Walkin' In Memphis

FINALLY! About a month and a half ago, I booked my trip for the long Memorial Day Weekend to visit my boyfriend in Little Rock. He immediately started planning things to do in Little Rock, but I had other ideas brewing in my head. Since I've moved to the East Coast, I've caught the travel bug. Mind you, it may only be within the 50 states, however, a travel bug that has burrowed deep inside of me and has created a deep desire to see these great 50 states. I started researching what was close to Little Rock on Google Maps. I looked at New Orleans, St Louis, and a few other before laying eyes on the great, little city of Memphis. When I told Christopher about my idea, he was all for it, even though he would be traveling to Memphis a few weeks prior to our trip. Once I told my parents, my dad mentioned Graceland. How could I forget where the King of Rock and Roll once graced his presence?! 

I arrived in Little Rock on Thursday before the long weekend. Christopher and I decided to cook dinner that night instead of spending money going out. I think cooking with him might be one of my favorite things to do. It's so relaxing to enjoy a glass of wine while we catch up on our day. The next morning we woke up bright and early and made breakfast, packed up the car, and hit the road. I was so unbelievably excited! A short 2 hours and some odd minutes later, we crossed the border into Tennessee. After setting our bags down, we ran back out the door to visit Graceland. Graceland and Memphis mingle the past and present to form an eye opening experience. Elvis's estate remains untouched from some of his last moments - including the piano he played the morning of his death. Although most of Graceland is a complete tourist trap, I enjoyed every moment. I forced Christopher into most of my pictures and made him pause our audio guided tour numerous times so I could snap pictures of a place I'll probably never get to visit again. After walking around the estate for 2 hours, Christopher and I decided to head back to the hotel to catch a quick nap. Later, we grabbed dinner at an amazing deli and walked around Beale Street. I enjoyed my greatest past time - people watching -  while meandering up and down Beale Street definitely.

Overall, Memphis was nothing like I expected - in both good and bad ways. Most of the city looks as though it hasn't been touched since the Civil Rights Movement and the era of MLK Jr. My Memphis experience can be described in one word: surreal. The fact that I was walking down streets where many fought for the right to be an equal. Stepping inside the mansion of one of the greatest music legends of all times. Overall, it was so surreal to think about my place in this big world and the many people who have left even bigger footsteps to follow in. I'll leave you with some pictures to enjoy my memorable weekend:

Elvis's grave

Momma Sampson Visits Baltimore!

About 2 1/2 weeks ago, my mother FINALLY came to visit my new city. I was so excited to show her my new home and have her understand exactly why I moved across the country. We started off her visit with a trip to Virginia Beach. Although the weather predicted thunderstorms and lightening, we were surprised to wake up to an absolutely gorgeous day. We spent most of our time sitting on the beach and enjoying drinks. I can't tell you enough about how much I needed this weekend with my mother. After a stressful few weeks at work, it was simply amazing to relax and chat with my mom.

After 2 nights spent in Virginia Beach, we headed back home to Baltimore. I loved showing my mom the different neighborhoods here in Baltimore. We enjoyed a nice mother's day brunch (mimosas included) in Canton and strolled around the inner harbor. My mom was able to experience and taste all the delicious seafood platters Charm City has to offer.

On Monday, I went back to work while my mother explored the city. She came to visit me at work as well as meet my boss. After some not so subtle hints from my mother, my boss gave me the rest of the day off. My mom already had a plan to visit Annapolis after our failed attempt to see the town the day before. We shopped and explored Annapolis, which is an adorable little town nestled right in the along the Chesapeake Bay.

Tuesday morning, my momma left bright and early to head back to California. I was sad to see her go, but so so happy and grateful that she came to visit my new home. I was talking to Christopher the other day about how much more I appreciate home and my family since I've moved to Baltimore. I once had a psychology professor claim that distance makes the heart go wander (in reference to long distance relationships), however I like to believe the opposite. I think distance makes the heart grow fonder, more compassionate, more caring, more of just about everything when you add 3,000 miles to the mix. I can't even begin to explain the strange funk I was in before my mom came to visit. As soon as she stepped out of the hotel lobby and gave me a huge hug - all my worries disappeared. Only one more month until I'm back home in California! I apologize for the semi short post, but I promise to post pictures soon from my trip to Little Rock and Memphis!