Tuesday, 7 January 2014

Road Trip - Day 6 - Mixed Emotions!

Day 6 - January 6th:   Memphis, TN - Little Rock, AR



A day of mixed emotions – ranging from joy and nostalgia, to a reverential awe.

Before explaining that comment, we are pleased to say that it was great to finally get rid of our boots and exchange them for shoes! At last, we’re clear of the snow and ice – but the temperature here in Little Rock, AK, and Memphis today reached a high of -13C – but with a biting wind that was every bit as cold as our first day in Sault Ste. Marie! It’s supposed to be changing tomorrow, but we’re not holding our breath!!

Our chilly day started with a trip down Elvis Presley Blvd. to Graceland. The tour was really well organized with personal headphones so that you could make your own way through the exhibits at your own pace. 

Graceland

One of the hundreds of gold discs - 'Can't Help Falling in Love'

Elvis played two songs on this piano on the morning of his last day on Earth

The famous Pink Cadillac

I've always loved these old gas pumps from the movies

His customized jet plane,  named after his daughter
Walking through the rooms, gardens, and exhibit halls with various artifacts, really did bring him alive again in a way which took me by surprise.

The famous Jungle Room


I was especially impressed with the fact that tourists are not allowed upstairs in the house, as the wish was to preserve and honour his request for privacy – even in his absence.

Elvis' last resting place
His final resting place was tastefully preserved in a peaceful and pleasant setting, near to his meditation centre – a fitting quietness pervading the area.



From there, we crossed to the other side of Memphis to visit the National Civil Rights Museum cleverly and respectfully built around the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Although parts of the museum were closed for renovations, it was very moving to be able to stand on the balcony where he stood on that fateful day, as well as to visit the room where James Earl Ray stood with his weapon through the window overlooking the hotel.

Lorraine Motel - Memphis, TN

Martin Luther King's room in the motel

The small window in the middle block - James Earl Ray stood there to take aim at King

The movement for equal rights for all continues

The spot where Martin Luther King fell to the ground
I found myself in a state of reverential awe as I stood on that balcony spot. Mark took a photo of me there, but I couldn’t find it in myself to smile – it seemed to be more appropriate to be more somber – not because I felt saddened, but because I felt I was at the scene of the passing of someone whose life has had a profound effect upon so many thousands of people , regardless of race, gender, creed, sexual orientation, or economical background.


The Museum also paid homage to various men and women across the globe who have contributed to the movement of human liberation. It felt humbling to be in this place.

Beale Street - significant in the history of the Blues
B.B. King's Place
Finally, we moved on to Beale Street, where we walked up and down the hallowed ground of this location in the city, which is significant in the history of the Blues. Although there were not many people venturing out in the cold, the various stores, clubs, and restaurants allowed us to capture the ambience of the place, and we’ve vowed that we will return there in warmer times! 



Lunch Counter, Schwab's on Beale

Mark - ready to eat at Sweet Polly's Soul Food Cafe, Beale Street

Trolley Bus on Main Street

Howling or Pouting?

Fried Green Tomatoes (loved that movie!)

The Mississippi River, with the Pyramid Arena in the background


After taking a brief look at the Mighty Mississippi River, we reluctantly took our leave of this city and began our 2 hour drive to the next destination – Little Rock, Arkansas.



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