Itchy Feet

To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.

Freya Stark

There is nothing as wonderful as an adventure. When you're stationary, everything becomes background. At a certain point, you don't see anything at all. In a new place, the mundane is mesmerizing, and the bland is beautiful. The best part is, when you get home, for a moment, your eyes reopen.

It is time for a new trip, but it will have to wait for a while.

What is your favorite travel story? Who is the most interesting person you've ever met, or made the deepest mark? Or, what was just memorable?

In Tennessee, there is an old church that has been converted into a B&B. The woman who owns and runs it was the first woman to graduate from the Memphis police academy back in the 70's. One day, her and her partner were driving, and over the police radio they were told to go to a pay phone and call the station. This was really strange, because normally everything was just over the radio. So they pulled over and they called the station, and were told to go to the hospital, because there was a high profile patient on their way who had to be quietly brought in through the back. She and her partner, were confused and curious and went to the hospital to meet the ambulance. It came into the hospital without the sirens, and they carried out a stretcher and she and her partner very quietly escorted them in. Once they were inside they mostly just watched doors and people come and go. Some time later, she had to enter the room and saw a good looking larger man on the stretcher, who she recognized. He was blue, and clearly dead, and she looked at his toe tag. It was Elvis Presley, she thought, she always had wanted to meet him, but not like that. The point is, she is sure, and she'll tell you with a smile, the King is dead.
Long live the king.

(Oh, and on a personal note, that particular B&B had the most comfortable bed I have ever had the pleasure of sleeping in. )