Miles today: 58.
Miles to date: 2033.
Oooohhhhh.....big tourist events today. Graceland? Check. Mississippi riverboat cruise? Check. Memphis style BBQ? Check. Beale Street blues bars? Check. Feeling like I was in a remake of "The Firm"? Check.
People sure do love Elvis. In fact, I'd say people love Elvis a little too much. Yes, I took the tour and much to my dismay, the upstairs of Graceland is not on the tour. The handy audio guide says that it is because upstairs was Elvis' private sanctuary and out of respect to him, they don't allow visitors up there. Did I feel ripped off? You betcha. I do, however, feel as though I should share the following take-aways with you:
1) Elvis, as evidenced by his choice of interior design, home furnishings, deep-fried cheeseburger consumption, "enthusiasm" for prescription drugs, and choice of sequined jumpsuits as everyday attire can be summed up by the following words: "restrained elegance".
2) He seemed to enjoy statues of monkeys.
3)He often enjoyed racing golf carts around the property with friends.
4) His custom logo (which was applied liberally to his planes, walls of his home, and clothing) included a lightning bolt and the letters "TCB" for "Taking Care of Business".
None of this is made up. I share because I care.
The riverboat cruise was relaxing and educational. I won't bore you with the many facts that I absorbed, but I was happy to have a learning portion to the day. I sampled some Memphis BBQ, but I still prefer NC BBQ. And blues on Beale street was much more pleasing to me than my Nashville country music experience.
Dry rubbed ribs versus vinegar sauce. Who knew that vinegar was your choice?? Loved Graceland and was impressed with how even though his home was big, it wasn't "over the top" to the point of ridiculous like you see today. Beale st - the genous of being able to leave one bar with your drink and make your way to the next without, and I'm quoting Star Wars here, "Imperial entanglements."
ReplyDeleteDarlin', those ain't monkey statchues....those are Elvis's petrified monkey collection. Sheee-it!
ReplyDeleteLove the blog so far, Matt. TCB!!!!!
ReplyDeleteKevin
I am disappointed with the lack of pictures of scantily clad women with tattoos Matthew but other than that great stuff!
ReplyDeleteHarris,
ReplyDeleteThose images you seek are behind a paywall. Just leave your credit card number in the comments and I'll make sure you get access.
MJF
The question Fusco fans everywhere are asking - when are you going to step up and Double Down??? We can't get access to this new fast food monstrosity in this country and you have been holding out long enough. The colonel would roll in his grave at this apparent snub!
ReplyDeletematthew my little little why oh why have you been unemployed so long when you are in possession of such superior ability to turn a phrase and bring a smile to the faces of oh so many? hurry to kenya - i see a whole new life for you - filled with PAID FOR adventures, cupcakes and endless wonders - your descriptions of which will enrapt and educate your adoring audience for years to come. x x
ReplyDelete