Walking in Tuscany - The Verdict

As I wrote my review on this holiday on a daily basis thought I'd give my verdict especially as it was the first time Just You had run this trip.

HOTEL :-
To be fair i didn't expect too much as it was a 3 star and some trip advisor reviews were a bit iffy. Yes the rooms were basic which to me isn't a issue as dont intend spending lots of time in there. What i will say is everything was spotless, the bed was comfy along with plenty of hot water so no real complaints. Didn't use the TV but apparently was one English channel.

One disapointment was the swimming pool was closed, too early in the season we were told but is was noted the hotel next door had theirs open.
Food was decent although strange to us Brits, two starters Soup followed by a Pasta dish, very filling which was a good job as the main course was small, either a meat, fish or veggie option which you selected at breakfast. All was very tasty and i enjoyed but the puddings weren't so great.
Breakfast was very basic, no hot food but you could survive on it.
The main thing i would criticise is the location and would suggest its something JY should consider. It was a 3 hour drive east of Pisa airport and all our walks and excurrsions were between one and two hours back in the same direction so got a bit boring spending lots of time going down the same road. a hotel 50 to 75 mile west of this one would have been ideal in my opinion.

TOUR MANAGER :-
Silvia was great you could tell straight away she enjoyed her job and was always available and kept us well informed. She was very dedicated and went the extra mile in providing evening entertainment with two excellent quizes (we were robbed). She had also made a JY flag for us to follow on the city tours a great idea and think all tour managers should have one.
Excellent tour manager would have no objection to having her on future trips.

WALKS :-
All very different but think the first one needs changing. It was in the main along a logging road through a forest and was a little boring even without the lorries choking us as the went by kicking up dust.
The 2nd walk was mainly down hill with some tricky bits which a few of the group thought a little dangerous. However i enjoyed it but would suggest JY tell people walking boots and a stick are a necessity, had mine so not really a problem but others in trainers would have really struggled had it been wet.
Strange that before this walk we did lunch and a wine tasting, possibl not the best of ideas.
The 3rd walk was superb with some fantastic views, this to me was the real tuscany but will add a few sharp hills tested everyones fitness. Was pleased with mine but do know a couple of people found it tough, you do need a reasonable fitness level. Fortunately everyone managed it but could imagine on some trips it may not be the case.
Missed the 400 metre walk up the volcano following walk one, interesting to tramp through snow in my shorts, lol.

EXCURRSIONS :-
Were great firstly to Florence which is a must, very busy with large crowds everywhere (good job we had Silvias flag to follow).
2nd trip was to Sienna & then San Gimignano, again not to be missed but be careful if eating in the main square in Sienna as you will find rip off prices.
Not advertised but Silvia took us on the local service bus to a hill top town on the spare day and arranged a visit to a wine cellar, was fantastic one of the best tastings i've been to needs including on future trips.

COACH :-
Never had a coach with so much leg room, excellent and our driver was a real nice bloke.

PEOPLE :-
Was a bit of a mix of holiday makers and keen walkers mainly in the mid 50's upwards age range (i was among the youngest few i believe, but not the baby of the group). We all seemed to get on well and have a good few laughs along the way whether on the trips or in the hotel bar.
In fact laughed loads which did me lots of good as the last 6 month have had plenty of ups and downs and its the sort of holiday i needed.

Would advise anyone to give it a go if its something they think will suit them, dont expect too much chill out time though it is quite hectic.

Walking in Tuscany (will update daily)

One day to go and just deciding what to pack, not really sure what the weather is going to do and whether it'll be cool on an evening. At least we are with BA so have a 23kg limit so i'm able to take far too much, lol.

Walking Boots of course add to my normal stuff and see the hotel as a Pool so swimming gear for a nice cool off after a hard days walking is a good idea.

Day One "Heathrow" - Bags now packed don't think you can take too much, best be prepared, lol.

Had a good drive down to Heathrow until the last 5 miles when the M25 decided to turn into a car park.

Eventually arrived at the Park inn where I'd got an excellent hotel/parking deal.

Met up with Mags and Asti as arranged and went for a meal at the 3 magpies. Food was excellent and good value of course better washed down with a few beers. I opted for the vegetarian mixed grill, well it had a grilled tomato with it, lol. Good night with a few laughs, good that the JY forum allows us to arrange these meet up.

Day two - Up early for flight one scare when Mags tried to leave her passport at the hotel.

Flight was good on time but bit of delay on arrival as one lady's luggage hasn't made it. Was a clear day and having a window seat I got some fantastic views.

We did share our flight with another large group of singles who we're with the company One Traveller. I knew their tour manager who had been my very first JY manager back in 2010.

Bus to the hotel fos a long transfer which we were told would be around two hours but turned out to be over three. 

Sylvia our Italian tour manager seems very nice on first impression.

On arrival at hotel was quick unpack (luggage arrived to room quickly) and into shorts for quick orientation walk of the area.

Back around 6-30pm to shower and change for welcome drink and diner. 

Some folk were a bit worried about the food following trip advisor reviews but it turned out nice, was a veg soup followed by some nice pasta for starters. Then a chicken mains followed by some nice cake and cream which the chef had made with a certain amount of brandy (I had 2nds). Was all waiter served with the exception of the salad bar for the rabbits among us.

It is a 3 star hotel and rooms are basic but very clean and importantly plenty of hot water and good shower.

Day 3 - Today is our first walk going to wear walking trainers rather than boots as looks like it'll be a hot one.

Ended up in boots and glad I did although took trainers as well. Breakfast this morning was fine but just continental style with no hot stuff, so no bacon sarnie for me.

The walk wasn't really the best, bit of up and down to get the lungs working but basically along a stone road through a forest so no views along the way. Worst bit was logging lories kept coming past creating dust clouds which wasn't nice.

Had a incident as one poor lady in our group slipped and cut her head so had to go to hospital, couple of stitches but back with us now battered and bruised but OK thankfully.

After the walk the coach took us up the volcano for some amazing views. Had to walk the last few hundred metres, it was steep and believe it or not covered in snow, now didn't expect that in Tuscany. Was a tough climb that a few opted out of.

Getting ready for evening meal which we ordered at breakfast think I'm on turkey if I remember, ready for it.

After think a few of us are heading for a bar over the road instead of staying in the hotel. Won't be too late as early start to go to Florence tomoz. Looking forward to that excursion.

Has only been two men so far on this trip but our numbers have strengthens as another gentleman as joined us, apparently missed the flight Tuesday. 

Believe the lady whose luggage didn't arrive is now reunited, good news always a pain when that happens, why always should take one change of clothes in hand luggage.

Day 4 - Been to Florence today and enjoyed it, somewhere I wanted to see, did a guided walking tour this morning with plenty of free time to wander after lunch and enjoy an Italian ice cream of course.

Place was really busy with tourists everywhere and you had to keep a eye on the bikes flying around the pedestrian streets.

Now the bad bits tonight we are supposed to be out for some wine tasting and dinner but apparently there has been a botch up with the organisation and transport hasn't been arranged. So hotel dinner tonight again but hopefully JY will rectify their error and the wine and meal out will be rescheduled or could be a few complaints.

After a long hot day walking I'd planned a dip in the hotel pool some days sadly its not open they say too early in the season, come on its 20c+ during the day. 

2nd walk tomoz and not too early start so will have a couple of beers tonight, had a good few laughs last night and ended up late despite the early start.

Day 5 - Our 2nd walk today and it was much better than the first with some superb views. Was mainly downhill most of the way but a few tricky downhill sections and you certainly need decent footwear.

Sort of did things wrong way around going for some wine tasting in the morning and then lunch in Montalcino a lovely dmall Tuscan town.

Then the walk in the afternoon was thinking aboutvwhat they say about mad dogs and Englishmen, lol.

Special Tuscan meal in the hotel tonight, not sure what we are getting but looking forward to it as am starving.

Day 6 - Must start by saying I really enjoyed last nights Tuscan meal provided by the hotel. We started with a sort of cheese pastry, was really light and tasty. Then it was Spelt soup, not a clue what it is but enjoyed and found it filling. That was followed by the Pasta round which was a ravioli, let's just say I had a few extra, very tasty. Main course following the three starters was a type of kebab again no complaints from me. Finally a nice piece of cake so well satisfied with the meal.
Today was one of the optional excursion days where we visited two medievil towns in Sienna and San Gimignano which are both well worthy of a full day visit. I'm not a big church type person but the Cathedral at Sienna is arguably the most impressive I have seen both inside and out.
Only dissapointment was the lunch in the main square in Sienna, we were ripped off on both price and quality, suggest anyone going uses the nice cafes in the side streets.
On another note it looks like Just You are treating us to lunch on Monday as a goodwill gesture I suspect following the Vineyard error on the 23rd. Well done JY.

Day 7 - Just getting ready to go for breakfast and prepare for our 3rd and final walk. Once again the evening meal last night was good but must admit have been dissapointed with the breakfasts which are very limited.
Strangely this morning I thought I could smell bacon cooking, sadly its from the hotel next door, now that is cruel.
Enjoyed today's walk and it ended in a lovely little village called Pienza were we had a decent amount of free time to explore. The walk itself had plenty of uphill bits which certainly got the heart and lungs working was pleased with myself, was a sense of achievement getting to the end. Over the walk got chance to chat with quite a few of the group which was great, it is a good bunch.
Not a early start tomoz so suspect we may knock the froth off a couple of beers after our meal, well earned I would say.

Day 8 - Another decent meal last night, the chef came out and carved the Pork in front of everyone. Also joined at the hotel by a coach group of Brits travelling with Shearings.
Weather not so good today but a bit of a lazy morning so took opportunity to pack a few things ready for tomoz.
Silvia decided to organise a disco after the meal last night and was up with a few of the ladies giving it their best Olivia Newton John impression while us men hid. Of course I would have loved to do my John Travolta but after the extra pudding at the meal decided it wasn't wise, lol.
Weather turned a bit today cold enough for me to NOT wear shorts but still had a good day. We all went on the service bus to Montepulciano a charming town sat on top of a mountain. We were taking for a tour of the cellars of a winery followed of course by some tasting along with a variety of cheeses and hams.
Was up there with the best and I'll be suggesting to JY that they and it to their itinerary. Thanks to Silvia for sorting it all out she has done a excellent job has tour manager.
Just getting ready for the "Last Supper" its been a smashing group of people and hopefully I'll cross paths with a few of them on future trips.

Day 9 - All about travel leaving the hotel at 8am for the 3 hour transfer (too long) on a bus whose air conditioning wasn't good. Flight was good arriving over London well ahead of schedule but due to the airport been busy we spent 30 minutes circling the city before touching down 5 minutes behind schedule. Security and luggage were quick and to be fair traffic on the M25 & M1 was ok and eventually got home just before 8pm (almost 13 hours travelling) now sat with my feet up with a nice cup of coffee.
Got  some company for half of the drive home as i was able to give one of the Ladies on the trip a lift up to Leicester Forest to save her a long wait for a National express bus, nice to have someone to chat to.
Was a lot of nice people in the group and hope I will meet a few of them again on my travels, thanks everyone for putting up with me.

Will download some photos onto this blog and do an holiday summary in the coming days.

Tuscany - These Boots are made for Walking

Next week I'm away with Just you for their "Walking in Tuscany" and really looking forward to it. I've threatened to do some sort of activity holiday for some time and add to that Florence is high up on my "must visit" cities it fits perfectly into my plans.

Of course going to Italy I'm hoping to get some sunshine and warm weather and looking at the long term forcast it should be getting up towards 70f during the day.

Looking at the schedule we have 3 guided walks alternating with touring days, thats a great itinerary in my opinion.

Not sure how hard the walks will be but as its graded easy suspect not too bad for a novice like me. Reckon my walking trainers would be fine but am also taking boots for two reasons. First my trainers arn't waterproof so boots may be needed if we get some of the wet stuff. Secondly I've had a bit of an achiles problem so boots give me more support.

Expecting a few hills and its something I don't have around here so looking forward to the challenge.

Also night before will be a good laugh as meeting 3 others that are on the trip at heathrow for a meal and couple of drinks as we are staying over. One thing I like about Just you is their forum which allows us to arrange these things.

I'm intending update the blog each day of the trip (good or bad) so those interested can follow the holiday, did this on my Christmas holiday and got some positive feedback.

Thats all for now, better get packing will leave you with this :-

Christmas in Croatia

Day One - Arrived in Dubrovnik on time this morning a bit tired after driving to Gatwick overnight. Fortunately managed to sleep on the flight which is unusual for me.
Met our tour manager the lovely V at the airport and she remembered me from a holiday I did 3 years ago in Rabac. She takes the honour of been the first TM I have had twice, even gave me a hug, now there is a bonus.


Like what I have seen of the hotel Lero so far nice and clean,
rooms good shower, etc. Just about to get ready for welcome drink and meal so will reserve judgement on the food until later.
Had a walk into the old town for bit of lunch, very impressive, guided tour tomoz so should get some good photos.
Only met a few people so should get chatting with a few others tonight.


Day Two - Thought last nights meal was fine, it was buffet style and a decent choice. I opted for veg soup followed by chicken for my mains.
Slept really well last night, bed is very comfy and of course a couple of beers in the bar helped, well got to be sociable.
Was a leisurely day today as we didn't leave the hotel until 10am for our guided walk around the old town which is an interesting place.








In the afternoon following the walk a few of us went up the local mountain overlooking the town on the cable car. Some stunning views and a nice little cafe where we had lunch. Few of us had a steak sandwich which was good.

Basically just strolled around since before walking back to hotel for an hours chill before getting ready for tonight. A bonus was on the way back got to see the sunset of the Adriatic, was an amazing view.








The evening meal was OK but noticeable that the choices where very similar, same two soups and identical sweets. Mains where different and I went for the goulash.

Day 3 - it was an early start for the 3 hour drive to Mostar in Bosnia, journey was pleasant as got sat with a nice young lady called Gill on the coach and walked around together.

Did have an incident at the border as one lady in our group forgot her passport, not sure how because V our tour manager reminded us all numerous times, some folk just don't listen I suppose. Fortunately the border guards where in a good mood and let us in.
On arrival the devastation caused by the wat of the 1990s was obvious, although they have rebuilt much of it there was still plenty of bomb destroyed ruins and other places riddled with bullet holes.

We had a tour of the city before been taken to a restaurant for an included lunch. Was traditional Bosnian apparently and I enjoyed.

 
Eventually back to the hotel to prepare for the Christmas eve festivities and what a let down the meal was, same starters and sweets added to a very poor choice of mains, lots of the group where not happy to say the least.
We did have some live music in the restaurant after dinner a a bit of singing and dancing. To get the party going V had to pick on someone to drag on the dance floor, yes you guessed, don't know why they pick on the shy ones.
Know people were not happy with the food but that was nothing to how a good few felt when they shut the bar at 10-30pm. Some Christmas eve party that was, few of us did sit in reception while midnight to see chrimmy in properly but not really good enough for a Xmas holiday in my opinion.

Day 4 - The highlight of Xmas day is often the big meal, well not at this hotel, worst meal yet. Once again for the 4th day running we had the same soups as starters and identical desserts. The main course for meal was something called beef which was more fat with cold potato's and carrots, pathetic about sums it up.
Only one lady serving and she was clearing tables as well as getting everyone's drinks, ordered a glass of wine to enjoy with my meal and it turned up when had about finished. Wasn't not even a jug of water on the tables, lots of the group not happy. Certainly nothing resembling Xmas, not even a cracker to pull (Is this really a cristmas holiday as we were led to be be believed).

A few of us are planning to eat out on some of the other nights, would rather pay and get something nice than put up with the sub standard school diners the hotel serves.

Nothing planned to fill our day so couple of us done quite a bit of walking , to the port before lunch and a good long one in some woods this afternoon which ended overlooking some cliffs. Tried to follow a footpath marked on a map only to find it no longer exists, lol.

Later that evening we were supposed to have a light supper but the hotel provided a 2nd meal, believe this was after V had had a word about the meals and peoples complaints, even got free glass of wine courtesy of the hotel. Was some nice Pork and a couple of different sweets but clutching at straws if it was meant to be a major improvement.

Had a few beers on the night, plan was to have an early night but with encouragement from Godrey, Jane, George & Gill got to bed around 1am.

Day 5 -
Sadly hotel food was again mediocre and this nice hotel is been let down by the kitchen and early bar closures in my opinion.
Think tomorrow night a couple of us are gonna eat out at a local restaurant, I know half board is paid for but the food is ruining what should be a good holiday.

Today we visited Montenegro which was interesting first going to Kotar then to Budva, both cracking places although we got a bit of a soaking as we had wind and rain for the first time. Would love to go back and explore on a nice day.
Didn't have my holiday mate Gill with me as she was not feeling too good so took day off , nothing to do with the drinks or late night of course.



 










Day 6 - In the morning we went to cavtat which is a lovely place had a gorgeous chocolate drink, well it was so thick you had to eat it rather than drink. Had a nice walk around the bay before back on the bus.

Next it was wine tasting, went with no great expectations as it was a very small vineyard. However turned out one of the best I've visited, enjoyed and thought they looked after us well.






On returning to Dubrovnik mid afternoon took the opportunity to walk the impressive city walls. Well worth doing but be warned lots of steps to go up and down.
Last night decided to abandon the hotel food and went to a nice restaurant with Gill, Jane and Godfrey. Cracking meal so enjoyed it, was then to a local bar for a few laughs.
Don't think we were the only ones not eating at the hotel, JY really need to look into this as the food can only be described as "school diners before Jamie Oliver".











Day 7 - Bit of a chilling day as weather is wet and windy so cancelled a planned walk. Did go for lunch with a few of the group at the Bosnian restaurant next to the hotel. Was Richards birthday so helped him celebrate.
Last night thought the food in the hotel was slightly better, had some beef and was more variation of veg. They seem to have tried since Xmas diner but still a long way to go. Hope they can get things sorted fo the group following us for new year, I now V was trying to get the message over to hotel management.

Had a few beers and laughs in the hotel bar last night.

So to sum up the holiday in my opinion :-

Negatives - hotel food, hotel bar closing early (especially Xmas eve), no proper Christmas diner just much the same.

Positives - Vlatka our TM, Hotel staff, comfy bed and decent room, hot water, hotel location, Places we visited (well worth it) and of course some of the people I met, made some very nice friends which is always good on a solo group holiday.



One final story was the journey home, we got to Dubrovnik Airport as planned only to find it was closed due to high winds. Our plane had landed at Split and it was eventually announced after hanging around over 2 hours that they would bus us to the plane (a four hour journey).
Was rushed through security at Split and on the plane as the pilots were close to there hours, once in the air we were informed Gatwick was closed and were aiming to land at heathrow and be bussed to Gatwick, later this was to everyones dismay announced this had been changed to Luton.
Eventually hour luck changed and Gatwick reopened and we were one of the first few landing after an earlier incident.
Still we were 7 hours late and many people missed their buses, trains and planes home, fortunately i had already planned to stay over and a couple of others from our group booked the same hotel as had missed their transport. Just got to the pub to enjoy a couple of nice British beers and a lovely mixed grill.

Americas Heart & Soul - Part 4 - "New Orleans"

First thing I'll say is that I think 450 miles in one day is too far, the interstates we travel down on this holiday arn't the most scenic in America. This Holiday needs to follow route 61 along the Mississippi for this leg of the trip and not I55, extend the holiday by one night with a overnight stop added at either Vicksburg (civil war history) or Clarksdale (birthplace of the blues), seems such a shame racing past them places.
Stephen our tour manager gave us an American history lesson on route to try fill in the hours on the road, a few listened, others plugged there music in while many tried to catch up with needed sleep.

We stopped for lunch at somewhere called Golden Corral an all you can eat buffet for around $12, was very good value i thought, plenty of choice, liked the puddings but i always like puddings.

Our other stop was at the Oak Alley Plantation which told us a bit about the days of the Slave, we also got a tour of the main house plus of course a free drink. Was ok but was there too long but suppose given the distance Ted our driver needed a rest.




As we started approaching the Big Easy we were driving through many swamps finally getting to our hotel early evening. The hotel was virtually an old warehouse but i liked it although some thought a bit far from the French Quarter (15 min walk) but ok by me was a nice area itself and i walk that to my local.

After getting showered and changed we were taken on a walking tour of the French quarter (Jackson square, Bourbon St, etc). Afterwards some returned on the coach while many stayed out to look for food which was a plenty.

Five of us found a bar/cafe we fancied and ordered our drinks and meals. When the meals came only four arrived and guess whose was missing (almost like Dennys last year). The staff were very apologetic even the chef came out to apologise and said it wouldn't be long. Others laughed as when mine came they had about finished and i was starting to feel anorexic, however i had the last laugh when the knocked it off my bill, first meal in new Orleans was a freebie. We eventually went back to the hotel for a couple more drinks before getting our heads down following a long day.

Next day was Teds final day with us, decent chap so thought most of us tipped him well and in the morning he took us over the longest bridge in the world (24 miles) over water for those that wanted to. This was followed by a City tour with a local guide which was ok but as i've said its not perfect on a coach.





The highlight of the evening was the Mississippi River Jazz cruise, enjoyed it the music ws excellent although i'm no jazz expert, the meal was adequate but not the best i've had. However do think all those that went seemed to enjoy.







Following day was the one optional excuursion i opted for, the swamp tour which was good, saw plenty of alligators and our boat driver had a small young one on board for those that wanted to handle one. However he stupidly held it on one of our ladies backs that didn't want it near her, frightend her somewhat which was well out of order and i hope someone from JY complains to the company because Stephen was made aware on our return.

On our return we had some free time in late afternoon to do our own things i took the opportunity to go to the Louisiana Confederate Museum, was small and wish i had more time to visit the much larger world war 2 museum next door. Still its a city i feel we just scatched the surfice so may go back one day.

Went out to eat in the French quarter then to a bar advertising music we had seen not too far from the hotel. Thought it would be good but sadly can only describe it as noise somewhat spoiling the last night for me, bad choice as plenty of other options in New Orleans.





Finally on the last morning before making our way to the airport some of us found time to visit the Madri Gras Museum which was basically a big warehouse where the design, make, repair and store some of the floats. Was wel worth the visit.





So summing up the holiday, it was good but could be improved in my opinion with a few little tweaks. Stephen our our manager was excellent certainly no complaints there and it was a nice group of people to travel with. My personal experience was a bit spoilt by my sore ankle and not sleeping too good through other issues in the early part but that was all just bd timing and othing to do with the holiday. If you fancy it, go for it as there are many excellent experiences and highlights on the way.

Americas Heart & Soul - Part 3 - "Memphis"

Day 6 we hit the road early and the planned stop at a family run restaurant was cancelled due to the amount of people expected. There had been a big religious convention in St Louis (judging by the hats i saw was thinking Royal Ascot).
It was agreed to stop and get food at a large Walmarts which was actually fine as i don't mind a sandwich at Lunch. Also gave a few of us chance to do some bargain shopping and i came away with a couple of pairs of Wrangler jeans for $22 each (about £14 to my reckoning).

At this stage need to say we had a birthday on the coach, not just any birthday it was Dawns 40th so we all gave her a rendition of the song while Stephen our Tour Manager presented her with a cupcake with 4 candles on (one for each decade).

On arrival in Memphis we stopped at the visitors centre to use the facilities, steal all their leaflets and pick up some scruffy bloke who was out city guide. Now Memphis is a city you look at that on the surfice looks awful but actually provides some of the holiday highlights sadly our tour wasn't one of them. We did go to the Lorraine Motel (national civil rights museum) to see where Martin Luthur King was shot but most of us were dissapointed we didn't have time to go in.

Still at the end of the tour we got one of the highlights when we visited Sun Studios albeit a little late, the tour of the small studio was fantastic with a really enthusiastic bloke telling us the history in a humerous fashion. You do feel in awe when you stand at the microphone where the likes of Wolf, Cash, Perkins, Lewis and someone called Presley once stood.






We then got to our hotel which was located only a couple of blocks to Beale Street where everyone was heading for the food and nightlife. So it was a quick shower & shave and hit Beale, group i was with decided to eat at Silky O'Sullivans Irish Bar, was a woman singer on and by the looks of the black rings around her eyes think she was on something sronger than aspirin. She had a decent voice but killed a few songs by been too loud (or am i getting old).

After the meal had a walk up Beale looking in a few souvenier shops so June & Steve could compete in the fridge magnet competition.
For entertainment we had decided on Blues City Cafe where a group called Hillbilly Casino where playing, they were a Rockabilly act from Nashville and when the walked on stage the looked crazy but was they good, awesome i would and what a range of songs. Some people bought their teeshirts but for some unknown reason i wanted one but ended up with their Christmas Album. Latest night out of the holiday but definately a Memphis highlight.

Following morning and breakfast at TGI Fridays which was ok it was off to Church and a Gospel Service, turned out interesting but even if you didn't like it you couldn't leave judging by the bouncers on the doors keeping people in. The Gospel singers were amazing nd the lead singer had a cracking voice and they even had a guitarist & drummer in the church.
Now the reverand was something out of the movies and he gave a sermon like you've never seen he also encouraged a lot of friendship and we all had to give people near us a hug on more than ne occasion. Certainly was a experience.

Following our escape from the hugs and handshakes it was on to Graceland where we spent 5 hours, for me 4 hours would have been enough but appreciate more ardent Elvis fans would want to stay all weekend.

Was impressed though enjoyed touring the house and the various museums and its well worth doing even if you are not his biggest fan. Passing the grave was quite touching.

















That night some of us decided to eat at TGI Fridays food was fine but they took an age for them to find us some knifes & Forks, ok for those with chips but me as i had mash with my meal. Poor service to be honest and didn't really deserve their tips that we gave them.

Afterwards it was a walk to Beale for a couple of Beers but it was much quieter on a Sunday night as most of the weekend crowd had gone home.

So thats Memphis and following Day it would be on the road again for the trek to New Orleans.