Atlanta
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We spent a free day in Atlanta but it was something of a bust.
The original plan was to just walk around Buckhead and try not to feel old. We tried but it was too damn cold.
So we went to the Atlanta History Museum, where they have a famous cyclorama painting of the Battle of Atlanta and other interesting artifacts. That was cool, but after an hour we had seen it all.
Then we went to a Coca Cola museum. It was beyond horrible. First of all, we waited 40m in line outside, despite having timed-entry tickets. The lined moved slowly and in fits and starts.
When we finally got in, we were herded into a room that had a 6m timer. Ok, they’re going to show us a short film. But when the 6 minutes was up, we were let into another room where we were warehoused for another 6 minutes. Jesus, ok.
When we finally got in to the actual theater, I was expecting some film about the history of coke, or how it’s made, or something. BUT NO, IT WAS LITERALLY A SIX MINUTE FUCKING COMMERCIAL. when I realized that was the reason I stood outside in the line in the cold 40 minutes I was beyond livid. (Without the commercial people could simply have walked in)
After the commercial we were released into an open space with three exhibits. One was a long line to see a polar bear, no thanks I live close enough to a zoo. One did have some history of the brand but I was to pissed to care at that point. The other was a tasting room, where you could sample beverages from around the world (they have close to 4,000 different versions of sugared water). This in theory could have been mildly interesting, but the floor was gross and sticky from kids spilling soda all day and it actually took a little effort to get my shoes unstuck from the floor if I stood in one place too long.
We left within 5 minutes of being forced to watch the commercial. $75 poorer, including parking.
I walked out of there committed to figuring out what brands they own so I could never give them money again. I don’t buy soda usually but Dasani is one I will need to pay attention to avoid, since it’s everywhere.
