November 28 – Nashville, Part 2

This is part 2 for Nashville – a positive spin.

There were many good things about a week in Nashville in the middle of November. For one thing, there was the weather.  There was no snow on the ground. There was no rain and there wasn’t any ice. The grass was still green and there were leaves on the trees. Apparently, Tennessee was going through a bit of a cold snap, but having just newly arrived from the freezing cold and snow of Alberta, the temperature to us seemed fairly moderate. We enjoyed the sunshine and spent a fair bit of time outside.

One site that I would recommend to others who might want to travel to Nashville is the Hermitage Andrew Jackson Museum. This stop included a guided tour of the mansion, the former home of General Andrew Jackson, and access to the grounds. I must admit that I couldn’t see into the glassed rooms of the mansion but the commentary was informative and we thoroughly enjoyed walking around what had once been a huge plantation. Jackson was a more interesting character than I remember ever reading about in history books. He was a soldier, politician, and as president, a leading figure in the beginning democracy of the United States. Those were the good points. On the other side of the coin, as a young man, he eloped with a married woman and ran his plantation with the assistance of around 350 enslaved people. I found the tour very educational.

Another spot that I would recommend is the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Centre. At first, I couldn’t imagine spending more than twenty minutes in a hotel lobby, yet Lyle and I wandered around for close to two hours. Once past the actual lobby reception area, the building opens up into a massive horticultural centre under a domed ceiling. The variety of tropical plants is truly incredible. Because we had arrived at the beginning of the festive season the area was being transformed with an abundance of Christmas lights and of course, poinsettias were everywhere. There were waterfalls and a short canal cruise. In an adjoining building there was a huge water park. In November, the outside slides were closed off but the inside area was all systems go. The Gaylord was truly remarkable and worth a visit in any season of the year.

So, there you have it. Although I doubt that we would make Nashville a destination point for future trips, I could certainly see spending time in the surrounding area.

There is one picture with this post. It is of a tree made up entirely of poinsettia plants. The larger plants were placed around the base with the size of the plants becoming smaller towards the top. I am standing in front of the tree to give some perspective as to its height. I would estimate that the tree was at least four times taller than I was.

 

Sue in front of poinsettia Christmas tree

November 22 - Nashville, Part 1

Lyle and I have just spent the past week in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a good break although I’m not sure that we would contemplate a return visit.

We arrived there on the eve of the Country Music Awards, a huge event for Nashville. That night in the comfort of our hotel room, we watched on our TV screen as the commanding and glittering presence of Dolly Parton introduced the awards celebration. It was kind of neat thinking that here was this Country Music icon only a few miles from where we were watching. That feeling of excitement didn’t last. On the weekend, we ventured into downtown Nashville and it was a different experience entirely. 

We caught the hotel shuttle to the Ryman Theatre, a must stop if you are in the Nashville area. Indeed, Lyle and I both enjoyed the Ryman entertainment that night – in spite of the hard pew style seating. The theatre used to be a church but was renovated and converted into a centre for country music entertainment. The jolt came when we emerged from the theatre to experience Saturday night on Broadway.

It was after midnight and the main street was crowded with party-goers. The vast majority were young people – I would estimate in their twenties or early thirties, and the vast majority of them were highly inebriated – or at least acting in a manner which strongly suggested that they were under the influence of something or other. The noise was raucous. Every second establishment seemed to be a bar or similar drinking establishment. Most had open doors and windows and the noise – I don’t think I could call it music – throbbed and echoed onto the sidewalk. I found the jostling of the crowds and the hubbub of noise disorienting. My cane was almost ineffectual in the throng of people. I was glad when the shuttle arrived to take us back to the hotel.

We tried again on Sunday afternoon. This time we took the hop on/hop off trolley around town. The tour itself was very interesting and our guide was informative about the various sites and history, both old and new, of Nashville. However, when the trolley tram again entered the downtown area, the noise emanating from the honky-tonks was almost deafening.

Both the Ryman Theatre and the trolley ride around Nashville were highlights of our time in the area, but I did feel somewhat jaded by the explosion of noise and drinking revellers. Perhaps we were just in the city on the wrong weekend. There was the climax of the CMA and I believe that there was also some big sporting event happening.  Nashville might be a good place to go if you are a country music fan, but for us I don’t think that it will merit a repeat visit. My intention is to write a second part to this post with a more positive spin on our time in Nashville. Stay tuned for the next installment. 

November 8 - Opportunities

It is very tempting to decline invitations to social events when a person’s confidence is compromised. Sometimes, it is easier to say “no” rather than to step out of one’s comfort zone.  When opportunities to social events and activities come my way, I do try to take advantage of them.

In unfamiliar surroundings, I find it helpful to either use my white cane or wear my small badge that identifies me as someone with low vision. These items let others know that there is a reason for hesitations or possible confusion on my part. For instance, I do find it difficult to enter a darkened room and find an empty chair. It is tricky to help myself at a buffet meal. My constant anxiety in unfamiliar places is finding the location of the women’s restroom. My cane or ID badge are usually sufficient to alert others around me that I might need just a bit of help with these things.

Still, in spite of some underlying anxiety, I do try to put nervousness aside and take hold of opportunities that come my way. From past experience, it has always been worth the effort.

There is a picture with this post. A couple of weeks ago, George invited us to an entertainment event at his senior’s lodge. The picture is of an Elvis impersonator perched beside me. I know that last week I wrote about dressing up at Halloween. I guess that some of us don’t outgrow the dressing up urge. The Elvis impersonator had an Elvis hairstyle and makeup and wore a classy red jacket and shiny red and black shoes. As well as singing the part, he both acted and dressed like Elvis. Thanks to George for the invitation. 

Sue with Elvis