Atlanta, GA: 4th of July at the World of Coca-Cola

If it was one thing I really wanted to do on this trip, it was to go to the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. Thankfully, Smruti is a huge fan and despite having gone several times before (and despite the fact that it was the Fourth of July with massive crowds) was totally up for it. The building itself is pretty awesome.

Across the park is the Georgia Aquarium, supposedly the world's largest aquarium. I don't know - I think it's not about size because the Monterey Bay Aquarium is pretty darn awesome. ;)

Me and John Pemberton, the founder of Coca-Cola. I am melting at this point. It's around 90 degrees outside, maybe a bit less. Smruti is loving the heat. I'm missing San Francisco...

Me and Smruti with some artist designed Coke bottless (for the Vancouver Winter Olympics I think). Some old Coke memorabilia.

There was a special FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa exhibit - a little 3D movie that was kind of, sort of, not really cool. They kept playing the official song by k'naan "Wavin' Flag". It's STILL stuck in my head. We got a cool picture with Zakumi, the official mascot. Yeah, we lined up with all the other little kids for the picture. I think Zakumi liked us best though. We both got kisses. =)

And then we saw the Coca-Cola polar bear! Of course, I needed a picture with him too.

What's with all the pictures, you ask? Cuz I'm Asian, we take pictures of EVERYTHING. Quick! Smruti! Take a picture of the Asian people taking pictures!

Old Coke dispensing machines (did you know a bottle of Coke was 5 cents for 70 years?) and official Olympic torches. The Beijing one was the coolest.

Cool Coke inspired modern art

Mickey! I miss Mickey. Need a Disneyland fix soon. Me on THE Coca-Cola couch used in American Idol.

Now, for Smruti's favorite part - the taste test. And yes, we tried ALL of them. UGH. Asian (left), African (right)

European (left), South American (right) - do not EVER buy a Beverly. Just trust me on this one.

Favorite? Smart in China. It's a yummy watermelon soda. Oh, and there was an entire section for stuff they sell in the US. Smruti had to get her fill of Cherry Coke. I still think Coca Light in Europe is the best. Being not a soda drinker (that's right, I don't drink soda at all), I was definitely burping for a while after this taste test.

We got a "free" 8 oz. glass bottled souvenir Coke and then it was off to the Coke store.

OMG, the polar bears were SO cute (haha, Sahil - OMG, SO CUTE). It took every ounce in my body to resist taking one home. Instead, I took pictures with all of them.

Need more Coke gear? Get it online! I love icons.