Welcome back to Black Grad Life, where I speak on all things music, the Black experience, lifestyle, and life after college. Today’s post will cover my most recent trip to Atlanta, Georgia. As a kid growing up two hours east of Atlanta, occasionally popping in for shopping or sports, I would never have imagined the trips to the city as an adult would be such movies. Enjoy my *at times* befuddled thoughts of the weekend as I piece together the itinerary! 

“We Can’t Go Hard Tonight Because We Have To Go Hard Tomorrow”

Friday – January 26, 2024 – 11:33 AM

The trek to the airport is always an interesting experience. I spend the hours leading up to making sure that everything fits and that I don’t leave important items behind. When it’s actually time to head there I do the battle of the prices with the ride sharing apps. Uber won today. Of course a Florida license plate in Charlotte. From that moment on I knew I was in for a treat. After putting my belongings in the trunk, because I guess customer service is cooked in 2024, I settle in to the backseat and quickly pop in my headphones. The floor of the car is peppered in leaves. My mans has just been riding around and getting it. No spare time for a quick vacuum. Although a bit irritated, I pull my hood on and let my jacket engulf me like a wave. Cars dart around both sides of my Uber like cheetahs as we traverse down the highway. It’s a gloomy day to start. Much like the process of traveling. I absolutely hate getting ready to go anywhere. I feel like the act of going places is just so tedious. Always worth it though I think. On the bright side I can almost taste the mimosa waiting for me at Concourse E.

Friday – January 26, 2024 – 5:09 PM

It indeed is 5 o’clock somewhere. The mimosa(s) from my airport buzz have worn off. Side note, nothing better than the vibes that come with having a couple drinks at the airport bar. I landed a couple hours ago. The master of ceremonies for the weekend, Teddy, scooped me from the zoo that is the Hartfield-Jackson airport. Her, I , and another friend of ours from high school, Angela are going out tonight. Ready a bit earlier than the others, I know it’s the perfect time for a pre-evening cocktail. I’m told things get rather popping at my hotel after dark. In town for Teddy’s housewarming I’ve been assured that tonight’s events can’t be too wild. We can’t go hard tonight because we have to go hard tomorrow.

Saturday – January 27, 2024 – 12:06 AM

We are tore up. 3-4 places later I’ve had pasta and wings in the same night. I’d have it no other way. The night started out calm. With a bit of time to spare before our reservation I got a chance to grab a drink down stairs. That was before getting lost trying to find the bar we were beginning at, JoJo’s. I took one wrong turn and ended up in the sunken place of my hotel. After finding my footing, it was up from there. The events of the night went by rather quickly. We started at one of the most eye pleasing bars I’ve ever seen. Then we proceeded to get dinner, which was pasta at Serena Pastificio. The drinks and good vibes were flowing. Somehow we ended up crashing what seemed like a work party. I vaguely remember stepping over a velvet rope. From there we headed to a rooftop bar to vibe out a bit before calling it an evening. After stealing all the flats in our wing order I was back refueled. We made our way back to my hotel bar that indeed was popping. A DJ, people frolicking, I mean the place was jumping. It would be rude of us not to join.

“Why Is It When I Go Outside I’m Outside Until 4AM”

Saturday – January 27, 2024 – 11:24 AM

Another gray wet day to start things off. I was awoken this morning by the frequent vibrations of a FaceTime call. The rest of the guests for the weekend have begun arriving. Morale is low. I’m one of those people who believe that if it is raining the plans for the day are cancelled. Luckily for Teddy and I, Angela is hosting a brunch at her place. Thank God, no overpriced chicken and waffles for me. I woke up this morning with my contacts still in. Slight headache, but nothing I haven’t overcome before. I’m clinging to my water bottle for life, listening to the rain drops pitter patter off of Teddy’s windshield.  

Saturday – January 27, 2024 – 9:33 PM 

My headache has been defeated. Since my last entry I’ve had a few drinks and put some much needed food in my system for tonight’s festivities. A couple more friends joined the at-home brunch. You know how that goes. More good vibes, laughter, and good conversation. It’s always comforting hanging out with friends you’ve known since a teenager. Time has definitely passed but in a lot of ways in those moments it feels like we’re still just those kids.  After brunch and a mini music video turn up session, the gang and I sans Teddy decided to hit up the food court near my hotel. Smart! *Judge Judy voice* You can never go wrong with setting your palette for the evening with pizza. So that I did. A quick hiatus at my room to get ready for the night and a bit of liquid IV is what killed my headache. I’m thankful. Ready for the events of the night. Although a bit anxious. I’ve arrived for the housewarming. Lost again which isn’t a surprise, but with a little bit of maps work and a phone call I’m reeled in. The energy is bright. Walking in to Teddy’s everyone is inviting. Food perfectly lines the stove and countertops. Friends surround the kitchen island ready for shenanigans. 

Sunday – January 28, 2024 – 3:33 AM

We had a time last night. I’m not sure what it is but I’m wondering why is it when I go outside I’m outside until 4 AM. The housewarming was beautiful. Of course I made us bust out flip cup. My team went undefeated by the way. I’m gearing up to finally head back to the room and pass out. My flight is in less than eight hours. I’ve already set like five alarms which is ironic because I have always talked shit about people who do that. We did a nice little group manifestation activity before heading out to the club. It was wholesome compared to how lit we got at the function. Souled Out Dates hosted their live energy experience event. Took much pride in comparing the DJ sets. And of course no trip to Atlanta is complete without standing on the couch of a section. We indeed did that amongst other things.

“I Finally Understand Why Rev Run Would Tweet From A Bath Tub”

Sunday – January 28, 2024 – 10:40 AM

Of course my flight gets delayed. Delayed a few times actually. I finally understand why Rev Run would tweet from a bath tub. I understand why he did because as I sit here typing this from an uncomfortable chair near my gate, I want nothing to do with typing. I’m envious of his comfort. You should never have to write in discomfort. I’m holding strong. Nothing but media to distract me from the thought of my arrival time slipping back further. I refuse to put anything other than water in my system. I don’t want those problems, it is Sunday. All I can think about is how this would not have happened had I taken the early flight. Being real I totally would have missed that. Bender weekends are so humbling. As the years go by, the more I’m convinced that a weekend of sorts will be my ender. No regrets though nonetheless. Do announcements at the airport make anyone else get an attitude? Like I’m getting the flight update texts, but then I also have to listen to Wayne from American Airlines talk about the flight crew cleaning the plane when it lands. I’m sick. There’s a guy near me scrounging around on the floor looking for a working outlet. I admire the dedication to staying plugged in. I’m ready to unplug though. If I could teleport I’d be home right now. Working on my patience this year. All that goes out the window when I hear the announcement bell ding again. We’ll be boarding at 1:15. Just slightly two hours behind schedule. I lean my head back and close my eyes. For a moment I get a sense of comfort. But this isn’t a fucking bath tub…it’s gate T10.

Well that was 48 Hours in Atlanta. I appreciate you if you’ve made it this far into the blog. Not my first rodeo, but that weekend was my first time traveling with a sense of needing to get content other than little stuff for Instagram. I hope you enjoy the video below! A longer *better* director’s cut showcasing more of the weekend is available to my Members Only community if interested you can subscribe below.

As always playlists linked below. Don’t forget to like/add the playlists on your streaming platform of choice. Drop a comment here as well and a like if you’re feeling fancy. All of that helps me out in these algorithms. I promise I write back!

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/blackgradlife-48-hours-in-atlanta/pl.u-KJDLT1Xkxbj

“Why Is It When I Go Outside I’m Outside Until 4AM”

Tweet

Better Director’s Cut for Members Only Crew ($5)

BLACK GRAD LIFE

Music, the Black Experience, lifestyle, and life after college blog by Joe©