Stop #36: Well I could have done without visiting Memphis. Felt a little like meeting your idol and him/her being a complete jack ass in person. In my mind, Beale Street was this iconic, super cool blues and jazz heaven. In actuality, it was a run down, super dirty, foul smelling baby sister-city to hell.
Too harsh? Perhaps. However, I did my best to find the “right” area of downtown but it eluded me, so naturally I headed towards Graceland. Another disappointing area, and I could only look at Graceland from the road because it was already closed for the day by the time I got there. What I could see of Graceland itself was beautiful. Big gorgeous estate and acreage. The surrounding area was very neon, depressed, and touristy. Not sure Elvis would approve. However, I accidentally turned into a neighborhood abutting the property and it appeared to be very cute. I think I needed a tour guide for this stop.
I gave up and went to my hotel. I ended up eating at at cajun restaurant near the hotel that a friend helped me find while I was driving. It was delicious and a needed positive end to the day.
Memphis was the first stop on my trek across Tennessee. Due to my disappointment, I’m putting a lot of pressure on my next stop, Nashville! On Sunday, the day before the accident, my friend Keith sent me a text that his busy season at work had just ended and wanted to know where he could meet me, so I naturally said, “Nashville next weekend!” He promptly booked a ticket (which was VERY spontaneous for him) and I promptly tried to remind him why he isn’t spontaneous by getting into a potentially plan-altering accident the next day. Par for the course of my life. I was pretty excited to explore Nashville with him, as he has visited before, and was happy to be able to pull myself together to keep on track.
Off to Nashville tomorrow! Hope it doesn’t disappoint. A lot of pressure, Keith.
Lesson of the Day: Don’t get your hopes up too high, no matter how many great musicians came out of a town.
L&K Take America 