Wed 25 July 9009 steps
We headed into town and did the customary Hop on Hop off tour. I think we chose the wrong operator as their rival’s trolleys were a lot more frequent than ours. When ours finally did arrive, it was a blue minibus because the trolley had broken down.
We hopped off at the next attraction, Capitol Hill, and followed the driver’s instructions to the museum, which was not there. We had to wait at least 20 minutes before we could hop on the next trolley, which fortunately had a better guide.
We hopped off at the next stop, to go to the Farmer’s Market for lunch. It was actually just behind Capitol Hill and we could have walked if the map had indicated the footpath.
To get to the farmers market, you pass through the Bicentennial Park. Again, a wonderful open area for public to enjoy, free of charge. There are fountains for kids to play in and a huge map of Tennessee carved in granite. There is also a granite wall along the park that records the history of Tennessee from start to modern day. It is very interesting, but you need more than a day to absorb all the information.
The market was not very busy, but I found some art (tomato and corn) and Goat soap which I thought Annelet could investigate and a stall that made me think of Simon. There was a nice food court and we shared a Chinese 2 entree platter, similar to what we had had in LA. We washed it down with a bottle of locally produced wine.
As our luck would have it, when we finished the next “trolley” was the blue van. We needed to take it back to the start. It was a long drive around and somewhere along the line the aircon packed in. It was like being in a traveling sauna.
The good side of the story is that the van was actually the staff bus, and when it ended its tour, we were able to stay on and get a free ride to the other side of town, where we were going to The Grand Ole Opry. Miraculously after the 10 minute wait for the staff, the aircon worked again and we were much more comfortable.
The driver of the van and other passengers recommended that we eat at the Scoreboard, near the Grand Ole Opry, so we did. I had a large frozen drink and we shared a barbecue platter. We also got a free bowl of pork scratchings – heavenly! Of course, we came nowhere near finishing so we took a “to-go” box for lunch and probably supper.
The show at the Grand Ole Opry is broadcasted on the radio and follows a set format. There is the host, who introduces the artists and periodically reads out commercials for the sponsors. Each performer gets to do 3 songs. The first artist was a legend in country music, but I think he should have retired a while ago. Then we had a young guy who was quite good; a blond stereotype; a group of 3 ladies who did a gospel number; a hill billy group; and a redneck, who started off by pledging allegiance to the flag. At least he got everyone to remove their hats! One group stood out, Delta Rae, from North Carolina who were excellent. Google them, especially “No peace in quiet”. They are brilliant.
Chuckle of the day: We took takeaways after our incredible meal and of course the secutity guard hanked them out my bag. “No outside food or drink allowed in the building”
I explained I wasn’t going to eat them and they were clearly sealed. He said I should place them in my “veer hic kel”. I explained I had come by Uber.
He repeated . “No outside food or drink allowed in the building”
David took the bag and placed it next to a rubbish bin, against the wall. It was still there, untouched, when we came out and I had some for breakfast before our cycle.
What I learnt: Country music is not my thang.
Kim's journey 