Memphis, Tennessee

As Paul Simon's song says - We're going to Gracelands, Gracelands, Memphis Tennessee.

We arrive a little early.  We thought it was out in the countryside, but the Gracelands Mansion and the associated exhibits are not far from the centre of town, although in amonst the outer suburban type of things, such as car yards etc.

We're goin to Gracelands, Gracelands, Memphis Tennessee

We purchased the Platinum tickets and do over the obligatory souvenir shop before we head off on the shuttle bus - over the road and up the driveway - to start the tour.  Gracelands was purchased by Elvis in 1957 and it is a grand southern style mansion with the columns out on the front porch etc. We are all issued with personal audio tour packages and this is really good.  The commentary is well paced and also includes snippets of appropriate Elvis songs and some words from Lisa Marie etc.  The upper floor of the mansion is not open for inspection out of respect.  However, there is plenty to see on the lower floor, the basement and in adjacent outbuildings.  The decor is quite tastefully done, although a little dated now.  There are even Christmas trees in all the rooms.  The jungle room has heavy furniture and interesting decor but is not over the top.  The kitchen was large and was apparently very well used.  The commentary from Lisa Marie said that guests were only permitted downstairs and Elvis would make the grand entry down the stair case.  The pool room is entirely lined with fabrick, including the ceiling.  It is all pleated and gathered up to the central tiffany light.  The basement has exhibits of costumes, including the wedding outfits and posters etc.  There is a whole long gallery of gold records etc.  The raquet ball court now houses a collection of the more recent costumes and has each wall covered in re-recorded CDs.  It is quite amazing.

The outside has the Meditation Garden where Elives, his parents and his grandmother are buried.  There is also a grave site for his stillborn twin brother.  This grave was relocated from Tupelo following Elvis' death (I think).

All up, even though none of us are Elvis fans, we were very impressed and it is well worth a visit.  We went back over to the main centre to continue the tour with the Car Museum which houses quite a number of his vehicles, including the pink Cadillac complete with while wall tyres- just like the one Jane's podiatrist drives.  He is an Elvis impersonator in his spare time.  Oh dear!.

We also took a look at the private jet and thought that we would like our aircraft fitted out just the same for our flight back to Australia.   That is, complete with dining room, sitting room, double bedroom and fully fitted out bathroom.  That would be really good.

We decide that Cracker Barrel would be a good choice for lunch.  Jane had chicken dumplins (sic) with mashed potato and turnip greens.  Do not have turnip greens.  They are terrible.  They are the green parts of the turnips cooked for 2 hours.  Southerners cook their vegetables for a long time - ook!  The others had chicken BLTs and Ivy had shrimp.  Of course, we had to check out the Cracker Barrel gift shop with Christmas items heavily discounted.  Those coming home suitcases are getting more stuffed by the day.

We stopped at an outlet mall to look for shoes for the Tasmanian Conveys.  They of course have some to wear, but want new trainers etc to take home.  The mall was very disappointing with only a handful of stores in business.

We then head off for the drive back to Springfield.  Craig is doing very well with driving on the wrong side of the road - or should I say right side of the road!!

We even say along to the Motown Christmas album Jane bought in Memphis.  Funny that the others did not like Vara and Jane's sing a long from the back seat.

The afternoon was clear and we saw a sunset for the first time here and it was light until about four thirty pm.  That was a change.  Aftery dropping Ivy at home we all had a great lasagne dinner at Judy's and then headed out to the Winter Wonderland.  This is a local community thing held in a large park with all sorts of Christmas displays.  They have a walkway lit with fairy lights and a mule ride etc.  We passed on the mule ride after we thought the covered wagon looked like similar to that used for stonings in the middle east.  Actually, lit up (including the mules), it looked quite cute and even had another little wagon on the back for kids.  It was very cold, but the walk did us good.

Back home for hot chocolate - with Candice complaining of not enough marshmallows, but she will get over it!!

See y'all real soon!!