Day 6: Elvis Lives

Memphis -home to Memphis BBQ and Elvis! That's right folks, it's the start of Elvis week! What better time to be in Memphis than now?? Elvis impersonators will flood the streets of Memphis for the entire week! Last night we got a glimpse when we went to Beale street and saw a slew of impersonators walking around and of course I forget my camera. But tonight, I will definitely capture all the debauchery on Beale St. and share with everyone back home.

Today though, I paid homage to Elvis by going to Graceland. I mean really, how can you come to Memphis, Tennessee and not go to Graceland?? So after a long night of dancing, drinking, and laughing, I actually wake up at 8 to make it to Graceland by 9. That's pretty darn good if you ask me. The place is really nice. Elvis surely knew how to live. Everything in his house was very extravegant for his time and was redecorated often. There were mirrors everywhere, shag carpet from floor to ceiling and extravegant decor everywhere. It's no Liberache, but it's definitely opulence during the 70s. The house was built, I believe in the 30s and Elvis bought it for approximately $180,000 in 1957. Can you believe that?? Try finding a mansion for $180,000 now! We concluded a house like Elvis' would cost around $20 million in Beverly Hills.





He had property where he could ride horses, a room to play raquetball, and even a nice pool in the back. There was also a room where they hung all his gold/platinum records. Several walls were covered with all his records and accolades. The man truly did have a significant impact on American music. When you walk around, you see how many crazed fanatics he truly touched. It made it seem very surreal. I assume that because I didn't grow up in the Elvis era, I don't have a true attachment to his life and therefore couldn't grasp the magnitude of his impact, but after visiting Graceland, I get more of a glimpse into that world and have learned how others may have been so affected. Granted, I do think some take it to another level!! There were some in the rooms who began to tear up and cry. I guess I'll never understand that.

After visiting each of the rooms, we then got to go outside to see his final resting place. He died August 16, 1977 and was buried next to his mom, and dad. Around his grave are flowers, teddy bears, all sorts of things as you can see. There are things from all over the world! I saw things from fans in Brazil, Canada, Norway, Sweden. I mean EVERYWHERE! I wonder what Elvis would think of this whole thing if he were still alive. I wonder if he'd just be a bit disgusted by it all, or if he'd love the attention that he gets even after his death. It's a strange thing.

I definitely felt like I got to see a part of American culture and I had a good time. I'm not sure if I would ever do it again, but to say the least -I'm glad I did it and I think everyone should see it at least once in their life and witness the Elvis pandemonium that exists in our world today!!


Tonight I'll see some Elvis impersonators on Beale St. and really get a kick out of that. I'll definitely have to take some pictures with them!! :)