Monday, February 18, 2008
Dumpster Diving
Couchsurfing a Memphis commune tonight = another world. Dumpster Diving for bagels. Their dog vomited on the couch that I was sleeping on and they just tossed a sleeping bag over and said, "Get some sleep"..... I know that everyone that follows this blog thinks that I am some sort of hippie (and perhaps I am a little bit) - But I love a hot shower and some clean white sheets at night.
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14 comments:
Glad you got out of Memphis in one piece. I must ask you: As you had your run-in with the local yokels, did "Dueling Banjos" from Deliverance suddenly start to creep slowly into the back of your mind? Have fun and make sure you buy some extra strength Hick repellent on the way to Louisiana. xo
Speaking as someone who lives on the other side of Tennessee - Memphis is kind of like of the paroled cousin you hope never shows up for Thanksgiving. Sorry you had such a bad experience there.
Maybe you should have checked the calendar at the gas station - sounds more like 1958 than 2008. Unbelievable. I suspect Anonymous White Boy has a problem with his favorite white chicks hooking up with black guys. (Note to A.W.B.: if you took care of your own business a little better, the local girls would think more of you)
You were in no way responsible, so don't beat yourself up over it.
Sorry you had such a difficult time in Memphis. We've been there a couple of times, but never experienced anything like that.
When you come to Hot Springs, be aware geographer Warren Bland recently named Hot Springs, Ark. the No. 1 place in America to retire. We visited one day, then moved here. That was five years ago.
I gotta admit, Hot Springs is a pretty cool place to live, even for those of us who aren't yet retired.
To see short documentary-style video clips about Hot Springs, check out SpaVlogger.
Rebecca McCormick,
Travel Journalist, Hot Springs Village Voice
I am sorry but I love these comments about Memphis. I know exactly who is saying as a person that lives in Memphis now. Unless you have to live in this town that the only good thing is a college basketball team than you have no idea what goes on in a city that is also number one in crime. I do agree with London if you can stay out of Memphis than try your best. I wouldn't even suggest driving through it. This town as more people leaving it than it does coming in. Business are leaving quickly as they can. I am sorry that you had a bad experience here but it happens every day. Espically the racial violence. Again sorry london and hope the rest of your trip is amazing.
I feel like that was just a big ol'plug for Hot Springs. Like a typed out commercial.....
It is one of the top places to retire.... I was reading about it in Time magazine a few months back. I also met a bunch of awesome people there today (young and old) and the city is beautiful..... Hot Springs is not Memphis. It is nothing like Memphis... it is a cool city on the Route 66 travel route, it is more like a flagstaff with nice weather - than anything else I've run into
OK, I've got to step in here a bit and defend Memphis. Besides, you got some nice photos here in Memphis, didn't you? I mean, that's a pretty nice shot with the red draped cloth on the blog.....wonder who shot that, or right, it was me.
Many models/tourists etc. pass through Memphis and love it. I'm sorry London had such a bad experience, the city has a high urban poor population and its share of racists, a double bind. But if given a chance Memphis has a great vibe and music scene. Its no use getting into an argument over the city itself, I bitch about the city as much as anyone, but most don't have London's experience. Love ya girl.
Welcome to the South, and why I moved to Los Angeles ten years ago.
Too bad ya had a rough spot down south. You will love Seattle and the West Coast. I'm out there in August for a photo workshop and can't wait to eat seafood everyday !
I share your view about Memphis--a real whole in the ground. One of the worst hotels I've ever stayed at was in Memphis--head west.
Keep up the blogging--great stuff!
I know Memphis has a great music scene - I heard rumors that some of the best jazz/blues comes out of that city.... It was the reason I put Memphis on my trip roster... I wanted to check it all out....
Unfortunately, I did not get to check that part out....
Keep in mind, I do not live in these cities.... I only pick up the general idea of a city over the course of three - five days. Every city has a redeeming factor - I was in Memphis so briefly, I just must have missed that one....
London, I am curious...since you wrote in your entry that you are a "white girl". What exactly is your ethnic heritage?
Thanks, I love your blog!
Sorry I didn't see your post until now... : )
My mom is fair skinned, freckled, green eyes... she is totally beautiful - very Irish. I fell more to my father's Italian side, short, dark haired, olive skin, brown eyes.
Okay, that's great, London! Thanks for the reply. Italian and Irish, eh? That was my guess. A beautiful mix resulting in a beautiful lady!
I hope that on St. Paddy's Day next week you'll be wearing a t-shirt that says, "Kiss Me I'm Irish".
:) Chris
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