Nashville feels very much like a big city, unlike Austin. Breakfast was first stop as I hadn't eaten since last breakfast yesterday but I couldn't find anywhere! I almost ended up at Dunkin Donuts! I've never had a donut there, I'm not gonna start with breakie! Don't judge me, I've just not got round to it. Luckily I stumbled on a diner where pancakes were on the menu. They came with bacon, banana, maple syrup and a heart attack. So good. Just what I needed.
Then it was off to the Musician's Hall Of Fame, pretty interesting stuff.
That was followed by a walk down Broadway.
Then to my first real must-do, the Country Music Hall of Fame via the Walk of Fame. I spent the whole time expecting to throw up, too much pancake, always having one eye on the nearest toilets but it was cool, although I was mostly interested in the Taylor-related bits. Obvs. As music museums go that has had the most effort put in to it, I guess the $6 million Taylor donated helped... You could say it was Taylor made. LOLOLOL
I then wandered up to Jack White's Third Man Record shop, stopping several times on the way as I thought I was gonna vom, I didn't. Coolest shop ever! I wanted everything! Got a tee, which me made feel better. I did choose the one only available in kids sizes, luckily 12 year olds in America are the same size as 27 year old English boys.
Headed back for a lay down, within minutes I'd sicked up and felt way better and good to go for the Grand Ole Opry at Opry House. The bus journey was a breeze, tracking down the historical venue wasn't. The airs live on the radio as is continues to host country music of all kinds.
The show was over-the-top American with shout outs, the host plugging merch and a lot of whooping! There was even a guy at the side of the stage encouraging clapping. It's an experience that just wouldn't work back home.
All the staff at the venue were pretty enthusiastic. My seats were pretty ace, the room incredible, sound perfect and the stage was jam packed with mega talented musicians each playing a few songs each covering bluegrass, gospel and traditional country. First act was a low budget Dolly Parton whilst Greg Campbell brought country rock, there was a dance off on stage with crowd members. It was a good mix of entertainment.
I was hoping for a cover of Shake It Off, that never materialised...
The last bus left at 9:39 so I was expecting I'd have to work out $25 for a taxi back, luckily the show finished about 9:15 so I ran and ran to the bus stop, it was hard to locate and time was short, a car pulled up asking if I was ok, I wouldn't normally jump in a strangers car but this couple seemed nice and they had been to the show, I trusted them and they were worried about me, just as we set off the bus was around the corner waiting at the stop so I said my thanks, jumped out and didn't need to worry about potentially being kidnapped. People are nice in Nashville too.
