| Opryland is on the outskirts of Nashville as was our campsite. We
did not feel we should leave without seeing the city centre. April 30th
was the date of the Nashville marathon and with 90000 additional folk in
town it was not the day to go. So we went on our way to Memphis and it was
certainly worth the trip. |  |
 | The architecture is
stunning whether you are into the tall monoliths of the Bell South Tower
above or the now familiar Art Deco style shown here. The city was deserted
so it was a chance just to wander. |
 | Some of the
buildings were very beautiful like this turn of the century Customs House.
Sadly the huge building next door was a square concrete monstrosity
housing law courts. |
 |
| Not that all square buildings are unattractive - we liked this
1930s style block with its quite ornate stonework. Just behind you can see
a quite stylish modern tower with a curved form containing the
headquarters of the Tennessee Bank. Only banks and governments can afford
such edifices. |  |
 | Nashville is also
the centre of the government for the State of Tennessee so there were many
imposing government offices and lots of evidence of more tax money being
spent.
Andrew Jackson (a president from the 1890s) also came from Tennessee
and was conspicuous with several imposing statues. |
 | Jan spotted
this stack of stone books (being the studious person she is). But it was
to the Hard Rock Cafe that we made our way to for an excellent early
lunch. |
 |
 | The walls were
covered with memorabilia, this time from stars we had heard of. There were
guitars donated by Eric Clapton, The Beach Boys, Bo Diddley, and Metallica
to name but a few. And a dress from Dolly Parton (didn't think she was
rock - but this is Nashville).
All around the town were sculptures of guitars so we collected a sample
or six. |
Then it was on the 215 miles to Memphis and investigation of yet more
cultural icons. |