Had a one night stop off in Virginia en route from D.C to break the journey down to Nashville. Pulled up to our accomodation which I think must’ve been the inspiration for the Bates Motel….it was a shocker from the outside. Burnt out light up sign and general sense of impending doom about the place! Murderous vibes not helped by the guy on the front of this promotional leaflet left by the bed…presumably as a warning from the others who had been slaughtered before us?! Had dinner and slept with one eye open

Set off for the long drive down to Nashville early doors. Bus journeys have been totally manageable, comfy and good company helps. All learning lots about each other and interesting stories, like resident nurse, Alex and her “what is my favourite xray of things we’ve found in a body cavity” one! (plastic Buzz Lightyear in someones rectum if you’re wondering) helps the time to fly by.

Pulled into Nashville, affectionately termed “Nash-vegas” by the locals, around 1pm after crossing the state time zone line and gaining an hour back. Real hubbub about the place just driving down Broadway, the main street in the city, even mid afternoon. Bars spilling full of people, street performers everywhere and live music ringing in our ears. Such a cool place, all in agreement we loved it as we headed to the hostel  (whyyyyyyyyy!!!) and checked in

Straight back out to make the most of our one day here and first stop was cowboy boot shopping. Some of the girls had their eyes on pairs since the trip began so we had lots of fun trying on lots of pairs and helping the ladies decide which to choose. I decided I’d rather keep both kidneys than have to sell one on the black market to cover the $400 price tag for a pair of boots I will literally never wear outside of this holiday! These tempted me badly, but decided playing cowgirl dress up was more fun than parting with my cash

3 pairs of boots and 3 very happy holiday companions in tow, we headed over to the Country music hall of fame. Really well done museum covering all areas of Country music right from its inception up to Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban

Watched some great footage of country stars over the years and messed around on the interactive stuff designed for kids. Leanne and I recording our own album track and creating some questionable cover art!!

Home via Mike’s Ice Cream parlour, where the line was out the door, figured all those southerners couldn’t be wrong! It was delicious, had red velvet cake flavour, when in Rome eh!

We went for dinner and hung out with our group leader and her boyfriend who was in town for the weekend. Beers on a cool rooftop bar with views out over the city. Walked up the street and into a few bars for drinks and live music. The local bands play just for tips and to entertain and they are awesome. Everyone here could be the next big country sensation, voice are phenomenal and we danced and yelled along to country classics for a few hours before hitting the hay.

Off to Memphis tomorrow for Graceland and more southern hospitality and we can’t wait! Night y’all xx