Day ten: Memphis cont'd

Today, we awoke early and dear Uncle Russ and Aunt Susy came to fetch us. We were off!

We began the day at a place called "The Pink Palace". It's a mansion that was built in the 20's by the man who founded Piggily Wigglie's, the first self-service grocery store. It's a beautiful Georgian-style home made of rose-hued stone, giving it it's name. Eventually, he went bankrupt and had to sell the place, and it has been converted into a museum. There are civil war, dinosaur, natural history, and music museums, and an IMAX theater where we saw "Deep Sea", an ocean documentary about sea life (and narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Whinslet). Joining us were about 100 campers and their keepers, who genuinely added to our experience.

After The Pink Palace, we had a lovely lunch at P.F. Chang's, and from there we went to a favorite Memphis and, dare I say, world-wide attraction: Graceland. We went on the tour and, though we may have been skeptical, truly enjoyed our Elvis experience. (And Mikel, don't worry, you were not forgotten).

After Graceland we looked at some of the beautiful homes, freshened up at the hotel, and then went to The Commissary, a BBQ joint. Actually, to call it that would be a gross understatement. It was potentially the best BBQ we've ever had. We feel bloated. The ribs were tender and flavorful, and in the end, the banana pudding deserved a standing ovation.

We are now resting at our hotel after a full day's adventure, and are looking forward to more of fabulous Memphis tomorrow (on my 18th birthday!)

-Jane

P.S. Pictures have been updated!