Memphis Zoo.

The zoo was awesome. No doubt about it. Many people recommended it as the place to go in Memphis. Spring was in the air. The animals were playful and put on quite a show. We spent the whole day there. It is hard to say what exhibit was the most entertaining. The Bengal Tigers were something to see. They were literally as big as horses. The pictures don't do justice to their size. Just look at those huge paws. They command a healthy amount of fearful respect. The Polar bears were mesmerizing. We watched through the windows as they swam and dived at least 30 minutes. They would swim right to the face at the window, look, do a back flip, and swim away. The interaction was amazing. A baby monkey entertained a huge crowd for another 30 minutes or more. He kept trying to climb a tree with his stick. It was hilarious. The China exhibit with the Panda bears alone was worth the trip. Check here for more pictures. I am posting my favorites. I love the shot of the Eagle. This was through wire but it still looks great. The Zoo was fun for the whole family. I think we will plan a trip next year to see exhibits under construction.

We also ate at Hard Rock Cafe on Beale street. The dinner was great. There were even more cool Elvis items, including gold records, on display here. We made it about 1 to 2 blocks down Beale before we turned around and said maybe not. This was at 5:00. I have no desire to walk down that street in the dark. People were already drinking quite liberally at every step. The language was colorful. We saw all we needed to see. Jamie was especially eager to leave. He did not like it one bit. Sarah is still too young to understand. We went back to the hotel and the kids swam in the pool.

We had a great time. Took lots of pictures. Bought some t shirts. Memphis was a perfect mini- vacation. Wait! I almost forgot. I took a side trip to Archiver's (a major scrapbook chain). Mike did not think I could make it there and back alone. The Garmin is a wonderful piece of technology. Shopping there was worth the trip alone. I did not take pictures (should have) because I was too busy shopping. Mike was quite relieved to see me and the Expedition return in one piece.