If you’ve ever wanted to feel dwarfed by the majesty of live whale-sharks, get up close to a sea turtle or actually swim with hammerheads and rays, The Georgia Aquarium is the place to do it.
I visited recently on a Sunday afternoon.
To be honest, as I walked from the parking deck a couple blocks away, I wasn’t terribly enthusiastic. It was late in the day. I’d heard that, compared to Chattanooga, NY, Seattle and others, this would be a let-down. Worse, since the facility is undergoing renovations, on this day I would not able to view some of my favorite species, including the beluga whales.
I was expecting to be disappointed.
Finally I descended the stairs, got my ticket and guidebook, and dug my pocket-cam from my purse.
Things were about to change.
Entering, visitors are flanked by sheer walls that seem to project giant screen-savers of fast, metallic –looking, schooling oval fishes, sweeping by in continuous motion . . . but this isn’t a movie, it’s real, and it's alive. They are Crevalle Jacks, by the score, moving with constant, disorienting speed. It’s fascinating, mesmerizing and – should the school startle and begin to zoom, absolutely dizzying.
It was hard for me to move beyond this exhibit.
I got my videos. Take after take after take. I just couldn’t get enough of it.
I was smiling from ear to ear.
Next time we'll visit the jellies (sea nettles and moon jellies).
(All HD video/photo footage taken by author)
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