On the second night of their journey, Silvia and Cosmo arrive in Memphis, Tennessee, where Silvia has a friend, Clay, a talented Blues musician. When Clay explains that he moved to Memphis to study the Blues, Cosmo initially assumes he is attending a school in the area. Clay clarifies that his learning comes from living the music, not from a formal classroom, prompting a profound realization for Cosmo: the pursuit of knowledge and mastery does not require a traditional school. He is inspired by Clay’s passion for life, fueled by his dedication to playing the Blues.
Memphis is undeniably the city of Blues, and it is equally renowned for its barbecue cuisine. Cosmo insists on visiting a local barbecue restaurant as soon as they arrive. While Silvia, a strict vegetarian, is hesitant, she happily finds macaroni and cheese and collard greens on the menu.
After dinner, they meet Clay in the South Main Historic District of Memphis. Once a bustling business center, the area fell into abandonment in the early 1960s. A revival began in the 1980s, and today the district is home to boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and nightlife spots that make it a vibrant cultural hub. As Cosmo gazes at the historic buildings—many formerly used as manufacturing facilities—he reflects on a bygone era in the United States “when things were actually made in this country.”
This stop in Memphis not only immerses the siblings in Southern culture and musical heritage but also connects them to the city’s rich history and the enduring spirit of the Blues.
This post is from my blog series on the places visited in the road trip story, “Discovery of an Eagle.”
Grace Mattioli is the author of the Greco Family Trilogy books, including Olive Branches Don’t Grow on Trees, Discovery of an Eagle, and The Bird that Sang in Color. These books are available from all major online book sellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
