird). We opted out of the dolphin show and gave our tickets to the gentlemen at the information desk, for which he said "God Bless"!

Dragging our butts home, we relaxed and reviewed evening options. Sustenance and rest seemed on top of the list. For supper, we walked two blocks to The Varsity, classic greasy spoon at a huge Drive in style eatery. It was soooo "Happy Days" I was waiting for the Fonz to come in and pop the juke box! Chili dogs, burgers, fries and shakes. Americana from the 50's...

We had a vote for the evening entertainment... after all voices were heard the choice swung to a movie at home. The selection, a Rick Riordan creation gone to film. We watched Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters which both Peter and Monica had read. A pretty clean family friendly flick that saw us through our last day in Atlanta.