Well, we're finally here and at a computer with some ability to type a reasonable speed (the G1 doesn't quite cut it for that). It's Monday lunchtime here in Memphis, and it's been a fantastic start to the trip, which I will try and document for y'all now...
We started early Saturday morning, where bleary eyed parents and ridiculously over-excited students gathered in the dark outside School to travel to Birmingham. Passports secured, there was a rather intimidating amount of singing on the coach for that time of the morning, but nonetheless we arrived at Birmingham in good time. Electronic check-in all went smoothly, until it turned out (somewhat to my surprise) that Mr Williams was on the FBI wanted list and therefore was not permitted to travel. Perhaps school CRB checks are not thorough enough. After some rather tense moments, it turned out that it was another person of the same name, and he was cleared to travel. Very amusing...
The first flight passed in an instant and then a short connection time in Amsterdam was somewhat ruined by a very fierce customs lady shouting at me rather unnecessarily! Still, we all made it onto the plane, and although seated all over the place, enjoyed films, games and not-too-unpleasant food. Passing through US immigration was far less painful than expected, and we were met by Ken and Kirk who drove us to the Artisan. There are surely no restaurants in England anywhere near as pink and glaring than the Taco Bell we visited that evening, for our first dose of ridiculously priced, relentlessly unhealthy food. Utterly exhausted, all to bed by 9pm.
Sunday was an early start for the adjusting body-clock, with Damien and Jacob coming back from Starbucks before 6am - there are a vast number of food outlets within 5 minutes of our hotel, Starbucks being right across the street. It was great to see the students independently getting out there and exploring all that had to offer, and also slightly terrifying to see just how much food people eat here. It also felt utterly counter-cultural to be walking anywhere.
Church first thing which was good - great to hear some British songs being used over here and a warm welcome from the people to all the students. Zac is elated because he met someone who not only has his own drum-making company, but also knows the owner of the world-famous Memphis Drum Shop. I hope his parents haven't given him their credit card! After church, we headed to a Chinese Buffet for lunch, before having a really helpful intro to Memphis Music History from Ken (the president of the school) - we then passed Sun Studios on the way to the the National Civil Rights Museum, which is housed next to and adjoining the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King was shot in April 68.
This is unquestionably a museum which every human being should experience. Incredibly moving, thought-provoking and inspiring, it was incredible to be standing on the spot where that all unfolded. It was an amazing experience and really set the scene for our time here, in the sense of its cultural and historical position. The story of human struggle and progress told here makes you question everything about your own worldview and way forward. On exiting the museum, the students were treated to a wonderful experience, where a fireman from the adjacent station got talking to them (and entertaining them), before taking them into the station, allowing them to sit on the fire engine, look around etc. etc. - then the police came and joined in - photo ops galore sitting in the back of a police car, next to the rather worryingly loaded machine gun.
We then headed down to the riverbanks where having watched the sunset, we chatted a little more about what the week has in store for us. Next stop was Beale Street, a strip of bars and clubs all with live blues and jazz going on - neon lights and street performers made for a fantastic experience and we stopped to listen to a mind-blowing guitarist and his band. Utterly amazing and inspiring. Final action for the day was to head to Gus' World Famous Fried Chicken, for another heart attack on a plate. Incredibly tasty nonetheless however. We left craving something not sweet, or fatty or massive.
The end of a great day, a special day and one in which so much was achieved. Today we are starting classes here at Visible School, and the students are going to be recording in two of Memphis' most famous recording studios, before heading to the Recording Academy for dinner with the Director of the Grammy's. More to come, and now we are based in the school, I will endeavour to update more frequently! The group is working really well together and supporting each other throughout, and have made a very positive impression on our hosts, a credit to the school.
Time to down tools and head for lunch...
