Some cities are known for great job opportunities. Some for their history. Some for its unique architecture. Some for the great hospitality. Hmm even some for the low cost of living. But, to me, Atlanta, the city I’ve lived for more than 13 years, made its very first connection with me with its Westin building. Before moving to Atlanta, I lived in West Des Moines, Iowa, but had visited New York City, Chicago, and other great cities. But, I had never heard of a revolving floor in a building.
I’m not sure what it is with my fascination in architecture and admiration for tall buildings, but Westin just blew my mind away when I first visited it in 2003 with my family. I remember every moment of that particular visit as if it was yesterday. Walking from the parking lot to the building, trying to avoid the sun as I looked up to see the tall building, fighting with my sister to press the elevator buttons to the top floor where the restaurant was located, ordering pizza out of all the fancy dishes they had so my grandparents can eat it too, posing for the old camera my dad had then, quickly eating the food to go explore the revolving floor — everything’s just so fresh in my mind.
Ever since that visit and hearing about the hotels in the building, I was determined to live there. Of course, that just wasn’t feasible as a 9-year old. But, I do get to live five minutes away from it now at college and have it as my view from my apartment. I can see it from my favorite study spot on campus too…perhaps that’s why it’s my spot.
That building represents my life in America. Wow, what a deep statement you may be wondering. Yes, it’s how much Westin means to me. Seeing it as I head to the airport for a great vacation or picking up loved ones, seeing it as I go to the temple to pray for peace with my family, seeing it as I entered freshmen orientation on campus as a nervous 18-year old — Westin has seen me experience a lot of phases in life. Perhaps why I added such dramatic filters to this photograph.
© AвнιAятѕ 2016
the UPbeat soul 
That’s a lovely picture Abhi…you’ve used the perfect filter! There’s a Westin close to home and everytime I walk by, I’ll remember you:)
How the little things impact our childhood right? Great post!
I would be so thrilled if you would kindly stop by my space when you can 🙂
Hugs
Divya
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Thanks so much for your kind words Divya! ❤ If you're in Atlanta, let's definitely plan to meet! 🙂
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Interestingly written narrative. The photograph is awesome. I wish I could have been there. Anand Bose from Kerala.
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Thank you for the support all the way from Kerala! Much appreciated! 🙂
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