Candler, Day One

To get things straight: Candler is the school of theology at Emory University. Don't get confused if I use them interchangeably!

Before my trip to Atlanta, I was blessed to be able to stay the night in Houston with my friend/former pastor Jason, his wife Lauren, and their kids. Jason went to seminary at Candler, the school I was about to visit. Since he and Lauren were already married at the time, they were able to tell me a lot about the area and give me advice on things to do, which helped to set my mind at ease.

I was going to be there all by myself, so I was a little nervous! Not so much about flying, but mainly about finding things to occupy my time that first day.

That, and getting lost in the airport and missing my flight. Though I'm a generally intelligent person, it's an unfortunate truth that I mostly lack a sense of direction.

However, I made my flight in plenty of time, and shortly arrived at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Which I really liked. They have a little train to take you everywhere. It just makes sense. No way could I get lost on a train.

I was met by Mary Lou, the Admissions and Financial Aid person with whom I'd been communicating since February about my admission, scholarship, and travel plans. I was glad to get to ride with her back to campus, since she was able to tell me a lot about the different areas we were passing through.

Emory isn't located in the heart of Atlanta. It's on the edge of Decatur, which is sort of northeast. That afternoon, I got to wander around campus by myself for about half an hour, trying to blend in. The campus was beautiful, and pretty different from what I was used to. Even though I had no idea where I was wandering, I felt very comfortable there.

After that, Mary Lou dropped me off at my hotel in downtown Decatur. I was supposed to have a roommate, but she never came (I found out later she was ill). This always happens to me at events like this one. I'm bad luck for temporary roommates.

Not that I minded having a room to myself...

My window looked down into the lobby.

Cool lobby chandelier.

I waited around for my alleged roommate for a while to see if she might want to go to dinner. But after a nap, I was too hungry to wait anymore. So I went out exploring. Here are some pictures of downtown Decatur:

This used to be a gas station, but is now a really popular taco place. 

You can see how they enclosed what used to be the pump area to make outdoor seating.

I seriously wanted to eat at about every restaurant I saw. I finally chose the Farm Burger, a place with burgers made from organically-fed cows. Honestly the best burger I have EVER had. With locally grown collard greens on the side. Mmm.

I loved that they had the silverware in Mason jars at the tables.

Mmm burger. 

I tried to stealthily take these pictures with my phone so I wouldn't look too weird. :)

I couldn't refrain from going into a couple of shops that were still open...

This store was called Heliotrope. I pretty much wanted to buy everything in it.

My conversation with the owner went like this:

"I love this store. I would come here all the time if I lived here, but I'm from out of town."

"Oh, we have even more online! Here's a business card..."

Oops.

I haven't looked at the website yet. I think it would be bad for our bank account.

Next store! I cannot resist a windowful of brightly colored kitchen accessories. 

I meandered around some more and ended up in this plaza, which I later figured out was on top of the MARTA (bus) station.

Historic courthouse.

Somebody put flowers in her arms :)

On top of the bus station...I really had no idea, haha

I finally made my way to a local coffeeshop, where I sat for a while and journaled about my day. Upon reaching the bar to order, I was surprised to look around the corner and find a wine bar. Best place ever?

I ended the evening with an hour of the Big Bang Theory and finally went to sleep, drowsily hoping that my roommate didn't have a flight that got in at midnight.

Next up: Day Two!