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Reminiscing about Memphis
My hometown
One memorably cold morning in late February of 2020, I hopped on a plane to Sydney, Australia, accompanying my girlfriend on her return trip. She had been staying with my family and I in Memphis since November to experience the holiday season. At the time, Australian universities were out for summer vacation (yep, the seasons are switched). When saying goodbye to my family, I felt almost nonchalant. If anything, I had directed my emotional attention to Zoe leaving us. After all, we were to live separated for the coming school term, and I would be back with my family in just three short weeks. Wearing our newly acquired face masks, we departed from Memphis with a bittersweet excitement. Lo and behold, I'm still down under four years later - a story for a different blog!
While I've loved living in Australia, the Memphis metro was home for nearly 20 uninterrupted years - my entire childhood - so most of the nostalgia I feel for anything is tied to this great city. When finding myself homesick, I'll reminisce Memphis in May festivities or days spent waiting in line at the Forum to nab free Grizzlies tickets from player giveaways. When the Grizzlies were on hot streaks, the city was electrified and full of energy.
Unfortunately, I haven't visited home since I left, but we're planning a trip for Thanksgiving this year (2023). While there, I hope to relive many things I love about Memphis, like family zoo trips and dinners, game nights on Beale, drinking Ghost River beer, and relaxing in the Botanical Gardens. I'd also like to visit my Alma Mater. When last there, many construction projects were just starting. I'm keen to see how much things have changed, however that sentiment applies to the whole city.
Wherever I am or whatever country I'm exploring, I'll always act as a Memphis missionary, recommending a trip there to any foreigners considering a less conventional trip to the United States - where the beaten path too often leads folks to California, New York, or Orlando.
Other aspects I love
Every country I've lived in has their own distinctive holidays, but I regularly miss Memphis' unique events and seasonal charm. The city always has plenty of decor for things throughout the year and a festive spirit that most places can't match. St. Patrick's Day, for instance, always went harder than one might expect. I loved having a green beer at Silky O'Sullivan's for the St. Patrick's Day parade.
Of course, my favorite holiday has always been Halloween, where Memphis puts on plenty of events. However, most places don't celebrate Halloween at all! 😠I'm digressing a bit, but the US seems to have more celebrations altogether. Obviously that includes ones like the 4th of July and Thanksgiving, but Halloween, for example, is scarcely celebrated outside the US. I miss the haunted/themed activities around Memphis like the Zoo Boo at Memphis Zoo, the Mid-South Corn Maze, or picking a pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch.
Again, digressing, but whenever Halloween is observed abroad, it's usually costume parties - no trick-or-treating or horror to it. Perhaps the commercialism of what I'm about to say subverts the true spirit of the holiday (or whatever); still, an excellent example of how America celebrates better is easy for anyone to experience at a Walmart snack aisle. I'm a sucker for festive brandings you'd see on candy, cereal, and snacks, but nowhere else does this like we do. And, of course, I can't forget to mention the lawn decorations! From my grandparent's front yard, I bless you with exhibit A:
Connecting with the city
While my family would take me into the city a lot as a kid, I made even more meaningful connections there during my time at the University of Memphis. As a student who lived far from school, I spent much of my time in the city between classes rather than commuting back and forth. Classes were at 9 AM and 6 PM, so I would pass the time between exploring or hanging out at Oak Court Mall. Apart from the city's East side, I spent plenty of time in midtown or downtown whenever there was a Grizzlies game. And, of course, I was always hunting for the best food and BBQ I could find.
While at school, I engaged in extracurriculars that opened doors to many exciting events across the city. These often took place at the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden, such as volunteering at (and dancing in) the Memphis' Japan Festival. I also enjoyed attending the Economics Club of Memphis' monthly meetings as a student ambassador while president of the University's economics club. These opportunities helped me connect with the city and make many unforgettable memories.
For anyone who hasn't seen the city before, here are a few sights that are worth a visit to see in person:
BBQ and Southern Cuisine
Besides my friends and family, perhaps what I miss most about Memphis is the exquisite food. I miss my favorite foods from home every day and tout Memphis cuisine as top-tier globally. When I mentioned being a Memphis missionary earlier, those efforts frequently anchor around our BBQ scene.
I make sure folks know that it is better than Texas BBQ, obviously, and have taught many young disciples about the differences between grilled and BBQed. They've all come to understand that conflating the two is nothing less than blasphemy, whereby a suitable punishment for all the restaurant marketers guilty of misbranding simple grilled meat as BBQ should be rounded up and stoned in the local town square. There are WAY too many grills calling themselves BBQ in Australia and Japan.
Surprisingly, though, Memphis BBQ has a good amount of representation in Australia. Now and then, food brands will promote a Memphis BBQ-themed menu item. While these items haven't tasted remotely accurate, my face still lights up with a smile every time I see Memphis on the packaging. About a year ago, Hungry Jack's (Burger King's name in Australia due to copyright) had a Memphis BBQ line of sandwiches and burgers. More recently, on a trip to my local Woolworths, Australia's biggest grocery store chain, I found a Memphis roast chicken on sale, which was just ok, but I was excited to see it nonetheless.
Apart from this, there are many other southern foods that I can't wait to eat when I get home, like biscuits, grits, our kind of sausage, and maple bacon. I miss any breakfast because breakfast anywhere else is lackluster. Having lived in several countries, I can say everywhere has good food, but only Memphis and the South have the best food!
Lastly, have a look around!
If you feel like, I've dropped in a Google map of the city so feel free to explore below!
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