THE MUSICAL TRIP TO THE UNITED STATES (May 2014)
This was my first trip to the United States by bus. My expectations of the trip were not heightened in any way for I envisaged eleven days of being “all shook up” during several thousand miles of bus travel from Toronto through several States in the U.S. until we got to New Orleans. This certainly was not my idea of a holiday but then love conquers all and my wife’s persuasion and a promise of “a good time” won the day.
The bus was almost full with enthusiastic, exciting and excitable seniors (and some not so senior individuals) who were looking forward to the camaraderie that such trips offered and the promise of the many scripted sites that offered potential promise of excitement.
The highlight of the trip was our visit to Graceland in Memphis. However, we were first wheeled into a very modest structure that was Elvis Presley’s first home in Tupelo, Mississippi. As always there were long queues to reckon with but finally our turn came only to wonder where Elvis Presley slept. There was only one double bed in the bedroom and one could only assume that his parents slept there. Perhaps he slept with his parents and this must have given added meaning to Elvis’ song, “I can’t stop loving you”. There was no indoor toilet but an interesting weather beaten outhouse which has still been preserved as a memento of another day. It took one back to Goa not too long ago when outhouses were a part of the scene even in aristocratic homes.
What a difference it made when we got to Graceland and witnessed the magnificent home that Elvis built for himself and his parents. He had obviously made it big, and money was no consideration when it came to his personal comfort. His spontaneous generosity extended far beyond his own needs. He gave away expensive cars as though they were peanuts and was known sometimes to buy them by the dozen as give-away gifts. At Graceland museum, we were struck by the thousands of artifacts on display. The gold and platinum records that he earned because of the popularity of his records and sales that went through the ceiling were legion and adorned several large walls. A large showcase was given to displaying Elvis’ glittering costumes which readily caught one’s eyes and it became obvious that these custom- made costumes must have cost him a fortune and they became very much a part of his identity.
Many visitors to this Mecca of memories both young and old were attracted to his many vintage cars on display. Not to be outdone by these, the custom jets were preserved for posterity and made one think of the extravagant life style that Elvis lived. Everything connected with Elvis Presley was put on display in this museum. I guess that if we had the time, we might even have been privy to his underwear, but then this is mere speculation. It would have taken several days to observe, read and digest the information in and on the thousands of artifacts, stories of Elvis’ life and graphic descriptions up on display. To some this might have been over kill, but to the many diehard fans, most of whom were now in their middle age or languishing in “old” age, they could not get enough. The expression of awe on the faces of some fans told its own story.
Wherever you went in Graceland there was a constant reminder that you were in Elvis country. His haunting music, popular to this present day even among the young, permeated every atom of the museum, and as an added incentive one could access any one of his songs by merely pressing a button conveniently placed below each of his golden records up on display. Life-size images of Elvis were placed in strategic spots to reinforce the purpose of your visit and make your head “rock around the clock”
Graceland was by far the most interesting spot that we visited, but because of time constraints we had to leave this wonderfully organized and manicured museum. It offered a lot more than we could take in, given that we had to be on our way to see other places of interest. Graceland will, however, be the talk of the crowd as the bus went on its way to other enchanting places.
The Country Music Hall of Fame Museum in Tennessee came as a disappointment to some. It was hoped that we would have got to meet at least a couple of real live artists and perhaps even heard them sing but that was not to be. There were others who hoped to attend a show but soon discovered that we had arrived on the wrong day. We were informed by a guide about the recording procedures of the many Country and Western greats such as Jim Reeves. There was a twinkle in the eyes of the guide as he spoke enthusiastically about the various artists, since he had met and interacted with many of them. Unfortunately, the group left the studio feeling that they were shortchanged at this site.
The next place of interest was New Orleans. Many of us were looking forward to this unique and very cultural town. Our first activity was a cruise conducted by the New Orleans Steamboat Company for two hours up the Mississippi and for good measure a lunch was thrown in. The luncheon was to be accompanied by a Daytime Jazz Band. Unfortunately the music was drowned by the hundreds of people who were exchanging views about the trip. It was an interesting trip and many were looking forward to the unique New Orleans Menu. Some enjoyed the meal but there were others who were more critical of the buffet-style dishes being served which were anything but the Creole-type food that they expected.
We were then given time to shop around New Orleans and have our dinners at restaurants of our own choice. Unfortunately, it started raining very heavily and in half an hour the roads were knee deep in water. Fortunately, we were rescued by our bus driver who was to meet us at an arranged spot on the main road.
On our way back the group was given another treat. We arrived at the famous underground lake. It was basically a large body of fresh water underground with many channels leading in all directions but could easily be a hazard to those who might venture in boats without a guide. The lake was stocked with fish and because of the clarity of the water these fish could be seen in shoals. Needless to say, fishing equipment was forbidden in these sacred waters.
Our final stop was at the Coca Cola museum. This museum covered several acres and displayed the history of the drink from its earliest times. Much attention was given to keeping the formula of the drink a secret as it evolved and this was demonstrated by directing people through a great big vault to emphasize the point. After viewing the various artifacts in the showcases, one was led to the upper floor which was perhaps the piece the resistance of the visit. Coca Cola vending machines were all over the place, and they dispensed Coca Cola that you would encounter in different parts of the world. Somehow, the taste of the drink in Mexico was vastly different from that made in the United States. After this experience, we were led to a vending machine that gave each of us a bottle of Coca Cola as a remembrance of our visit.
Like most conducted trips, one is bound to find locations that have little or no appeal to some. However, what made our trip interesting is the interaction between the participants on the bus who, in some cases, never knew each other before undertaking the trip and who now felt a kinship towards each other. Hopefully some permanent friendships will have emerged from this trip.
Since the group was largely made up of Goans, Konkani music was encouraged and played over the communication system with much enthusiasm. Many participants also shared their singing talents much to the delight of the crowd. The bingo games were looked forward to as were also the snacks that were passed around at regular intervals.
When we got to the Canadian border, we were all surprised by the immigration officer who climbed up the bus and asked by a show of hands who was “Canadian”. Naturally all hands went up with pride.
“Off you go guys. It is getting late for you,” said the man.
What an appropriate finale to a memorable trip!
Only in Canada!!
