It sounds like an unusual title, but when the recent Delta flight cancellation chaos based on the Windows and CrowdStrike outage, we got stuck in Atlanta for a few days when trying to return from our Turks and Caicos vacation!

Total chaos. Believe it or not, we got into the airline lounge (Delta), and spent a few hours there relaxing…and then when the club is about to close…flights cancelled!

What to do? First and foremost, get a hotel.

Everyting near the airport was fully booked, so we went further out and found something different.

We tried out the Bellyard, West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel which was definitely hopping and packed with a party when we checked in at almost midnight. Apparently, the Midtown area is quite popular.

Tip – book for a few days in case the flights keep getting cancelled and you do not need to find a new hotel every day.

Georgia Aquarium

So, we did a little research on what we could check out since we had some free time on our hands. First choice based on recommendations: The Georgia Aquarium.

It is one of the largest I have ever seen myself; it has to be large for the big whale shark above!

The hammerheads were cool to see up close

and some of the manta/sting rays were massive as well.

The beluga whales were quite playful

and the dolphins definitely like the human attention for sure.

I was surprised to see a white alligator! I am not sure when I saw one of these before – if it was New Orleans or Vancouver maybe. Anyone know?

The piranha saw I had food and he got angry with me

Olympic Park

Nearby to the aquarium is also the Centennial Olympic Park

It is pretty famous for the 1996 Olympics bombing, but I thought it is and awesome park for walking and running since it is so large.

Sandbox VR

What else did we try out in Atlanta? Sandbox VR

a virtual reality simulation gaming site – I have never tried this before.

I can see it can be very popular with groups of friends, but even with two people, it was quite amazing.

We chose to try out some Dungeons and Dragons style campaigns.

Believe it or not, it is very realistic and believable!

Warning – it is intense, realistic and quite a workout!