Knoxville, Tennessee

Special thanks to my cuz Shane (right), Akira (left) and Stacia (not seen) for some real good southern hospitality. On our first night we were exposed to Southern-style steak. Meaning extra extra fried. So good!

 Let's go Vols!

We watched the college football game that the whole town went crazy for. It was a big rival game against the Florida Gators (BOOO) which over 100,000 people also went to watch and they made a lot of bloody noise.  It was the hottest day the world has ever seen so we only made it to half time before we all melted.  Our cue to leave was "I'm gonna go watch the second half on my sofa.......wanna come? It's Air conditioned" - Jason.

Shane and Stacia had a lovely home, which sometimes resembled a zoo. Best animals ever. From left to right; Seneca, Misty, Paul, Kirby, Shane's feet, Akira. Unfortunately we didn't fit Omie Wise in but she's a splendid dog.

Oh no.

 We met a lovely chap called Thom at our hostel who we took on a hike with us on the Laurel Falls trail on the Smoky Mountains.  It was a fun drive to get to the mountains, through what is known as the armpit of Tennessee (White trash holiday heaven).  Including an upside down mansion, a hotel in form of the Titanic, Nascar themed race tracks, Christmas themed hotel and a lot of Dinosaur stuff. 

After a good trek we found Laurel falls.  On the way back we also encountered a massive black bear that tried to eat us all.

Knoxville - old town, and the Tennessee blue plate special where bands play everyday and earn (surprisingly) a blue plate. In the words of Big Al "They range from crappy to world class". We managed to catch an enjoyable set.

Thank-you Shane and Stacia. For showing us the bars, complete with rocking chairs, of Knoxville. Treating us to Southern food and possible future heart problems. Taking us to ihop for pancakes on Sunday morning where everyone goes after church whilst wearing an 'I hunt Jesus' T-shirt. Explaining the strange but friendly ways of the Tennessee people. Cheers!

Yey Thom!

The hostel we stayed at was full of characters. Thom being a sane one. We encountered Francoise - A French Chinese 50 year old who sleep-walks. While naked. And Isis, an older lady who likes to be near water, collects old text books and is addicted to the internet.

Thanks Knoxville