Cleveland - Rockin' and Rollin'

We waited a long time at Niagara to cross the border back into the States and I was nervous. I had visions of customs making me stay in Canada, having to wave off the coach before flying straight to Fiji alone. I was made to get off the coach and fill out my new Green Card form, have my photograph and fingerprints taken and pay a small fee. Nobody cracked a smile and I decided then and there that customs staff are the most stern people you will ever meet.

We were headed for Cleveland, Ohio, home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The museum sits on the shores of Lake Erie and is dedicated to recording the history of artists and producers who have influenced the music industry, particularly in the area of rock and roll. I was just sat here wondering why Cleveland was chosen as the place to host the museum, but then my friend Google told me it’s because Cleveland is where disc jockey Alan Freed first used the term, ‘Rock and Roll’. Just in case you were interested. That might come in handy at a pub quiz or something, never know.

We had a couple of hours to wander around the impressive building and I particularly liked looking at the famous outfits of the stars. Elegantly preserved were Madonna’s infamous cone chested corset, Michael Jackson’s silver glove and Elvis Presley’s leather, rhinestone encrusted jumpsuit. One glass cabinet held handwritten Sex Pistol’s lyrics with parts scribbled out and I loved looking at John Lennon’s school reports and handmade Easter and Christmas cards to his parents. He seemed like a very funny and loving child, and it was obvious he was gifted with words even from a young age. It was sad to see his blood stained circular glasses in the next cabinet along.

That evening a few of us chilled in one of the guy's rooms and got to know each other some more. I also remember it as one of the first times we socialised with people from the other Contiki bus. This particular North America tour had been so popular that two buses were hired to do the trip side by side. The other bus had their own tour manager and we often saw them at the hotels and various rest stops. One thing that does stick in my mind is Lisa, Carl, Brendan and I being given dating advice by a bloke from the other bus who's t-shirt read, ‘I'm not a gynaecologist, but I'll take a look.’ A catch, no doubt.