Tennessee

On leap day, because somehow that seemed lucky, with my bags packed, and Jas's bags packed (my friend and soon to be roommate; you should remember her, you'll hear about her a lot.) we packed up my car, said a tearful "see you later" to my wonderful family, and took to the road.  And after a quick overnight stop in Maryland to see Jas's mom, we were off.  After lots of miles, some crappy junk food, and singing at the top of our lungs like we were rock stars to who knows how many songs...we arrived!

1st stop - Nashville, TN

Athena

This picture is from The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, Greece (which I've also been blessed to see in person)

We begin our stops in Nashville, where we were upgraded at our hotel, and ended up on the top floor...not a bad start!  And after a tornado watch was lifted, we walked the streets.  We visited the Coyote Ugly...not quite like the movie, but there was that one chick that shined.  And then we were off to more bars.  In Nashville we met David...a handsome bartender that nearly stole my heart with a blob of ketchup, a knife, and a fry.  I'm pretty sure David will be part of jokes for years to come.

2nd stop - Memphis, TN

The famous, and never boring Beale Street.  I can honestly say I fell in love with Memphis.  Before leaving I thought I'd love Nashville...but hands down, Memphis has been my favorite stop.  Perhaps if we decide to pick up and move again, it'll be to Memphis.  I think we visited almost every bar on Beale Street.  There was live music in almost every one!  Here, I danced back to back songs with a complete stranger, in a bar where no one else was dancing, while literally everyone, including the band watched.  I would normally be too shy, and reserved to do this...but, why not!  I didn't even know how to dance to the music, and I'm pretty sure a little salsa came out (I am Puerto Rican after all), but somehow it worked.  He'll never read this, but I thank you for those dances Derrick!

Memphis cuisine

Here, I also met Marcos who randomly approached me in the Coyote Ugly (yes we went to one here too!).  It's rare that I even bother to speak two words to a guy in a bar.  But I figured, since I'm picking up and moving away, I should at least try to change a bit.  And then there was Leo, a random, kind of odd guy from another country (can't remember which) that came up to talk and attempt to share his drink...needless to say I didn't take him up on his offer.  Folks sure are friendly 'round these parts!  Now, I'll never talk to any of these guys again.  But they are part of our Tennessee story, and it wouldn't be the same without 'em.

And the adventure continues...

Stay tuned....