Music and Nashville, Tennessee

     Nashville is called the Music City. It is the capital of Tennessee and the center of the music industry.

     I visited Nashville in May 2015 and joined a city tour. Most of the places and things I saw that have something to do with music are impressive – the buildings, billboards, stores, and restaurants. Those that are not music-related are equally impressive. The surroundings were organized and clean. Beautiful city. Nice people. 

     Tourists go to Nashville to experience southern music and lifestyle. I heard that this place is famous for bachelorette parties or any kind of parties. I am not a big party person, but I wouldn't mind experiencing this one day. 

     People from the south are generally nice and hospitable. I met a new friend, Ron, and his daughter. He offered me a ride downtown and invited me to see the Southern Women's Show at the Music City Center. I enjoyed the show, including meeting Mrs. Tennessee and some shopping. After seeing the show, I strolled downtown and joined a crowd having fun at the music bar.

     I love music, and I love Nashville. So you can call me a Tennessean!
 

Fashion Show of Hats in Louisville, Kentucky

     The 141^st Kentucky Derby in Churchill Downs happened on May 2, 2015. Yes, I was there!

     This world-renowned horse racing event was packed with fans of horses and fashion. I am not a fan of the derby, but I was there to experience the fun, the festival, and fashion.

     Based on my research, "The long-established fashion was started with Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.'s vision for the derby as an event that the high-class would attend, similar to European-style racing events, which mandated full morning dress for men and women. For the first running of the Kentucky Derby, he used high-class women to recruit his target clientele to attend the race. The event quickly became just as much about fashion as racing. Going to a horse racing event became an opportunity to show off the latest in spring fashion, and women were known to coordinate their hats, dresses, bags, shoes, and even parasols."

     I didn't bring an elaborate hat and wasn't wearing a spring color dress. Instead, I had a New York-style short black dress, which I think had matched my simple hat. I knew how to carry myself and mingle with the beautiful crowd anyway! 

     I went to this event for the purpose of my CNN iReporting. It was so much fun taking photos. Fortunately, my story was vetted, and my photo was featured as the photo of the day. 

     It was entertaining watching glamorous girls with their gorgeous outfits and elaborate hats. Other interesting scenes were seeing some people getting wasted with too much drinking. But, of course, this is a party, so it's not surprising. The entrance fee was expensive, but it was worth my experience. 

     Kentucky Derby is a southern tradition and one of the biggest sports and entertainment events globally. This is one of my favorite events in the US. Maybe you can include this on your list, too. 

  

 

 

Arts in Des Moines, Iowa

     I often go to Des Moines on a work trip, and our hotel shuttle always passes by John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. I've always been interested in seeing the park. Finally, on a long layover, I had a chance to go.

     I love to photograph art. Thanks to my FA colleague, Kyle, who took my photos. Our long walk from the hotel to downtown was our exercise for the day. This is a small town, so the streets were quiet with few people. The weather was nice, the grasses were green, and the flowers were blooming. I love spring! It snows a lot in Iowa during winter, but there are good days to enjoy here.

     I learned from our driver that Iowa is a major center of the US insurance industry. According to the records, it is the third-largest insurance capital in the world. So no wonder I've seen a lot of insurance buildings downtown. We had a selfie with the tallest building in Des Moines, the Charles Schwab. 

     Des Moines has been the best business place and was once ranked as the wealthiest city in America. I've never thought that a small town like Des Moines has all these interesting facts. It is definitely impressive!

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park