Missouri 12th to 16th August

MISSOURI

Branson 

Branson the ‘poor man’s Vegas!’  What a wacky place.  The neon-lit Strip had at least 50 theatres dating back to the 50's & 60's hosting 100+ country music, magic and dodgy comedy shows!! 


 


  I say dodgy because would you watch a show called “Baldknobbers Jamboree?” 

 

The majority of entertainers are either retired or have never really made it in the first place.  Shows are performed 3 times a day, 7 days a week.  

We played safe and decided to see Legends in Concert – a tribute to Michael Jackson, Elvis, The Blues Brothers and a country singing duo.  Unfortunately I still have no idea who they were supposed to be. 

Allen bought 2 tickets through an Agent earlier in the day.  He phoned us saying the tickets would be at the Box Office for collection prior to the show.  We arrive at the Theatre and, you’ve guessed it, NO TICKETS.  The lady at the Box Office tried to phone the Agent at least 4 times but no reply.  We waited 10-15 minutes with more attempts at contacting our man….zilch.

 
Time was ticking and with only 3 minutes before the start of the Concert we bought another 2 tickets!!  The kind lady, who by this time was starting to stress, gave us priority seating. 

Elvis

We were ushered to the 3^rd row, perfect seats and we were delighted there was a family of midgets in front of us.  

  

Great Jam session

The show was excellent although I must admit we had our doubts especially when we heard Elvis was an Aussie.  I told you it was tacky.   

 



But it was our lucky day, while Michael Jackson was busy clutching his crotch, our Agent had phoned the Theatre and apologized for his mistake and we had our money refunded for all 4 tickets, so it cost us nothing!  FANTASTIC!!  

We met Elvis in the Foyer after the show, he was signing autographs for some giggly girls and Allen walked up behind him and yelled “Aussie Aussie Aussie”. 



The poor guy looked mortified and whispered oi oi oi and disappeared.  Elvis has left the building!! 

So with some extra cash in our pocket we couldn’t decide whether to see Baldknobbers or Andy Williams or the dog in a frilly dress who dances on 2 legs!!  hahaha   

      

Ozark Country Campground was our home for 4 nights.  We have to be careful because if we stay more than 3 nights in the same spot we feel the urge to put our roots down. It was a great camp and one of the attractions was a lovely big pool.

  
I must say we felt very at home.   Allen even persuaded me to get in the pool and I discovered I could swim (it’s been so long I couldn’t remember).  Not a pretty sight but it was definitely worth a mention. 

I was very proudof my Gal!

In the morning we headed back to The Strip and boarded the Titanic Museum. 
 

As we entered the ship-shape museum we were handed a Boarding Pass bearing the name of one of the original passengers.  Our task was to find out if we survived the voyage. 

The 17,000 sq ft attraction was a real hands-on museum and we were encouraged to walk up a full-size replica of the famous staircase.  We also turned the Captain’s wheel on the bridge and sent an SOS.  The photographs and memorabilia were amazing.  All the staff on board were dressed in naval uniform. 

At the end of the tour we read the Survivor’s Wall of Stories.  Allen’s Boarding Pass had the name Henry Noss who we discovered was a Fireman/Stoker and luckily he survived.  I was a young Nurse called Violet Jessop who escaped on a lifeboat and later wrote a book.  I guess nobody gets handed a dud but it’s a clever way of getting everyone involved. 

 
 

Branson was hit by a huge tornado in February 2012.  The Hilton Hotel and the Hilton Convention Centre had extensive damage.  They had to replace over 3,000 panes of glass and have only recently returned to normal business.  
 

Hilton Hotel at Branson Landing

Other older theatres/restaurants were demolished and some are still undergoing restoration.

Branson Landing is where all the new restaurants and shops are located.  We watched the 12 noon Water & Fire Show from a Mexican Restaurant overlooking the river. 

 

We only wanted a coffee but they served us complimentary corn chips and hot spicy dip.  We scoffed the lot and left.    

  

 

                    End of 17th Post