Saturday, July 12

Early start sightseeing. Blake drove me around Memphis through various neighborhoods and to various must see sights. Being a local and extremely knowledgeable about local history and on goings, Blake also took me around to places most tourists would never see, and provided backstory and context. We tried some Memphis BBQ at the bbq Shop, and Gus's fried chicken.

I forgot my iPhone at Blake's place, but took many black and white film pics.

In the afternoon, while Blake napped, I was finally able to activate my US SIMM card so I can access the Internet without necessarily using wifi on my iPhone.

In the evening, I attended my first ever roller derby. Blake is one of the 2 official photographers and was able to get me in for free, forgoing the $12 admission charge.
It's a physical game, and not without risk. This woman broke her leg in a previous bout.
For some good action roller derby pictures, visit Blake's website: http://blakebillings.com/?/Roller+Derby/


After the bouts, we went with the teams to a bar for an after party. It was karaoke Saturday. Never have I heard such talented karaoke singing! Blake told me later that some of the singers actually sing professionally, so that explained a lot. Even so, I was impressed with the passion, soul, and lack of inhibition exhibited by the performers. There was even a trans-gender gal who belted out "Superman".

Sunday, July 13

Another early start, and driving around for sightseeing and photographs. This included Sun Studio, (Stax was on the previous day's itinerary), and Beale Street (which I accidentally visited on Friday night.)


On Beale St. we had breakfast at Miss Polly's Soul City Cafe. This is my first resturant food pic (honest) but it was a classic: chicken and waffles. (my first)


And I think that this is a fitting last photo of Memphis:



Most importantly, thank you Blake, for sharing your time and space, and being the best tour guide ever!