Out and About with the Michiganders

Michiganders?

Those of you that have been following my blog, or know me personally, know that I'm not very good at sitting still- especially in a unexplored city. Since this is my first experience in Detroit when there wasn't snow on the ground...I took advantage.

On Sunday, Johanna and I visited the midtown area of Detroit and enjoyed an afternoon walk along the St. Clair River, which runs between the US and Canada. We treated ourselves to cold treats as we watched families play in the water displays and restored carousel.

On Monday, I only had one interview in the morning. After that, I headed to Dearborn, where I visited The Henry Ford. Well, this was actual a surprise. I was going to check out the Benson Ford Research Center, but I didn't realize where it was until I entered the grand gates of the Ford campus.

The Research Center was located between the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.

I had done the Museum on a past visit, but never had the opportunity to visit the Village (since the temperatures were in the low teens). I couldn't pass up this chance on such a beautiful day. Greenfield Village is a recreation of historic homes and businesses by the Ford Family. This is a great way for a family (or lonely graduate student) to spend the day while learning about America's historical past.

On Wednesday, I joined friends from NUSIP (last summer's study program in Japan), who attend the University of Michigan. We ate at a vintage diner on Woodward before heading to Hitsville, USA- the birthplace of Motown. This tour at the Motown Historical Museum hit home for my nostalgic heart. That evening, we grabbed Jo from work then enjoyed a night of Japanese style kareoke in Ann Arbor (which is possibly one of the most beautiful campuses I've ever seen...with or without the snow).

With the cancellation of Friday's interview, I took a drive down Woodward trying to catch a preliminary glimpse at the classic participants in this year's Woodward Dream Cruise.

What is the Woodward Dream Cruise?

The world's largest one-day automotive event, which runs from 9am-9pm along Woodward Avenue, through nine host communities from Ferndale to Pontiac. The Dream Cruise took place today, which is unfortunate considering that I was traveling for 15 hours of the day trying to reach California. Luckily, the overly-anxious were all ready out and about woodward, showing off their toys throughout the week. Once I add photos to my Flikr album, you'll see snap shots taken from the car.

That evening, we finished my trip with an amazing Jason Mraz concert and a rootbeer float.