Memphis with Stuart and Elvis

Kiril and I spent a brief evening in Nashville, made a dash for a beer at bars near the hotel, but they were all closed, which made us very, very sad.  We woke up early, put some country on the XM radio, and headed for Memphis.  We made good time until we went to park downtown.  Kiril's spritely Corolla climbed an ominously tall parking structure to the 9th floor, where we were able to get a few good shots of downtown, including a romantic horse-drawn carriage making an illegal U-turn.

Stuart met us at one of his favorite spots downtown for lunch, called the Flying Fish.  While it had an extensive menu, we didn't see any airborne sea life.  We settled for Stuart's recommendation: the fried catfish, which was outstanding.

Over catfish, we realized how worldly some folks from Memphis really are!  Decimating stereotypes for the midwest, Stuart had been to Bulgaria and stayed at Hotel Rodina, just two blocks from Kiril's Aunt.  Apparently, for $10 US, you can have one of the best New Years of your life at Hotel Rodina, watching fireworks explode in at eye level from the panorama of the Hotel's top floor. Just get there after 11pm to get the biggest bang for your buck.  Also, for best results, follow the yellow brick road out of Bulgaria before any Parliamentary overthrows.

Below is proof that Stuart actually can smile in a photo!

After lunch, we meandered down to Beale St to see Blues City Cafe, Rum Boogie Cafe, listened to Blues in Handy Park, saw the mark of the Blues Brothers and an Irish Diving Goat.  Well, we didn't actually *see* the goat dive, but we hear it's a good show.

Before heading out, Stuart walked us to the Peabody, where we saw Executive Ducks swimming in the fountain in the Hotel.  Apparently, they have their own room from which their executive assistants bring them every morning.  They enjoy the day in the fountain lavishing in the attention of the guests.

We said our goodbyes and headed to Graceland.  My wonderful sister-in-law gave us two tickets to enjoy  the attraction.  We took a tour of Elvis's home.  Contrary to popular belief, we can confirm that Platinum passes DO NOT get you a trial seat on Elvis's toilet.

We left Graceland and headed to Oklahoma City, stopping in a small town outside of Fort Smith for dinner at Chili's.   We drove straight through Arkansas, stopping only at a rest stop in that state.

Tomorrow, we shoot for Albuquerque, NM, stopping for lunch in Amarillo, TX!