Tuesday, January 26, 2010

The best thing that's ever happened to me

Something you may not know about being a writer for the Wigshop is how glamorous it has made our lives. Everyday people are handing us concert tickets, picking up our tabs, or letting us jump to the front of lines at clubs.


I'm joking. Obviously. (When do we ever go to clubs?)

Our compensation does come from the joy of knowing that there are people out there that read this blog. (Quite frankly, I think you're all crazy, but) It is such a great feeling.

However... it does not hurt for something more tangible to come our way every now and again.

That's why when I was invited a few months ago to visit the Titanic replica in Pigeon Forge because I had written a post about it, I was ecstatic. It was a sentiment much like Rose must have felt while dancing with Jack and his fellow swashbucklers in the hull of the Titanic.



It was a gray November day when I drove out to Pigeon Forge with two of my friends. We passed the large upside down mansion, and there on our right stood the smokestacks. We parked and walked inside the black trailer in the parking lot to meet our tour guide, Rick. Upon entering, a jovial woman announced, rather startlingly, "Welcome aboard!" I pursed my lips to hold back laughter, mostly from sheer delight.



Rick asked if we wanted to have the "Welcome aboard!" lady give us her spiel on the Titanic museum or if we wanted the tour first. I couldn't help myself. "The tour, please!"



We entered the ship, donning orange construction hats.

I have to say, it was a little disappointing. There was not much to see at this point but steel beams and concrete. Rick tried to paint images of its potential in our heads, of the Grand Staircase and the fine china place settings you would be able to touch in the dining room.



I'm not one to give you all the details of the inner-workings of the museum: "The Titanic was constructed with 50 gabillion tons of steel, blah, blah, blah..." Rick did inform us that it will be as factual as possible, a place where adult and child can learn in an incredibly ornate atmosphere. I did retain such information as, there will be an ice wall that you can touch at the end of the tour in a room with a starry filled sky overhead. Also, you will be able to get married on the Grand Staircase, and there will be a reception room above for after the ceremony. What a dream!



This spring, you too will have the chance to visit yourself, and it will cost you somewhere around $25. I can't wait to go back when it's all done, and you can be sure I'll be wearing (not a construction hat, but) my "Heart of the Ocean" necklace Rick gave me.




The first, second, third, and fourth photo were taken by Tracy Jackson

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

IN LOVE with your bling, B!

Athomp said...

lol you playa

Wax S. said...

Does the Smithsonian not count as a museum attraction? Is the Titanic bigger than the Smithsonian? Has the "day trip" badge been retired? What did you do with your hard hat? So many questions left unanswered...

B said...

em, you can borrow it anytime.

wax s. i don't know anything about the Smithsonian. and can't you see the "day trip" tag? unfortunately i had to trade in the construction hat for the necklace.

athomp, yes, yes. playa fo' life!

Wax S. said...

Sorry, B. By "badge" I meant the ol' jalopy with the license plate. I did see your tag below.

The question about the Smithsonian was due to the Titanic calling itself the World's Largest Museum Attraction (see top photo). This seems a dubious claim.

Considering the prospective MSRP on that necklace, I'd say you made out on the deal.

B said...

Geez, Wax! So demanding.

Yeah, I don't know how they can make that claim. Again, I've never been to the Smithsonian, but I imagine it's rather large. BUT. Is it in the shape of a ship? I don't think so.

Mickey said...

VIP treatment for a Wigshopper! 'Bout time.