Nashvegas & the Smokies

With great excitement we arrived in Nashville and were greeted by Nathan and Cassie Tasker at the airport and chauffeured in their massively massive American van (complete with limousine style interior lights), with Nath pointing out the Nashville highlights, to their gorgeous new home in East Nashville. We enjoyed 5 days with the Taskers who were very generous and wonderful hosts. We were treated to the 'Nathan and Cassie Highlights of Nashvegas' tour which included lots of cafes and shops - plus the Cheesecake Factory, Music Row, Franklin and Green Hills Mall (and the heavenly Whole Foods store). It was great to be there for Cass' birthday and to meet their friends and see their Nashville life, which really suits the work they are doing. It was really wonderful to hang out together and have conversations in English - finally! Thanks for having us Taskers - we look forward to catching up in London in a few months.

From Nashville we hired a car and headed to the Great Smoky Mountains to stay in Pete's ex-boss' (Pearl's) cabin in the mountains. The cabin was magnificent - with cable TV, dishwasher, fabulous views and the promise of bears lurking in the thick forest around us. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on if you were inside or outside) we didn't see any bears but did enjoy an amazing array of butterflies, squirrels and turtles of all things! We ventured into the town of Gatlinburg, where we were tempted by Dolly Parton's "Dollywood" theme park, "Fanny Farkles'" foot long ogle dogs, the "Salt and Pepper Shakers Museum" and various other gimmicky attractions - but managed to restrain ourselves. We did spend a few very hot days walking in the Smokies, which really were beautiful - very green and lush forest. Whilst we chose to walk through the park, there was also the option to see the park via the 'automobile track'... in true American style.