Initial Sim Training in ATL

Prior to getting assigned Atlanta for training, my only other experience there was going 70mph in the carpool lane enroute to Orlando. Unfortunately for me, there were not many opportunities to explore the area beyond Hapeville (the town on the north edge of the airport). While I could tell you all about the nearest Schlotzky's Deli, Which Wich, Jimmy John's, or Pit Boss BBQ, I could have been anywhere in the country. My parents, eager to use their own nonrev privileges, listed on a flight from MCO to ATL for a long weekend.

The problem with my sim training session was that I was assigned 4am. I say assigned because being the second to last person in seniority in my class, I simply took what was left. Honestly, I didn't mind because I was just happy to get out of Salt Lake City for a few days and then see someplace new. Having just completed an intense three days with early morning sessions with an instructor who had had a reputation for making people cry, I was a bit groggy for my
parents arrival. I had a slight surge in energy from the ORIGINAL Chick-Fil-A in Hapeville. There is sit-down waiter/waitress service at this particular Chick-Fil-A, but there was a bit of a wait and my parents did not know how fascinated I was with a Chick-Fil-A where you can order a chicken sandwich with a pickle from the table! After lunch, we went to Jimmy Carter's presidential library and then the Atlanta botanical gardens. My body wanted to sleep. Each park bench throughout the gardens got to know my bottom. I used my airline discount to get my parents a nice hotel in downtown Atlanta. The next day we went to Stone Mountain and hiked to the top.

For me, I am confused by Stone Mountain. It is a monument essentially celebrating treason against the United States, but ok... I'm not from the south and do not understand the whole confederate pride thing. To their credit, it is a pretty area, though. After Stone Mountain, we began a search for another hotel. My folks are very active and wanted to find a place near a walking trail or something scenic to run near. We eventually settled on a place near Suwanee, Georgia. Better yet it was a Holiday Inn Express and we all know what that means: cinnamon rolls! The following morning, we went for a run in a nearby park and later went to the Chattahoochee recreation area.









It was nice to see this side of Atlanta as opposed to the cold and dark environment of the simulator. Little did I know then, the next week would be very intense. But by the time I actually got to the point where I was being tested, I was very at ease and it may have been one of the easiest checkrides of my career. 3 and 1/2 weeks of ground school and 4 weeks of simulator training all built up to this one day, so the preparation was there. It was just exhausting and I am glad it's over. Having a short break in there helped.