Day 11 - Memphis, TN

Breakfast first in the nearby Bon Ton Cafe diner - scrambled eggs on southern style biscuits for me (delicious) and short stack pancakes for J (short stack meaning only three, as opposed to fat bastard sized). The waitress informed us that Elvis used to dine there, although we've learnt that every business claims he used to patronise them, and the poor sod isn't around to deny it...

Walked for a mile or east from there to Sun Studios, probably garnering funny looks as you just don't walk here, and it's not in the nicest area of town... The 'sun' was literally shining for it however, although temperatures are distinctly chilly now. Really good tour of the studios done by Lana, where we learnt about Elvis recording his first single, along with other luminaries who used it such as Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and ... Def Leppard.

Shuttle bus back into downtown and as a treat for me we toured the Gibson guitar factory, watching craftsman create beautiful guitars from wood, duly sold in the gift shop for up to $11,000. I bought some polish for $12 instead.

After a quick frothy coffee stop we headed back to the flat and after another chat with (the much loved) Tom we had a short rest before heading out again, first to the Peabody Hotel to see the 'world famous' ducks walk to their elevator (surreal) then dinner at Charlie Vergos Rendezvous restaurant for more 'world famous' BBQ - dry rubbed ribs this time. Great they were too. I imagine Elvis used to dine there...

Final stop of the day was the FedEx Forum for the basketball - good seats meant we saw all of the action as the Memphis Grizzlies took on the Dallas Mavericks. The Grizzlies won and we actually understood most of the game.

Sad to leave Memphis but time to head further west tomorrow.