Detroit is an area unlike any in Kentucky. In an attempt to understand this new city, and educate any fellow Kentuckians who happened to find themselves in this city, I shall draw upon experiences and traditions of my Bluegrass stompin’ grounds to help communicate my happenings here in this state of Great Lakes.

-This is a gorgeous city. Perhaps the romance of this all being new is there for me. But I have strong opinions that the buildings of Detroit from the early 1900’s. Those that came to be and matured along with my grandfather in Detroit are still, in my mind, the most lasting, iconic and best. If you’re ever bored in Detroit, just look up.

-There is no more casual, more easily overlooked group of suggestions within the city of Detroit, than the stop sign, red light or speed limit. Stop signs are altogether ignored. Red lights are treated, at rare times of great patience and open-mindedness by the driver, as though they were a stop sign. Speed limits are merely casual suggestions, nothing more.

-There is no bourbon. I mean, casually, but not really. So stock up. Though, in an attempt to stay positive, there is enough craft beer to put a twist in a hipsters mustache. But if it is the water of Kentucky, and the native spirit of this country you seek, foreword thinking is key.

-Don’t say “ma’am”. Yes yes, I know it’s the respectful thing to do in the south; but here you get looked at funny and oft a tongue-lashing follows. You can, however, say “y’all”. But do so cautiously. People will think you, and the phrase are a novelty.

-Much like the Ohio River, they have a river here as well. The main difference being that if you cross the Detroit River in a watercraft to the other shore, some very flustered Canadians are going to be mighty curious to know just what exactly you think you’re doing.

-Talk to the locals. They are incredibly engaging and curious. But most of all, this is a city which is perfectly happy with its’ self-identity. There is no false glamour or pretention. The authenticity of what you’ll find here is as abundant as it is remarkable. Though, don’t spin yarns and waste time. This is a city with a low tolerance for bullshit and those who sling it.

-But not everything is totally different here. They say the names of stuff in a curious fashion, much like we do. Much like Kentucky has Versailles (ver-say-ulls), Louisville (loo-a-vull) and Athens (eighth-ens), you could find yourself in Detroit attempting to pronounce Livernois (liver-noy), Gratiot (grash-it) and Chene (shay-n).

-Remember, you can have any color you want as long as it’s black.

Y’all come back now,

Everett

 

 

72 stories up in the Renaissance Center.

72 stories up in the Renaissance Center.

Belle Isle sunset.

Belle Isle sunset.

Art. Substantial art.

Art. Substantial art.

Company issued at the new job.

Company issued at the new job.