(Chicago, Illinois, USA)

“For reasons I cannot explain, there’s a part of me that wants to see Graceland…”  – Paul Simon, “Graceland” (1986)

“Graceland” is one of my favourite albums of all time.  Alas, I am not going to see Graceland itself…at least not for a while.   Yes, I had booked a trip to Memphis, Tennessee and fully expected to be posting a blog entry from Memphis this evening.  However, when I arrived in Chicago, I learned that my connecting flight to Memphis had been cancelled due to poor weather in Tennessee.  I also learned that there was no way to get to Memphis for the next two days.  For a three day trip, this was discouraging news!

I had hoped to see the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum, Sun Studios, Graceland, and a handful of other musical and historic landmarks (including the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the site of Martin Luther King’s assassination).  I was also looking forward to the cuisine, including some authentic Memphis barbecue.

It would be easy to feel bitter, especially given the financial hit I’m likely taking on the hotels.   However, part of travel is remaining flexible and rolling with the punches.  I’ve decided to stay in Chicago for three days and see what Louise and I missed when we visited in the summer of 2013.   Tonight, I’m going to create an “instant tourism itinerary” for the next couple of days.  No Memphis barbecue…but maybe some Chicago-style deep-dish pizza?  No Memphis soul, but maybe some Chicago blues?    Check back soon and see how it all works out!