We arrived safely in Memphis and survived the 21 hour bus journey from DC to Memphis. JB and Danna met us at the bus drop off point and took us to a diner called IHOP (International House of Pancakes) for breakfast which was definately needed as had survived on a diet of little nibbly cheesy things and a burger. The food was yummy. We were then taken to our home for the week where we had a much needed shower and beer. Spent the rest of the day just chilling and then went out for supper to a place called Charlies which does good food, was absolutely shattered by the end of the night.
Sunday was a good day, had bucks fizz in the morning - what a way to star the day and then went to Graceland (see pic). It was good although smaller than what I expected, thought there would be a huge neon sign with lights but alas no. We weren't allowed to go upstairs which I think would have been very interesting although did see the famous Jungle room which ceiling to floor dark green shagpile carpet - tastful!! Saw Elvis' trophy room which was nuts - loads of gold and platinum records etc. Saw where he and his family are buried and saw the tributes left by fans, were very lucky as we missed the anniversary of his death by a couple of weeks when it was absolutley crazy - loads of people turn up then as they do for his birthday.
The next day we went to a bar called T J Mulligans for lunch and then went swimming at a private pool. We went to another 2 T J Mulligans in the course of the week, By the wednesday I had had enough of Ells saying about her hair so got her to have it cut shorter - it looks good though.
During the course of the week, we went shopping, flicks, swimming and horse riding which was good fun.
On Friday night we went to downtown Memphis to a street called Beale Street, it was brilliant, lots of bars playing live music - Jaz, Blues. Went to a place called Alfredos for supper and the food was wonderful, one bar we went to was called Rum Boogie Cafe and the band who played there were blinding. From there we wandered up the street to another bar called BB Kings which was fantastic, before the band came on they had these young lads doing somersaults and back flips - they were awesome. The music was really good and the last song they playe,d Ells got me and her up dance to it. We then went back to Rum Boogie Cafe after dropping JB off at the car for one more drink then went home - all in all had a fantastic night!!
Went to the Mid South Fair and Rodeo on the Saturday which was really good, not been to a Rodeo before and it was highly entertaining especially with the bull riding!! The rides at the fair were blinding went on one which turned you upside down literally and 360 degree turns while upside down, at times felt like I was going to fall out - quite an experience. There was a White Water log flume ride which I'd have like to have gone on until it was pointed out that I would all accounts be sitting in wet clothers fof the rest of the night which wouldn't have been much fun so decided against it but it did look good. Ells was spoilt for choice as there was every kind of food you could think of near enough and there was a beer tent too.
the Rodeo was very good, there was a light show at the begining with all the flags (the UK one came out first) and then there was the bucking horses and bringing down the calves are tying their legs together (can't remember the proper word for it). Plus there were women riders there but they didn't do much. Elle thoroughly enojoyed herself and there is a page on the Rodeo itself.
In summary had a great time in Memphis, just chilled out, got well fed and watered and were looked after very well indeed.
Well thats it for now folks, got a 39hr!! bus journey ahead to make it to Las Vegas which is gonna be fun...
Catch next installment coming soon.