Georgia more of it

Now that I have completed 2 years in Georgia, it does feels like home. I have familiar favorite driving routes, favorite stores for particular items, and familiar strangers who are almost friends.

My initial experience posts are here and here.

Exploring the waterfalls of the state one by one. Every trail I went to and peeped at the woods, it reminded me of Hunger Games movie. Turns out, woods of District 12 in all 4 Hunger Games movies were shot right here in Georgia.

Lot of cultural outings. Atlanta Bunts Sangha organized a showing of Tulu movie Circus. Was a good outing and unique one for kids.

I don't think I have attended Carnatic Concerts live. Here I got to attend the Devotional Carnatic concert by Dr Vidyabhushana with Sitar Symphony.

And one by S Aishwarya & S Saundarya.

Yet I am still wide-eyed at some things uniquely Georgia.

There are ice-cream stores, which are one strip mall size with luxurious car-parking real-estate, then the eaters get to eat in open-air. No seating arrangements too. That's unique I would say. Make sense to gobble ice-cream in the heat.

And this state is truly multi-lingual. I did get a hint that this is a hub of immigrants. Once you are immune to the diverse faces, nothing highlights the diversity more than the smattering of languages you hear in a crowded places. There is always some Russian, Czech, Spanish, Chinese, Telugu, Punjabi, Gujrati, Arabic to be heard everywhere.

Anytime there is hurricane or low pressure in Florida, it will definitely be rainy monsoon here. Or mild windy day here, means storm in Florida. That's how much GA & FL are linked.

Fall ! Leaves ! Oh the never ending horror of it. Got a glimpse of it last year and full force this year. And then , there was a day in November, where it rained Acorns - yes a windy day blew all acorns from the tree. It hurt us & hurt the car. I chased and parked car far away.

The mosaic of shade & sunlight filtering through the trees onto the winding roads. As poetic as it sounds, its a driving hazard. Sunglasses can't handle that frequent light shifts. Even without one, its feels scary you might run someone over. And this in a country where almost no one almost jaywalks. 

Round-a-bouts - they are standard feature in Georgia. And very genius idea too. They are more efficient than 4-way STOP signals. They keep the traffic flowing.

Did I complain about Georgia's greenery enough ? Below is a view on the side of road undergoing expansion. The mountains of tree roots & stumps. After few weeks, there was a new realization and respect for the Georgia Road construction workers and companies. And for those from the past who built those single lane roads winding through forest between cities. They really cut through mountains and intense vegetation, to put it mildly.

Vibha Atlanta Dream Mile 2023 - Atlanta - 10K - Race Recap

 I ran the Vibha Atlanta Dream Mile 2023 10K race on 17-Sep-2023 Sunday morning.

Races are such rejuvenating experience. This race was well organized and a pleasant experience. 

It was a drizzly week and this Sunday morning was cloudy, dark, maybe 66F and very very light drizzle for some patches. Summer running outfit & shoes sufficed for this weather.

This race covered all type - 5K, Run/Walk, 10K and Half Marathon. It was staggered one of the other, so the race route never got lonely. The route was round-about, starting from the mall, partially on Peachtree parkway, more on the western home areas and back. So, this route was definitely packed with numerous uphill & downhill. Rain somehow did not make it slippery. And I think I have gotten used to this topography (something I always cribbed about), because a volunteer complimented me on an uphill I was climbing twice or so, "I love how you are pacing yourself".

Volunteer support was of full enthusiasm. They were throughout the route, guiding runners and frequent water support. There was no scope for getting lost. Big chuck of the volunteers were SEWA kids - and they were the best cheerleaders - hyping us up with loudspeakers. One particular boy was very persistent in cheering the ladies, "Aunty Run Aunty you can do it" :) He hyped my friend with his repeated "Aunty run"  and he even ran the last patch with her. While she was pleasantly irritated by being called Aunty so much, she finished at a great time.

Water & electrolyte support throughout was great. 10K running got a medal at the end along with water, banana & protein bars. The booths put up were fun. Lot of food ones too and a photo booth with airdrop to transfer to phone. And the race end prize announcements were an event. My friend won 2nd prize in her age category. Super thrilling.

Packet pickup at convenient location Big Peach Running Co.

There is one improvement the organizers could do. That is to add the starting location & parking location info in the website and emails sent out. Its not boldly mentioned, so I emailed the question. Fortunately someone replied immediately, so I was good. Later my friend guided me to the start location. Its obvious once you have run the race before, but for the first timer, there was no address mentioned.

Great  race overall