I haven’t traveled for work since I left Hampstead. For the past two years I’ve been honored to be the president of the New Hampshire Chief Technology Officers Council (NHCTO), the state chapter of the Consortium of School Networks (CoSN). Each year CoSN hosts a national conference. This year’s conference was held in Nashville and the NHCTO volunteered to pay my way as president of the chapter. I’ve driven through Nashville before, but never ventured into the city. I didn’t know what to expect as I’m not a huge fan of country music. However, the experience was one I’ll not soon forget.

The conference was amazing, but this blog is about my travel adventures. I never realized why Nashville is called music city until visiting there. The whole of downtown is filled with multi-story honkytonks. Each level houses a bar with its own stage. Four or five bands might play in a single venue. Music is everywhere. The CMAs were held while we were there and a large stage was set up in the middle of the street. People were everywhere like a mini Las Vegas. Though I’m not a big hat fan, I gave a cowboy hat a fleeting thought.

Perhaps, to my biggest amazement I enjoyed the bands. We visited at least half a dozen venues. While some played country music, there was a wide variety of popular music as well. I guess this old dog can learn a few new tricks. Like the song says, “you change the world when you change your mind.”

We were honored to be able to visit the African American Music Museum. Besides the factual information, the venue had interactive exhibits for singing and dancing as well. It was truly a highlight of the week.

I’ve wanted to see the Parthenon in Nashville since I was a kid. I used one of my morning walks to hike to Centennial Park and fulfill this life long dream. It was worth every step. My only regret was that it wasn’t open to see the inside. I guess I’ll just have to make another trip.

I work hard, but I also play hard. This was on opportunity to do both, and I’m grateful I had the opportunity.