Graceland – USA Travel Journal 2012

8.7.12

Today would of had to of been a highlight of my trip. This was another bucket list item that I got to tick off.

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Today we headed to Graceland. Wow what an amazing experience. It was so surreal to think that we were in the same building, walking on the same ground that once was graced by “The King” himself. He truly was an amazing man and so generous. When you go through the house , you can clearly see how much he loved his family and how much he just wanted to help those less fortunate. He presence can still be felt there. It is just so hard to put it into words. Its such a shame that he had to leave us at such a young age, but boy did he make an impact on it while he was here. Even though I was old enough to know who he was, I remember growing up listening to his music as my mum is a huge fan. It truly was an experience I will never forget and would totally recommend to anyone to do it if you ever get the chance..you won’t be disappointed.

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I was amazed to learn that when Elvis purchased the property, he paid just over $100, 000 for it. Now while that would of been an obscene amount of money back then, it is a steal now. The place is huge. They have kept the house completely as Elvis had left it. The decor is unbelievable. No expense was spared. Elvis truly believed in over the top. One fact that I found fascinating was that he never wrote any of his songs. Amazing.

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Dave and I really spent some time here and it was kind of freaky when we came to his head stone. Elvis is actually buried here with his mother and father and grandfather. I kind of felt like I was intruding on a very personal place but feeling very privileged to be able to pay my respects to a wonderful musician, great man and a devoted father. What an unforgettable experience.

Dave and I left there in awe of a man that changed the world of music and the lives of many.

Rock on Elvis!!!

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We spent the afternoon on the riverboat learning about Memphis and those that worked on the Mississippi River. The historical cruise was very interesting. Our tour guide was great too. He knew his stuff. We are certainly learning a lot about this country and their history. I probably know more about this country than my own…lol.

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After the cruise we took a stroll down the main st with the many clubs, pubs etc. It has the same feel as New Orleans. I really do love the South and the people here.

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Anyway time to get to bed, ready to hit the road again tomorrow.

J

xoxo

Road to West Memphis – USA Travel Journal 2012

7.7.12
Well not much to report today. We really just spent the day traveling. Being a Saturday, we thought that many of the shops would be open, but yet again they were closed. Might be that some people decided to take a break from the 4th July through to Monday.

We did stop in a place called Bald Knob in Arkansas…when I seen this on the map, I said to Dave we just have to check in there, just for a laugh. I can’t honestly believe that someone thought that would be a great name for a town. I think someone may have been pulling something when they named it.

Imagine telling someone you lived in Bald Knob. Dave and I cracked up as we traveled down the road, there was a new place in town, a Tyre shop called Hand cock…..seriously so many jokes here.

We are now in West Memphis and looking forward to heading to Graceland tomorrow. Then we plan on taking in the sights of downtown Memphis and finish off a sightseeing tour aboard a paddle boat up the Mississippi River.

We have just been to a place called Iron Skillet for dinner. Wasn’t really sure what to expect by the name but was pleasantly surprised. It was a buffet style restaurant. I finally found some real food. Roast meat and veggies with gravy….mmmmm so good. Dave stuffed himself again. Can’t beat mash and gravy. We couldn’t even fit in dessert.

Well I wonder if I will find Elvis tomorrow???

Till then.

Night all

J

xx