I had never been to Nashville before and I was greatly looking forward to it. Rick was easy to contact and replied to every message with lighting speed; at one point I thought he must be capable of telepathy and that he had started writing the reply before I had even sent the message!

I think it would be difficult to find a better host in Nashville. Rick is kind, obliging and courteous but, importantly for me, gives you your own space, making you feel truly at home. You know he's there as he says "just holler if you need anything." He means it too. I asked him for Allen wrenches, perhaps a more obscure request, and he provided them on the double.

He very kindly offered me a lift to the local grocery store, gave me good information on transport links.

The place is within easy walking distance of downtown Nashville. You might not see many locals walking along the sidewalks; but that's just because they're lazy and drive everywhere. It took me about 25 mins to walk to Broadway. Admittedly, I don't saunter, but because you can see Capitol Hill at every stage of the route, you feel close to it. A cab takes like 5 minutes and is 5 or 6 bucks.

Importantly, I felt safe in the area at all times. If you are walking into town though I would suggest you walk by the freeway, rather than taking the route google maps suggests, it's just better practice to walk in populated areas.

I came and went as I pleased but was sad to finally leave...I'm now back in Glasgow which is much much colder.

Enjoy Nashville folks! It's my favourite city in the US (so far). Its people are friendly and courteous, there's music everywhere, and despite its fame and prominence, it possesses a healthy sense of humility.

I will be back, and I'll be competing with you to stay at one of Rick's places!

Thanks Rick!