ASB Staycation Day 2

                Hello, my name is Israel Polo. It’s a wonder how many things in this world, let alone our city, we do not know. This day has been one that has opened my eyes to treasures in the city I inhabit. I have been blessed to see this city with a new perspective along with my new friends. From the community service work to the city gazing adventure in downtown Memphis, day two of ASB staycation has been one of the most amazing and culturally eye opening.

               Our day began with a tour of downtown. First we began at the luxurious Peabody hotel. Here our group gathered around the fountain of the lobby to see the march of the ducks. During the introduction, our guide told us of the historical significance this event has had within the century. I have heard that there are other grand hotels that duplicate this event but it was wonderful to be at where the tradition began. To my surprise they don’t march out of the elevator but run. I could barely take a photo of them they were so fast! Next we followed our noses to the smell of food being cooked at the Trolley stop Market. Here we had the most amazing food this diner had to offer. The food was delicious and would be a place I would return with friends or family. Of course I had to taste their best burger and it did the job of satisfying my appetite and then some. This place was indeed the Trolley Stop Market because just outside was our trolley. We rode on a restored trolley that had been used since the 70's. This ride was one of the most memorable I would ever take. From the old wood to the steel tracks, this ride was a unique experience. The next stop delighted us with the scenic view of the Memphis from the 17^th floor of the Madison hotel. This view of downtown was amazing and it is a destination that we will have to go to again and again. Ending up on Beale Street, we indulged in homemade soda floats from A. Schwarz. Here we learned that they had opened up in the 1800's and built its rafters from the remains of a stalled barge on the Mississippi. The business had once been named the biggest retailer in Memphis.

                The next part of our day was a culturally engaging experience. We got to go to the Rock and Soul Museum and got to see the famous side of Memphis. The music that had emerged from this city had finally reveled it history. This museum explained the diverse hub that Memphis encompassed with people from all walks of life. This led to the mixing of music from people from different race and creeds that helped build the foundation for Memphis as a musical hotspot. Today I learned that music was the gateway to the unity and bonding of this city. Our Final stop was St. John Methodist Church. Here we all got to work together to provide a dinner meal for those in the community that needed it. Surprisingly, we were all placed with great responsibility than I thought we would. All supplies were provided to us by our host, Mrs. Rhodes, and we were to create a meal using our talents in the kitchen. We were placed with great responsibility to feed people and their friends and family. With all our group effort, we successfully cooked, portioned, and distributed a course that was satisfying cooking it as it was watching our guests enjoy it. This opened my eyes to realize that group effort is all we need to tackle any project. The people living in poverty would enjoy a warm meal today and I hope to be there to cook again.

                Overall this day had everything you could ask for in a lifetime. Being in a van with great people and getting to know each other better, together we have seen another side of Memphis that we could have easily missed. This was a day to remember and I have no doubt that the next few days would be the same.