I'm in love...with Nashville

Don't get me wrong, I'm a Texas girl through and through. But this place I'm living in, well, I absolutely love it! I've lived in Nashville for 2.5 weeks now; I've been able to do experience so much already and I couldn't be happier! But all this newness has kept me away from this place until now. I decided it was probably time to let you know I'm alive and well. Plus my sister threatened that if I didn't blog soon she was going to "get me". (At least I know one person likes my blog!)

Some days I still get giddy realizing that I live in Nashville! I love the newness and excitement of it all; I hope that feeling never fades! I've learned a few things about the city and about myself since moving here. Some of these things are completely irrelevant, but either way I'm glad to have these new little nuggets of knowledge.

1. Some places don't allow talking while the band is playing.
Say what?!! You heard me right. Funny story: on our first week here, some other travel nurses and I went to a place for live music. It was a Monday night, so obviously we weren't looking for anything crazy, just a genuine Nashville scene. We're enjoying ourselves listening to the music and chatting- we didn't think there was any harm. Until we got asked by not one, but two people, to please be quiet while the songs are on! One of them actually said "this is a listening room, not a honky tonk." We couldn't believe it! Thanks for the warm welcome, y'all.

2. Downtown is 99% a tourist area.
It seems like most people that live in Nashville avoid downtown, especially on the weekends. Every single place is blaring country music and packed with tourists, which can get old easily. But it sure can make for fun, spontaneous night out!

3. The music scene is so diverse.

Speaking of country music, I thought that would be all there was to listen to here. But I was so very wrong! I've only listened to live country music once (see spontaneous night mentioned above). Every other night has been a variety of music from local bands, including a Tom Petty tribute night! 

4. You must eat your way through Nashville.

I knew it was definitely a foodie city here, and I certainly love food. But I don't even know where to begin on the amount of amazing food I've had here already! Most place are local restaurants/very few chains, which is awesome! And everything is delicious! 

Also, brunch- it's a way of life. I'm pretty sure my Nashville bucket list is based on places to have brunch. #SorryImNotSorry

Also, breweries. There are enough to last me the whole three months I'm here. Did I mention I love this place already?

5. I'm not awful at making new friends.

I've never really been in situations where I have to go out of my way to make new friends. Growing up, college, and even work were pretty easy since you spend so much time together; the friendships kind of happen naturally and over time. But when you move to a new city and don't know a single person, you can't exactly sit back and expect friends to come knocking at your door. At some point in the recent past (actually it was January 4th), I came out of my shell. I've gone from being that shy girl to carrying on a conversation with complete strangers. I don't mind going to dinner alone, or finding a a bar to watch football by myself. And the times I have done so, I've made a new friend along the way! My family is even shocked at this new, outgoing me!

Aside from the random people I've met, there are a few not-so-random friends I've made also. We are all travel nurses together that met at orientation. We have become fast friends and I love it! It's been so great having some girlfriends to explore this great city with and I'm excited to see what's to come!

So there's my last few weeks in a nutshell. (Don't worry, I have done things other than eat and drink). I hope to keep y'all a little more updated in the future, but you should check out my instagram to see more of my #NashvilleAdventures !

xoxo-- April