I'll Remember the Titans: Tennessee

What do Elvis, barbeque, and Pringles have in common (besides an evident tastiness that can’t be denied)? They all hail from Tennessee.

I never thought I’d step foot on Titan soil—not due to lack of desire, but simply due to lack of opportunity. I mean really, who goes to Tennessee? As I came to find out, music-loving, barbeque-eating, Jack Daniels-downing young folks who are looking for a good time.

Desire met with opportunity when my friend Alicia’s brother Aaron moved out there to work for Proctor & Gamble. P&G does it all, from paper towels to dog food to the aforementioned Pringles. Chances are, if you’re eating a Pringle in North America, it was made in Jackson, Tennessee (thanks for the factoid, Aaron).

Landing in Memphis at 10 p.m. didn’t allow for much window-gazing, but I suspect it’d be on the greener side of things. The size of the airport rivals your typical gas station, so don’t expect to quench your Starbucks craving here. Once we hit the road for the journey to Jackson, the view didn’t improve much, but we’ll blame that on the darkness that time of night brings.

Jackson is a practical town on the verge of qualifying as a city (Wikipedia might call it a city, but I’m not quite willing since it’s a bit smaller than my hometown of Las Cruces). Similar to a Western US town, it’s spread out with a typical mall, cluster of restaurants, and pleasant residential areas.

The suburban architecture is charming and everything you’d want in a neighborhood. We were situated by a large park and wooded area, ideal for all the running, jumping, throwing, sword-fighting*, frisbeeing you could want. *yes, we witnessed mock sword-fights practically in the backyard. Awesome.

It took a Google search and a text to my historian brother to determine if Tennessee fought for the North or South during the Civil War (my US history teachers would not be impressed by my lack of memory on the subject). I was dismayed to learn it was indeed a Confederate state, confirming we were truly visiting the South. As if the humidity and accents didn’t give it away.

Take note that our trip took place during Thanksgiving, so there was a lot of down time spent drinking, eating, and lounging. Pretty much everything you want Thanksgiving to be. Props to Sam, Aaron’s girlfriend, for preparing a fantastic traditional meal. The turkey was brined to perfection at 5 a.m., the potatoes were mashed to the smoothest consistency imaginable, and the stuffing was stuffed to the stuffiest stuffing you could ever stuff.

If you ever find yourself in Jackson, Tennessee (hey, you never know) hit the Green Frog Coffee Company just off the main square and devour a scrumptious fried pie. Chilled or warmed up, you can’t go wrong with this empanada-style morsel that oozes fruity delight.

Ever wonder how the South does wine? Look no further than the Old Medina Winery, a rustic winery in the backwoods of Jackson. It doesn’t take the most refined palette to realize that it’s the Southern sweet tea version of wine—most samples taste like a Splenda-spiked rosé, but it was refreshing and unusual. Beyond the two shared bottles and free tasting, what really made the evening soar was the live music. Kick back on the enclosed porch and get blown away by some local blues.

Over in downtown Memphis, you’ll find the Gibson Guitar Museum and Memphis Grizzlies basketball stadium. There are tons of music shops lining the streets, so pop into one and take advantage of signed memorabilia in a state brimming with famous acts that have come and gone. And if you’re willing to drop $30+, visit the home of the most famous act to ever cross through Tennessee: Elvis Presley's Graceland.

There’s a great selection of food and fun in Memphis, including a place with a 7-lb. burger challenge even a gaggle of football players would have trouble finishing (Adam from Man v. Food lost that challenge, too). But we opted for another restaurant made famous by a food-themed TV show. You’ve heard of a heart-attack special before, but Dyer’s on Beale Street takes it to a whole new level. Featured on The Travel Channel’s Deep Fried Paradise, the world-famous Dyer’s is an unassuming burger joint with one major thing going for it—90-year-old oil.

Seriously.

Back in 1912, the cafe opened and the grease was strained daily and it's still used to this day. When the restaurant moved to historic Beale Street, an armored truck escorted the oil across town. Don’t believe me? Why read in suspicion when you can watch in awe. Good thing I didn’t see this clip before we went, otherwise the guilt would have ruined the taste:

Tennessee might boast legendary football and ribs, but the most outstanding thing borne from this area is the music. From Nashville to Memphis, the music scene is rich in history and talent. The strumming of an electric guitar is almost haunting as the sound echoes down Beale Street, and with an Elvis statue perched at the end of the road, it’s almost as if he’s watching over the budding talent on the streets. Based on what I heard, I think he’d approve.

Twitter: The Place to Be

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List It: The Best/Worst Places to Live Worldwide

Today The Telegraph ran a photo feature online hailing and nailing some cities around the globe in a “best and worst cities to live in” ranking list.

Though best/worst cities lists tend to be the go-to countdown for publications, this particular survey has some gravitas as it was conducted by Mercer—no, not that kid who sat behind you in honors Geometry, but instead the world's largest human resource consulting firm. In other words, it’s legit.

At first glance, the gallery posted by The Telegraph resembled a Germanic tourist board advertisement, as Swiss and German cities dominate the rankings for the best side of things. Props to Vienna for snagging the number one spot.

Though I haven’t step foot on the soil of a good majority of the top ten, I’ve sampled a taste of these countries and I would whole-heartedly agree with the proposed rank, based on cost of living, variety, culture, and healthcare options. Besides a favorable climate, good food, and public transportation, the aforementioned are the top reasons to gravitate to any city.

Back to the list, you might be wondering: how did the US fare? Don’t get your hopes up, kids. The highest-ranking US entry is Honolulu at position 29. Canada kicked our ass with FIVE cities listed before our first (most Americans can’t even name five Canadian cities without a quick google search). After the States finally got a name-drop in the form of Honolulu, it was San Francisco (30), Boston (35), and Portland (42) that got the next highest rankings for American locales.

Oh, Canada! It’s impressive enough that our neighbor to the north got a number 4 shout-out for Vancouver, but also take note that their five largest cities all got ranked in the top 26. The first largest American city that gets mentioned is Chicago waaaay down the list at 44.

As for the worst of the worst? I’ll admit it—I had to Wiki some of the locations in the top ten worst cities list. This isn’t your typical ranking of places that just superficially seem bad, but are actually livable (i.e. anywhere in Texas). This top ten makes you want to cry, donate some money, then cry again. I’m talking about places like N'djamena (3), Bangui (2) and Nouakchott (8).

And the number one place not to live? Baghdad. Again. I usually forgo any political ramblings in this blog, but I can’t help but toss a few queries out there. Baghdad ranked 215 out 215, and I wonder what it ranked a decade ago, pre-invasion. And stepping further into the usually untouched realm of taking an obvious political stance, check it out: the inhabitants of all the best cities enjoy universal healthcare, whereas the worst tend to be run by capitalistic governments with a hands-off approach. Color me a socialist if that means supporting healthcare for all at reasonable prices.

Lists such as these pose quite the contradiction; on one hand, it makes me appreciate where I’m at, but on the other, it makes me want to escape the monotony of my current location and head to greener pastures—if not for semi-permanent relocation, then for temporary vacation purposes. Good thing I’m headed to London on Friday so I can kick this travel bug that’s been nipping at my heels for months now. And update my travel blog with a real travel story. Until then, friends.

Caff It Up: Starbucks Around the World

The mission: a Grande cup of brewed coffee.

The location: The other side of the world.

The player: A caffeine-obsessed coffee junkie (aka Vic).

I’m always on the hunt for that morning cup of eye-opening coffee, perfected with two sugars and a cream. No matter what time zone I find myself roaming around in, a daily dose of caffeine is a must-have in order to function and to avoid the onset of a headache. Besides, how can I live up to my tourist potential without some java to get me rolling? It might be a travel faux-pas, but I have to admit…I love Starbucks when I’m traveling.

Don’t burn me at the anti-corporate stake yet, I try to hit up all the local cafes and sample the native brews at some point during the day too, but ideally, my first a.m. cup needs to be from a traditional drip coffee machine at the ‘bucks.

Europe has this inexplicable obsession with espresso that I can’t seem to grasp. Whether it be in Portugal where they stir it with a cinnamon stick, or in Hungary where it tends to come in a tall glass, strong shots of espresso are the go-to for caffeine fixes Eurowide. But for me, espresso doesn’t quite quench the desire—and it certainly doesn’t ease the pounding between my eyes (the true sign I’m addicted, I know).

For all those non-Starbucks Euro-baristas out there, take note: an Americano is not the same as a brewed coffee. Two shots of espresso mixed with hot water is not coffee, no matter how much you will it to be. I’ve searched Europe high and low for traditional cups of coffee, but they seem to be extinct—except at Starbucks.

Cue the hallelujah choir when I see that green symbol with the creepy mermaid—it brings me major joy in the a.m. while at home or abroad. With over 16,000 stores worldwide (11,000+ in the US alone), there’s bound to be some amazing locations. Considering my love for the chain of all chains, which Starbucks retail stores top my list of all-time favorite locations around the world? Check out the top 10!

#10. Vancouver, Canada

So our hotel location in Vancouver was altogether interesting—if you recall, it was on a block full of randomocities like hookers, dive bars, and delicious pancake houses. It was also home to a fantabulous Starbucks. And in a country where Tim Hortons rules all, I was pretty ecstatic to find the green symbol.

#9. Munich, Germany

Another shout out to Germany and another shout out to a train station location. The Munchen Hauptbahnhof is pimpadelique—I could spend hours there, especially with this little gem along the last track. My quest for brewed coffee was finally fulfilled after days of an aimless search and it tasted so good.

#8. New York City, USA

Times Square is the epicenter of American consumerism, glitz, glamour, and the location of my #8. The Starbucks there was packed out, with a line out the door. And it was around that very site my brother the Yankees fan got in a fight with a Mets fan (it didn’t come to physical blows, but there was definitely a verbal beat down, with pinstripe power unanimously named the victor!).

#7. Las Vegas, USA

Not one, but TWO Starbucks in The Golden Nugget. Sit outside and observe the passersby on Freemont Street, under the lightshow canopy. Day or night, it’s a treat and I can still picture my whole family sitting out there when we visited for my 21st birthday, as we enjoyed the coffee and the company alike.

#6. Santa Fe, USA

By far the most beautiful Starbucks on the list, this ‘bucks is built of adobe and truly blends in with local architecture. On the inside, you’ll find some local art to peruse—with ridiculous prices to scoff at—art and coffee, all in one! It almost seems like you’re visiting a historic site at this place.

#5. London, England

You might be wondering which London location I love the most, considering all the choices, but the answer may surprise you. My all-time favorite London spot is in Victoria station. It’s a great location when you need to kill some time before your train departs. The side door seems to always be broken, so enter from the front to avoid embarrassment as all the commuters tend to watch as you struggle with luggage (oh, just me then?).

#4. Dublin, Ireland

I hit this Starbucks every time I descend on Dublin and it has yet to disappoint. Located a few minutes from Trinity College, it’s an ideal spot to people watch or avoid the inevitable rain. Grab a plushy chair and sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Though beware: even though the location of the store itself is grand, the bathroom location is on the sketch side of things, but just trust the narrow staircase will lead you where you need to go.

#3. Tucson, USA

Student-friendly vibe? Check. Beautiful patio setting? Check. Convenient location? Check. A few steps away from my old journalism department* at the University of Arizona, my favorite Tucson location is on University Boulevard. Tucked away amidst some leafy trees and near a bubbling fountain, you’ve got to check this spot out. The store itself is gorgeous, with wooden floors and an atmospheric interior. *now the UA School of Journalism!

#2. Oxford, England

Oxford already holds a special place in my heart, so it’s no wonder the resident Starbucks would rank high in my list of hot spots for hot coffee. Located on the always bustling High Street, there’s typically a line out the door, with customers willing to brave the English drizzle to get their cuppa. The size of this store is deceiving—there’s a small front space that expands into a large downstairs quadrant and an even larger upstairs seating area. The top tier of this site has large windows overlooking the main street, perfect for people watching from those overstuffed chairs everyone always vies for. Most visitors I entertained while in the Ox were forced into a Starbucks run to this location (though some were more willing than others, i.e. Mark, Sarah, my dad). So shake off that umbrella and cozy up inside this #2 spot—tell ‘em Vic sent ya (don’t really, they have no idea who I am).

#1. Nuremberg, Germany

Prepare to be dazzled by my hyperbole. From the idyllic location to the superior service to the bold blend they had brewing the first morning I wandered in, this Starbucks is truly magical. The small door almost goes unnoticed along the hectic Hauptmarkt, but keep an eye out when you start approaching the bridge. The small storefront is misleading—turn the corner and be amazed; natives and tourists intricately weave in the cavernous sitting area. Calming Starbucks-style music plays and there’s a constant hum of conversation throughout the store. Venture out the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sit on the patio along the river. With church bells heard in the distance and a steady flow of foot traffic crossing the bridge, you’ll be tempted to stay at the ‘bucks all day and ignore the rest of your historical surroundings. Then again, there’s always the next morning when the daily coffee custom rears its head yet again.

There it is, my top ten Starbucks spots around the world. But of course, I have yet to visit all 16,000+ locations so the list isn't entirely fair. I guess I have some traveling to do....

Going Global: My Favorite Shots of My Favorite Spots

Check out the slideshow of photos from around the world! I'm not an amazing photographer, but I have been in the presence of amazing landscape. Any locations you see in the slideshow are also featured in previous posts, so dig around in the archives!