Slip In Memphis

Arrived in Memphis last night. After looking at and touching everything in my hotel room, I went to the lobby to find food. There is a little bar area. I walked up to the bartender and he said, "How can I help you?" "I'm hungry," I told him.

He asked where I was from and when I told him, the other woman in the bar heard me. Long story short, even though she lives in San Francisco she has lived in Raleigh and went to ECU. We knew a lot of the same people. We started talking and soon enough...new friend!

This morning I woke up at a leisurely hour, made some awful room coffee, took a shower and started venturing through Memphis. Had an Italian sub at Lenny's. Destroyed that. Still have cookie in purse...hmmm. Continued down Front St. and took in some local color. Got a coffee at the Folklore Shop. There was someone singing/playing guitar there, I think his name was Josh Shu or something like that. The only available table was right in front of the stage, felt weird about sitting there, so continued on.

After finding some weird inside-malls I stumbled upon the Peabody Hotel and took a look at the ducks. They were splashing around in the fountain and generally being ducks. I finally made my way to Beale St. I can see how that place is fun at night. It's a little weird in the daylight, though. Like how bluesy can you be at 1pm? It was clearly a tourist destination. But it was great that you could smell the barbeque! And music poured out of every bar. Apparently you can buy beer on the street and drink it in a plastic cup in the "pedestrian areas". No wandering into the street, I guess. I hope to test this out eventually.

Went to the wackiest old fashioned department store, A. Schwab's. It was infested with a school group, Tara Oaks, I think. It was fun to see the kids so excited, but that store is not designed for accessibility. Completely random stuff everywhere. And not like that store in Seattle with all the Accoutrements stuff. Some of these things look like they were ordered in 1964 and they are still trying to sell them. Over the knee red tube socks, anyone? Almost bought a floral fanny pack that said "Tennessee" on it. Decided I'd hold out for a higher-end fanny pack. Took in some local flavor at Wet Willies and actually gave directions to tourists. Yeah, I've got this town down.

When I finished my "local flavor" I started the hike back to the hotel. Went up Main St. This was the only place I was bothered by strangers. Of course, it's the street with all the stuff on it. Got some razors, Reese's cups, and IBprofen at the Family Dollar. Saw a man wearing a red vest that looked like it was cut from felt and it matched his red pants. Awesome.

About to go start the actually conference stuff. I just hope I have the patience to concentrate on all the speakers!