Detroit Nights

For my last night in Michigan, we decided to go into downtown Detroit because I had been staying in the area and had yet to go to the city! (i actually read my tickets wrong and this turned out to not be my last night in Michigan, but it's the thought that counts right?!) 

Growing up I always heard about Detroit as a ghost city, empty and dangerous. However, my friends who are living and investing in the community are trying to change that perception. Instead of looking at the economic crash of the past, they see the hope that has so much potential. The empty spaces left in Detroit are being turned into art projects, community development, and gardens. Old warehouses are turning into beautiful houses and studios. Detroit has a long way to go, but it is exciting to experience it with people who are determined to discover the opportunities. 

Of course, the first thing we did was take some obligatory group photos next to this gorgeous old hotel!

I had been told that Bucharest Grill was one of the best places in the city, so we stopped by to get some shawarma. (Which, by the way, is becoming one of my favs!) 

Alex is a muralist (like full time, how cool is that?) so we walked down to The Belt alley to see the murals, including the famous work of Shepard Fairey. Places like this are able to capture the history of Detroit and at the same time remake the city in to a vibrant urban art piece. 

On our walk back to the car we passed this "Before I die..." art instillation. I love art pieces that involve the community in participation. We spent 10 minutes reading what others had written, everything from "heal the world" to "travel to Europe" to "break up with Josh." Finding a free bit of wall, we each added our own dream.