Monday, January 3, 2011

Finally in D.C.

Today we finally arrived in Washington, D.C. after two very long days of driving from Memphis, Tennessee.

In Memphis, we went to the Liberty Bowl, which was nothing but depressing to watch as an avid Bulldog fan. Thankfully the stream of bad weather held out until after the game, so we remained dry and disappointed.

While we were in Memphis we also went to the Peabody Hotel, Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous Charcoal Ribs, Beale Street, and Sun Studio.

The Peabody Hotel has a strange tradition of marching ducks which spend the majority of the day playing in the lobby fountain. At the beginning of the day they march from the top floor of the hotel where their “palace” is to the elevator, following a red carpet to the lobby fountain. In the late afternoon they retreat back to their palace. Along the way they are led by the “duckmaster” who keeps them in line.

Jamie and I with the "duckmaster"


Sunset from the top of the Peabody


Rendezvous had amazing barbeque. The ribs were coated in a thick spice rub and were incredibly tender. The coleslaw was different than the traditional mayonnaise-based Southern coleslaw. Instead, it had a vinegar base and had a pungent, but delicious flavor. The baked beans were also richly flavored. It was a great meal in a neat setting hidden within a Memphis alley.

Sun Studio had a great tour which explained its significance to the early beginnings of Rock N’ Roll music. Not only was this the studio where Sam Phillips discovered Elvis, but also holds the roots for B.B. King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison. We stood where the famous picture of the “Million Dollar Quartet” was taken and where all of these legends recorded some of their first biggest hits.

Mom and Dad with the "Million Dollar Quartet" famous photo


Me jammin' on the oldest microphone at Sun Studio


Tomorrow we will have a day to explore D.C., since after two previous trips there is still plenty left to see! Then I will move into my new apartment and get settled in on Wednesday.

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