Read about the start of our music travels in Nashville 2014
First of all, I’d like to thank Jenny
My itinerary this Sunday 14 September was to get to Melbourne airport for a 10a.m. flight , then to Sydney, Los Angeles, onward to Dallas and then, finally, Music City Nashville Tennessee. I awoke rather unwell and she got me going, into the car and, without complaint, returned to our house after a 5 minute aborted journey when I realised I’d left my Australian phone behind.
To the airport in time, Qantas checked my bags through including my American Airlines flights which would save me a lot of time. So with all four boarding passes, I got through security painlessly and had a much needed sit down for 10 minutes before boarding. There was little time to spare between the transfer to the international flight, given the delays at Australian Customs and the bus trip to the International terminal.
Thankfully, I was feeling better. The thirteen hour flight to L.A. was pleasant enough, plenty of good meals and on-going access to the snack bar. No good music documentaries on the in-flight entertinment, so I settled into The Man Called Cash by Steve Turner – what better to read, approaching Nashville than this acclaimed biography of Johnny Cash.
The clearance through Customs at L.A.X was surprisingly prompt. The line was enormous, but an official directed me to the ‘return visitor’ line which had me facing a machine that scanned my passport, took my photo and fingerprints and issued me with a clearance print out. I then at the next checkpoint had only to answer a few questions as to why I was traveling alone (then and in the future weeks). I managed to get to the American departure gate with an hour to spare, a quick bite and on to Dallas/Fort Worth for the last leg.
Fatigue was setting in on the last leg, but I was lucky to be sitting next to two ladies who were good company and gave me many good tips of things to do on my adventure.
A familiar figure was at the baggage carousel, one whom has not been mentioned as part of Americanafest. I wonder if I’ll see him again…
Then one last thing – get a cab to the house we are renting for the next eleven days. I gave the driver the address and mentioned it was close to the legendary Station Inn. He pulled up outside the Inn twenty minutes later, giving me the distinct impression that I was staying AT the Inn. After using his GPS (finally!), I arrived at the house, and delighted to see travel mates Sandra and Trish. A cup of tea and a chat and to bed.
Tomorrow is free, with some chores required – eg set up my cell phone and buy new reading glasses.
Tomorrow night a dish of Leftover Salmon.
Read about the start of our music travels in Nashville 2014
Read about the start of our music travels in Nashville 2014
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