Detroit doesn’t have a great reputation, even amongst those who live in the metro Detroit area. But it’s got some good qualities. Every time I’m in town, I just feel like I am home again. And I’m always reminded of the reasons I stayed for so long. And eventually, I’m reminded of the reasons I left.

We are in Ann Arbor at the moment, Annika woke up this morning with her very first ear infection! Ah, but that’s another post.

We spent the first part of this week in a suburb of Detroit, with friends. And we made a couple of brief trips into the city to see a few things and enjoy some food that only this city can offer.

In part, one of the reasons we made this trip was to visit one of my best and dearest girlfriends, who is like a sister to me. She has three children (and surprised to learn another on the way!).

Last time we were in town, Annika didn’t get to spend nearly enough time with the oldest two boys who are 4 and 3. This time, they had a blast. The oldest proclaimed that he’d like us to stay for seven weeks. And Annika cried when we left.

We had wonderful fun and as always, it didn’t seem like long enough. While we have many good friends in Austin and I wouldn’t trade them for the world, there’s just nothing like an old friend who knows all your dirty secrets, loves you still and now is now sharing motherhood.

While we were staying with our friends, we wandered downtown to see Toyin’s favorite sculpture, he calls it the gateway to Detroit. It’s actually a memorial to the labor movement, a part of American history homegrown in Detroit.

Finally, one of my favorites, pizza with feta cheese, made at a Greek restaurant named Nikki’s. Not only is this one of my favorite Detroit delicacies, but the restaurant holds many fond memories.

Yes, Detroit may be dirty and corrupt. It’s old and tired. But every time we visit I see a glimmer of hope and history. I don’t think it’s quite done for just yet.