Graceland… what can I say. It was a 103 degrees and the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis. Imagine that! No really imagine that!!! Lines and fanatics like you can’t imagine. From the Scottish lady (behind me) asking me for Elvis money, to the Japanese lady (in front of me) singing hunk of burning love… it was interesting. And that’s not to say it’s because of the international element. We are talking people, and a town, who completely live of the immortalizing death of “The King.” In fact if not for Elvis I would think these people would die from a lack of ‘real’ blood. Maybe that is just the tone here during Elvis week, but none the less its blissfully bizarre.

Today I had grits at breakfast… I am glad I did, being in the south, but I can clearly say once was enough; not that I even think corn should exist on this planet, because of US governmental subsidy reasons… but that’s another story. From there as stated above we meandered to Graceland, and no we did not see the King’s thrown. I was disappointed in that, though thrilled to see the whole site, especially for not being an eccentric fan. Upon returning we cooled down for a bit, and made our way to the Duck Tour. We probably should have done this first, seeing as it gives you the lay of the land with explanation. Our driver was a little to excited for me, and wishing others to act like little lemmings. It goes with out saying I did not participate in the herd behavior, but learned quite a bit of history and got some great photos. Some sites worth noting were Sun Recording Studios (the birth place of Rock n Roll), the civil rights museum, and the adjoining Lorraine motel at which Dr. King was shot dead in 1968.

Finally on the evening we ended up in a quaint restaurant with an incredible one man cover band, who knew the volume he should be playing at – which most of Memphis does not – considering the establishment and clientele. I preceded to eat regionally, which by this point has be down right bloated, and on my way to heart disease, but none the less I ordered fried green tomatoes, gumbo, jambalaya, and bread pudding (Type II diabetes as well) for dessert. All were delicious!

Related posts:

1. Sun Studio – Memphis, TN
2. Graceland – Elvis Presley Mansion – Memphis, TN
3. Graceland – Elvis Presley Mansion – Memphis, TN
4. Graceland – Elvis Presley Mansion – Memphis, TN
5. Graceland – Elvis Presley Mansion – Memphis, TN