Today was a layover day in Memphis. On my list was a visit to Elvis Presley's Graceland. Since I was camped across the street from the estate, Big Red was left covered and I slipped on my walking shoes to visit "THE KING". The tour was really nice and I met a lot of people from all over. At one point I has people speaking German in front of me and people speaking Italian behind me. Truly, Elvis was a multi-national figure.
The tour started at a large information center when I purchased my ticket. Boarding a shuttle, we where bussed across the street and onto the estate which was a pretty big place. Entering the front door I turned on my headset (self guided tour) and proceeded through the lower part of the home. The upper floors are not open to tours, apparently in respect for Elvis's memory. The Mansion was decorated in early 70's-80's decor with Carpeted walls and mirrored ceilings. The Jungle room, with a large pool table was pretty 70's bazaar. It was interesting that the "Mansion" was much smaller than I had imagined and a very homey place. I could mentally picture people laying around on the couches and relaxing. Out the backdoor the view of the green pasture with several horses grazing (rescued horses we were told) was quite beautiful. About a 1/3 of the way through the tour, we stumbled across George Cline (played in the band with Elvis) who was taking some friends through the mansion. My brush with fame for the trip. As the tour progressed thought the "Trophy Room" large halls lined floor to ceiling with Gold and Platinum Records, Performance Costumes, Costumes from Movies and Memorabilia. Exiting the Trophy Room we walked to the Racquetball building. Elvis enjoyed racquetball and built and indoor court. The court now filled with more Awards and Costumes. Leaving the racquetball building we came to the Meditation Garden where there were several graves. Elvis's plot centered between the 4 large Bronze covers and one small bronze marker to the side. A very sobering moment to remind me that no mater what, we all end up in the condition at the end. Taking the shuttle back down the hill, I visited the Car museum and Elvis's Jets. All in all it was a great day wandering around the estate and museums. Today, Monday, I'll be packing up and heading south to Vicksburg MS, for my next stop. No more Interstates for this kid. Taking some rural roads down the Muddy Mississippi today. Can't wait to get back on the road. Enjoy
3 Comments
dgmunn
4/27/2012 01:40:52 pm
This is the 27th. Haven't heard from you since the 23rd. I'm 74 yr. old care giver and harley rider who would like to travel on my bike some day.
Reply
4/29/2012 05:32:09 pm
Wow excellent photos! They are so clear and good quality. I am hopefully going to Graceland this year. I need to invest in a decent camera.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorTim Stubbe AKA Archives
June 2013
Categories |