In case you don’t know, this week is that week everyone who lives in Nashville goes into hiding… its both CMA Fest and Bonnaroo. (I still think the move to where both are the same week was a dumb, dumb, dumb idea. But no one asked me.) Thousands of music fans descend on the city bring tourism dollars, but also crazy traffic and long work hours if you work in any of the bars and restaurants downtown.
Which I do.
So the last two nights, I’ve purposely gotten at least 9 hours of sleep each night. I know that supposedly you can’t save up sleep, but darn it I am trying. The next couple of nights, I’ll probably get more like 4 (maybe 5) hours of sleep each night. If I am lucky. This week its sleep and eat as you can, plan to make up for it next week.
My body is dreading it already. I feel tired just thinking about it!
But I also embrace it. This week helps keep this city afloat… both financially and it keeps an appeal for music fans around the world. I’m looking forward to meeting people from all over as they come through the doors looking for a cold drink and a seat to rest their tired feet.
I’ve been one of those fans visiting Music City for the Fan Fair experience. Perhaps that helps me feel a welcoming attitude towards everyone.
Then I remember I’ve lived here over five years, and I remember the stress the week brings to Nashvillians. And I take a deep breath and brace myself for the fatigue of long hours, and the frustration behind the wheel as tourists get lost or forget that there are people who live and work here.
Fan Fair… the week I have a love-hate relationship with… ready or not… here it is.
