We touched down on a sodden runway in Memphis after being in transit for a total of 20 hours. I guess the considerable turbulence which we encountered on our approach to Memphis should've given some clues to the weather which was waiting to greet us on arrival.

The skies were black & the rain was absolutely lashing down - it was at this stage that I first called into question my 'holiday packing strategy' - nothing except shorts, T-shirts & sandals made it into my case !!

After hailing a cab we are escorted across town to our Hotel situated on Union Avenue (where Marc Cohn & Cher 'Saw the ghost of Elvis' - whilst "Walking in Memphis").

Our location is fabulous, we are 2 blocks from Beale Street, oposite The Peabody and across the road sits the Autozone Stadium - home of the local Minor League Baseball Team, The Memphis RedBirds (17,000 seater stadium). We are all too exhausted to explore our surroundings and retire early for the night - ready to hit the City the next morning.

Thursday morning - fully refreshed after a deep sleep we book up a tour of Graceland. Elvis certainly had an individual sense of style - his pad is fab, mirrored walls & ceilings are evident throughout and although this was clearly a family home, it is aparent that many a good time was had there. There was entertainment for all tastes, varying from multiple TV's in the lounge, to the pool table, dining & eating areas, pianos throughout the house and, of course, The Jungle Room.

The tour continues throughout the Trophy Room, Museums of Costumes & memoribilia, The Paddocks, Cemetory, Car Museum & Private Jets. It's difficult to imagine the extent of "local celebrity" which Elvis enjoyed - particularly as he was (& still is) such a Global phenomenon. Despite this, it seems that he remained 'grounded' and stories of his charitable work, generosity & 'family values' are impressive.

Following our return to the Hotel, we took a stroll in the glorious sunshine the 2-block walk to the Mississippi River. On route, we cross the railroad track & spot a couple of Trolley Buses trundling past. We board the River Queen - an Authentic Mississippi Riverboat (which may have seen better days !) and take a 2-hour cruise of the Mississippi, our guide for the cruise provides an interesting & informative narrative throughout. The cruise takes us across the State Line to Arkansas, as this sits on the West Bank of the River.

To round of a fun-filled day, we head on down to Beale Street - this is the true centre of Downtown Memphis, and genuinely catches the 'vibe' of it's cultural, musical & historical roots. The street is lined with bars, musicians are 'jamming' on street corners and we also witness a performance of one of the younger members of the 'Beale Street Flippers'. These are guys who after a short run-up along the cobbles of the Street, start a sequence of tumbles (I lost count at 15 !) ranging from the 'only-just-made-it' Robbie Keane goal celebration to one handed, no handed and even flips including twists ! Rachael convinces me that it's not as straigtforward as they make it look, so I decide against giving it a go, and instead head off in search of a bite to eat.

Our Restuarant of choice is BB Kings - where else - it's a fabulous Blues Pub / Club / Restuarant, with a great atmosphere, live musicians playing on stage & a fabulous menu (I can recommend the chilli bolognese - Rach says the ribs & coleslaw were also real tasty.............that'll explain why she didn't offer me a taster !!)

We head on back to our Hotel before Beale Street really comes to life, and have a nightcap (courtesy of our tempremental barmaid !) and retire for an early night.