Although my ticket went to New Orleans, I didn't really want to go there as I had been there before. Wasn't sure where to get off but with the help of the much travelled and very knowledgable car attendant Michel Antoine I chose to alight at Birmingham and take the Megabus to Memphis the same day. The train had no wifi so Michel Antoine booked the bus on his phone for me.
Took taxi to Starbucks to get wifi and wait until time to get the bus.
The Megabus is much cheaper than Greyhound mainly because they don't have garages to maintain. All bookings are on Internet and they just stop in carparks and suchlike out of town.
I had read reviews and they were really bad. However I have now taken two trips and they have been very smooth. The drivers have been amusing and informative re weather conditions and what too expect.
On the Birmingham to Memphis section whiteys were definitely in the minority. Everywhere I have found people friendly and helpful. The picture above is the vehicle driven by two girls giving away a zero calorie Red Bull drink. It tasted ok in the heat of the sun waiting for the bus which was an hour late.
From the top of the double decker bus there were great views as we journeyed through some forests and after travelling thousands of miles at least it wasn't flat anymore. Also the sky and sunset was gorgeous.
At Memphis there were no taxis where the bus stopped and one of the black guys called taxi for me. I offered to pay but as usual it was 'you don't need to do the Ma'am'. It is funny being called Ma'am all the time especially with the southern drawl.
I went to a Motel 6 in downtown Memphis. Again it had bad reviews. I figured that not having an ironing board
was not dreadful and decided to risk it.
It was fine. Very clean room and fresh sheets on the king size bed and quiet as well. What more could you want for $50?
There was free coffee in reception but no breakfast so I went to Burger King and had a most disgusting breakfast of sausage, egg and cheese in a soggy sweet croissant.
Then taxi back to the Megabus stop. The driver was 77 years old but acted like 90. He had long wavy grey hair under his baseball cap. I asked him wether it was worth visiting Elvis' Gracelands. He said he didn't know as he was a Johnny Cash fan.
I wondered if I would regret not going but in the event I am glad I didn't as I had a great time in Little Rock.