First day in Atlanta

[vaneramos]

The Fuqua Orchid Center at Atlanta Botanical Garden boasts the largest orchid collection in North America (or the world?). I also learned that the Southeastern States possess the planet's highest species diversity of pitcher plants. Somewhere back in Canada (at Royal Ontario Museum) I learned this is also true for freshwater oysters. There must be something remarkable about the streams and rivers. Ontario lies on the outskirts of this region; we also have pitcher plants and freshwater oysters. Unfortunately these wetlands are all at extreme risk.

We ambled around the garden for a while on Saturday, but the heat was oppressive so we came home. In the evening we went to Woofs, a bear bar, followed by the Atlanta Eagle. Some interesting flirtations happened, and yes it's fun to cruise a new city's bars, but in the end I was happier to come home with Stephen.

Yesterday I fell ill: food poisoning or flu, I don't know which. I slept part of the afternoon while Stephen went to his softball games. Later we curled up and watched movies. Whatever it was passed quickly, though. Today I feel ready to see more of Atlanta.

I've never visited a city with so many trees; impressive. On the down side, the temperature keeps climbing, and is expected to hit nearly 100°F tomorrow. I just hope it doesn't prove too much for this Ontario woodland flower.