Advice for out of town DragonCon attendees! by Barb

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Advice for out of town DragonCon attendees!

POSTED BY: BARB
UPDATED: Wednesday, September 1, 2004 11:51
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Tuesday, August 31, 2004 2:32 PM

Okay, since I live in Atlanta (just north actually) I thought I would offer some unsolicited advice to my fellow Firefly fans coming in from out of town. Especially if you are coming from "up north"

It is my experience that the South truly EARNS its reputation for hospitality. Of course, you can find unfriendly folks anywhere, but having been born and raised in the South, I can tell you the majority of real southerners are warm, friendly and helpful people. Atlanta has super police officers and good-will ambassadors who are there to help. I have always felt safe even after dark, remembering the common sense rules of staying in lighted areas and with a group of people. Keep in mind you are coming to the Deep South in late summer. Dress light, drink plenty of water and wear all the deodorant and baby powder you can.

Our temperatures can rival that "special level of hell" this time of year. The late afternoon may bring a sudden downpour immediately followed by steaming pavement. What can I say, it's an experience.
I'll end my rambling with a couple of ideas of things you really should know:
1. Do NOT leave Atlanta without eating at The Varsity. Anybody can tell you how to get there – it’s a landmark. You can get somebody to make a run and bring it back, but it's worth the trip to go in person. Locals can tell you about coming in the door to the ladies behind the counter shouting "Whatta ya have?" Make sure you order a chili dog, chili burger, onion rings and a large FO. (dirty minds!! that's a Frosted Orange...think liquid Dreamsicle). Order a fried apple or peach pie for dessert...don't fret!! you can go back to eating healthy when you get home. While we are on the subject of food, at least TRY the grits…with plenty of butter they are yummy!
2. As in the Firefly ‘verse we do say “aint” with the added bonus of “ya’ll”. We also say “ma’m” and “sir”. It’s a respect thing.
3. DON’T miss the parade on Saturday morning. It’s awesome!
4. Have PLENTY of film or memory sticks for your digital camera. There are hundreds of people wearing incredible costumes. Many are made from scratch and you will simply be amazed! From Stormtroppers to Jedi Knights, vampires, fairies and cartoon characters, and hopefully many Browncoats, you will want to get pictures of them all. (Last year there was an Elvis Indiana Jones..I kid you not!) Downtown becomes one giant sci-fi/fanatasy world.
So, Welcome to our town – make yourself at home….

See you guys here on Friday!!

"It's pretty much down to ritual suicide, lambytoes."

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Tuesday, August 31, 2004 4:12 PM

PEARLAT32

Thanks, that was mighty shiny of ya! Hope to see you this weekend!

-----------
They were little geisha dolls with big heads that WOBBLED!

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Tuesday, August 31, 2004 4:32 PM

AMADAVE

With complete respect to Barb, who is absolutely right about the things to do in downtown Atlanta, about Southern friendliness and the weather, you gotta watch out for the traffic. Particularly if you're from a smaller town.

My experiences on the I-85 belt loops is that the average speed is about 85 and the average following distance is about two feet

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Wednesday, September 1, 2004 11:31 AM

BARB

I totally agree. I live here and it amazes me every time I get on the interstate. I can only offer the advice of get to the right and stay there!

or better yet, if possible, park your car at your hotel and take Marta, our transit system. Very dependable and safe.

"It's pretty much down to ritual suicide, lambytoes."

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Wednesday, September 1, 2004 11:51 AM

KARENKAY99

thank you for the welcoming words!! i'm very excited about doing my first con. and very excited about visiting atlanta. i must admit to only driving through before, looking forward to florida or home - ohio (and once, it was my very worst driving experience ever, through atlanta, in the ice storm of the century)... and now i'm looking forward to visiting atlanta (with someone else doing the driving coz i'm flying this time!).
see ya friday!!

"They say the snow on the roof is too heavy. They say the ceiling will cave in. His brains are in terrible danger."

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