Just Peachy in Albany, Georgia?

I have found myself living in Georgia. I moved down here for an internship and have been living the South Georgia life for almost two months now. 

My First Startling Impressions of a South Summer...

First off, let me tell you, its flippin hot. I have never spent time in the south in the summer. The humidity alone is stifling. But mix together almost 100 F temps and almost 100% humidity, its a different kind of hot. I also work outside most of the day and have sweat through many shirts. 

Besides the sweltering heat, there is also a plethora of bugs. For some reason, mosquitoes are extra drawn to me. I was told its because I have Northern blood??? Is that a thing? I also work around large mammals, which draws in a whole new world of small things that want to suck your blood and irritate you. Gnats. They may not bite, but they'll fly into your eyes and ears and up your nose all day long. Yellow flies, horse flies and deer flies oh my! Those will bite you. And they will hurt and itch. I have become quite the consumer of bug spray and itch cream products. 

I was warned about all this prior to my move down here. But I've spent weeks in the jungle so I thought it would be no big deal. Its actually very different. If you were to find me at work, you'd spy me sweating, covered in dirt and animal poop and mumbling curses and I flip my head around and flail to get the bugs off of my face. I probably look possessed. So when I post cutesy pics in nice clothes, enjoying walks in town and smiling, that is not my reality. 

Albany Itself

Albany is surprisingly much bigger than I expected. Its in the top ten largest cities in GA. Many articles that I found had made me quite worried before moving down here. Comments like "DON'T EVER MOVE TO ALBANY GA" left me guessing, do I move to Albany GA? The crime rate here is actually very high, so if you visit, don't go out at night without a big group of people. Stick downtown as much as you can, its cuter there anyway. 

I'm usually one who likes to spend free time walking through towns and sampling restaurants and shops, but I can't necessarily do that as much here. I have, however, found some little gems so far that I would highly recommend and would make a trip to Albany so memorable.

Pretoria Fields Brewery-  

A rustic brewery in downtown Albany. I have frequented this place many times. Here, you can find mini concerts, trivia nights, tastings and other events scheduled throughout the week. YOU CAN ALSO BRING DOGS! Dogs are welcome to lounge inside the brewery or at the outdoor bar area. Beer and dogs, what more could you want. I am a light or fruity beer kinda woman and you can definitely find yourself something amongst the pine-ier IPAs. I recommend Farmhouse Berry Gose or Pretoria Fields Forever (a fruity sour beer). You can also get a flight to sample all the goodies. They have both a permanent and rotating beer list. But don't come hungry, I learned the hard way, they offer only small packaged snacks for food.

The Bread House-

The Bread House and Granary can be found just outside the downtown area. The building opens with a rustic charm and beautiful plants and signage and racks of super cute clothes on the porch (they also have a sweet little boutique inside). Beyond the bakery, you can find a restaurant with gorgeous light fixtures, long dark wood tables and yummy smells. The food has been so good each time I've gone. They have a vegan burger that is crazy good and weirdly realistic to a beef patty. I had to ask if it was actually the vegan burger after I took my first bite. Most of their produce is locally sourced and their options have something for everyone. I also had a coconut curry soup- so good. They support a woman's shelter too and hire women who are in need of jobs from the shelter. It is a do good and taste good place for a pretty fair price.

I'd also recommend seeing the Zoo and Aquarium. (My shameless little advertisement). The zoo was hit by a hurricane just last year and is still recovering. They have cheap entrance tickets and is home to some beautiful and critically endangered and vulnerable animals, like red wolves, black rhinos and cheetahs. Make sure you come on the weekend!! You can only see the African Veldt exhibit on the weekend if you take the tractor ride, which is free with admission. The weekends also offer animals feedings and shows around the clock. You may have an opportunity to feed rhinos, alligators and meerkats. You can check their social media the day of to see what's going on. The aquarium hosts more native species, like turtles, gators and fish native to the local Flint River. Their "Blue Hole" is a two story tank with huge sturgeon. They also have an albino gator named Moonshine and a small aviary. Both are worth checking out. 

My journey here definitely has some more time. I will make sure to continue to explore more so I can keep you all updated on things to do and not to do.

Starting Anew

I've wanted to be a travel writer since the day I found myself in the jungle in Costa Rica, my freshman year of college. I had applied to study Tropical Field Ecology there through my university and was accepted. My (very traditional and protective) parents did not agree whatsoever to me going to Central America. But with months of saving up money, planning for it anyway and crying in there faces (lol), I was set to explore the rainforest. And I fell, deeply, madly and completely in love with it.

Thus, my real journey began. I changed my BIO major to Integrated Studies and my new focus was on Wildlife Biology and World Media. At one point, I was working three jobs with 18 credit hours (one time 21 credit hours) just to save up for what was to come next. It turns out, the following year brought me further South. I took another Ecology course in Ecuador.

I loved this country. It brought tundra, rain forest, volcanoes, mountains, glaciers, hot springs, wetlands and the ocean. It also introduced me to a new love. This one human. He an adventure-y photographer biologist from my school and we developed our little romance throughout our time there. He took this photo of me actually. Its been a romance for the movies since. 

(Isn't he cute?)

So where am I now??? Well, I graduated college about six months ago. I've lived in three states since then. Working so many different jobs until I find out where I belong. I've been an Outdoor Educator/Science Teacher/ Camp Counselor, a Candle Maker/Artist, an Elder Care Companion, and now a Zookeeper. I've also added two more countries to my list since then. AND I'M JUST ABOUT BROKE. But that hasn't stopped me. I'm on a new journey- to find my niche to fill (wherever that may be). I'm now off on my own and purposely lost. Follow me as I search for the things that feed your soul and your wallet. 

Follow me on IG @whit.ro