Nashville in 5 weeks

As you all know, I am determined to experience Nashville to the fullest. Try new things, go new places, eat new foods. We've been here five weeks and here's my review so far. 

1. The Southern
We had brunch here on Sunday afternoon. I had fried chicken and waffles. I've always wanted to try that famous combo. There is something lovely about crunchy salty fried chicken mixed with soft syrupy waffles. The food was good, but the Whistlin' Brothers band was great. I love a banjo, guitar, bass trio.

2. Mafiaozas
Wonderful buffalo chicken pizza. Cool atmosphere. Patio is especially fun with nephews.

3. Las Paletas
Heaven. I have one creamy pop and one fruity pop on each visit. I pass Las Paletas each day on the way home. Not was tempting in the rainy freezing weather, but come summer it's gonna be watch out world.

4. Etch
This isn't just fine food, it's art. Spectacular food. Great service.

5. The Loveless Cafe
This is a Nashville landmark. Biscuits, biscuits, biscuits. The fried chicken is the best (according to Jared) and I loved the sides. Skip the desserts as they are mediocre and just have a couple extra biscuits.

6. Athens
The Greek omelet makes my morning feel good. I love how much feta cheese they can cram in an omelet.

7. The Country Music Hall of Fame
I learned a lot about the evolution of country music. I love country music.

8. Birthday party
On Saturday evening I was Ryan's date to his classmates swim birthday party. All of the boys in the class were invited and there were a few moms who stuck around during the party. I was definitely the only adult in the pool with the 15 fifth grade boys. I knew Ryan wanted me to chauffeur him to the party, but I wasn't sure he actually wanted me to play. Oh, he did. He wanted me in the pool doing swim races and going under water to see if I could hear him and then above water to participate in dunking contests. He eventually just wanted to play with his friends and I happily got out of the indoor-but-still-cold pool. This is special though. I am still the cool aunt for one more day.

9. Basketball games



I am so thankful that I get to watch elementary school boys' basketball. I've caught the end of the girls' games and it is just so painful to watch. All the hormones and clumsiness and changing bodies.

10. Employment at Vanderbilt
This is totally Nashville. I keep waiting for someone to say "We figured out that you're not an adult/not qualified/not good enough and we shut down your access card and took the key to the office that we pretended was yours."

11. Bookman/Bookwoman
Best used bookstore ever. Especially when you're mom gives you a coupon for store credit worth $80.

12. Boat show at the Convention Center

That is a big pool in the middle of the convention center. I kayaked in it and William is paddle boarding this picture. I was secretly hoping he would fall in. 

I just wanted to see if the employees handling the pool would have to jump in after him. 

13. Radnor Lake
I adore Radnor Lake. Been there five times since arriving in Nashville. Jared, Scout, and I went in the rain on Sunday. It was beautiful and serene and empty of other humans.

14. Taize 
I went to the most beautiful Taize service on Sunday evening. I have longed for Taize style worship since visiting the community in France.