Sunday evening was all about seeing Tanya Tucker at the Ryman. We had funny seats - a 'pew' for just two people and it had a brilliant view of the stage. I have only been introduced to Tanya recently from hearing some of her songs from Bob's radio show and immediately loved her voice and the lyrics and melodies of her songs, so it was an amazing coincidence that she was performing in Nashville while we are here. She is being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame next week. It was a fantastic show by Tanya and her band (and supported by her daughter Layla and Layla's father and stepmother) and we could have happily watched her for several more hours. She is funny, talented and has a great stage presence.

Tootsies, as one of the original honky tonks had been recommended so we went there afterwards, to great disappointment; overcharged, poor vibe and a terrible band.

We started Monday by lolling around the hotel pool for a couple of hours. We felt it sensible to pace ourselves today. After visiting lower Broadway to hear some much better music and enjoy the less frantic early afternoon there, we walked onto the Gibson Garage. Not the factory, but somewhere used to showcase Gibson guitars. I told Bob he is to see it as a museum not a shop; so many great guitars (I am told) in one place.

Of course we had to visit Margaritaville and had dinner there with a couple of the best cocktails around. Not quite the same experience as previously sadly though - felt a bit run down, no band and short of waiting staff. At least we could have a dinner that did not involve burgers or fries!

We sought out a proper 'old style' country band and finished the evening (and our time in Nashville) very happily after listening and dancing to some old standards in the 'Second Fiddle' bar.

This morning (Tuesday) we took a morning flight from Nashville airport (which is undergoing substantial expansion) to Chicago. Dreary day here so we have decided to rest up a bit and just have a nice meal near our hotel.