Memphis - 2

Mike, Andrew, Travis, Candy, Noelene

On our second night in Memphis we tried BB Kings intending to have just a drink then move on for dinner.

We came upon the couple we met on the New Orleans/Jackson train. They were from Cairns and their names were Andrew and Noeleen.  Moving with them on to another bar we started chatting with another couple, Candy and Travis....... (sorry guys, not the best shot – bit blurry). YOU ALL must have all been drunk.

Or maybe it was that drink I had……well the name of it was “Call a Cab” so I guess it may have been a bit stronger than I anticipated!!! Made from 190% proof alcohol, or so it said on the menu!!........................Tasted good though!!

The locals perform for the tourists. This little guy worked hard for his money doing somersaults all the way down the street.

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Sun Studios was well worth the visit. It was the place Elvis recorded his first record. And many other stars started their careers there too. There was lots of old recording equipment and photos. The tour guide was excellent. He obviously enjoys his job!!

Graceland was OK but very commercial and tourist oriented. Unfortunately Elvis was not at home when we got there…..shame…..we were looking forward to a peanut butter and banana fried sandwich….apparently one of his favourite snack foods.

Café at Graceland was nice….done out in old style 1950s theme…

Second night we got a huge thunderstorm with lots of rain. Luckily it didn’t last long. Temp cooled a little and the day was overcast.

One of the highlights here is the Peabody Hotel. The building is over 80 years old and magnificent. Ducks are the thing here. Every day at 11am and 5pm people gather to watch the resident ducks cross the hotel lobby to and from their  “duck palace” on the rooftop.

The “duckmaster” rolls out the red carpet, gives a speech on the origin of the tradition, then ushers the ducks up the carpet to the lift. The ducks don’t seem to mind all the attention and are happy to pose for the million photos that are getting taken.

During the day they reside in the hotel lobby in a pond/fountain. At night they have the penthouse. Fantastic view from up there. Apparently there are often functions held on the rooftop too.

The morning we left Memphis we had a couple of hours to kill before the bus so we sat in the lobby of the Peabody sipping cocktails….yes it was on 11am….but hey…..we are on holiday….there are no rules here….

Pool at hotel was nice……even went for an early morning swim one morning. And it was warm……lucky….I would not have got in otherwise.

Following our cocktails at the Peabody we decided on a second breakfast. We had thought about trying a place called Huey’s but it was closed so we headed to Cockadoo which was just around the corner. Eggs on toast…just what I was craving.

And Mississippi Mud coffee….excellent. One of the staff, Kathy got talking to us just before we left. She offered advice on good places to visit and even gave us her parents phone number in case we ventured in their direction. Now THAT is what I call service!!! Not sure what here poor parents will think when these two strangers appear on their doorstep!!!

Lucky we got to the bus station early. There were enough people lined up to fill two buses and we only just scraped in for the first one. The other people had to wait……

And off to Nashville we go……