Walking in Memphis

This is a kind of collaboration blog. Joe wanted to write it but I wouldn't let him. Compromise - the heart of every good relationship.

So here we are in our Tennessee log cabin.  We can be found on Heartbreak Lane just past Blue Suede Ave.  If you hit Hound Dog Way you've gone too far.  Thats right.  We are staying in the Graceland RV park with Elvis pilgrims and white trash. Am hoping no one is reading this over my shoulder...

We said goodbye to our haven in Dallas and set off in our car for the open road of America.  Our journey took us away from the tourist hot spots and into 'real America'.  Great incident in a petrol station... sorry, gas station... near the Arkansas border.

Kate: Excuse me, how do we.....

Attendent: Where y'all from?

Joe: England

Attendent: MARYJOLENEALICELOUANN! COME HEAR THESE GUYS A' TALKIN'.  IT'S PURDY!

At this point I think MJALA was expecting a bit more and we were both feeling the pressure.  All we could manage was 'hello'.  She did not look impressesd.

As we left the same petrol station in the middle of nowhere it was invaded by about a billion hells angels.  I thought I might run away and join them but the noise was so loud that I had to jump back in the car and hide with my pickle in a pouch (photos to follow.)

We went to Graceland (the actual attraction rather than the trailer park) this morning. I know this is something of a pilgramage for many people (I'm talking to you, Sarah), so I won't be too rude about it. Needless to say it is a real money spinner. The site boasts eight gift shops, and you have to pay a heck of a lot to get in.

After seeing MTV Cribs, Elvis's house didn't really seem that decadent but the 70s decor was pretty special. Honourable mentions go to the "jungle room" and his private plane which had a blue suede bed, complete with 24 carat gold seatbelt. Awesome.

I was disappointed that they glossed over some of Elvis's more unfortunate attributes - no mention of the drug addiction, the toilet, or the fact that his later stage outfits are about four hundred times bigger than the first ones. But hey, I guess you don't want Elvis fans crying all over the place so they've got to keep it upbeat.

We went for lunch in the Rock n Roll cafe afterwards. Joe ate so quickly that he was complimented by the waitress. When a big fat American diner waitress thinks you are a speedy eater, that is seriously disgusting. I mean, impressive...

Dinner tonight will take place in a bbq restaurant which is about 1 mile from the park. You get picked up in a pink cadillac. Not joking.

Best go and dust off my silver spandex all-in-one suit now. Joe's is unfortunately at the drycleaners so he'll have to make do with shorts.

Speak soon y'all.