It’s finally spring and the weather’s starting to get warmer! Although the weather keeps fluctuating (what less would you expect in Michigan?), we’ve actually had a few 70 degree days. I had forgotten what it felt like to walk outside and feel the warmth of the sun on my body. This is exciting because that means I can travel light without having to wear heavy winter gear and I finally feel the desire to step out of my cocoon (a.k.a. my apartment) and explore the city both on my own and with friends. The fact that it’s spring is also sad because it’s a reminder that my year with Challenge Detroit is nearly up and I have to seriously think about what’s coming next. I have been so blessed to have met so many amazing people this past year, so it will be bittersweet.

This past month, I have been exploring the city in simple ways  and attending interesting events that have gotten me excited for the summer and what’s to come in the next few months. In no particular order, here’s a list of some of my favorite things from April:

1. Eastern Market

I finally went to Eastern Market on a Saturday morning! Yes, I know it’s lame that I didn’t go before now, but my only excuse is that it was too cold outside. Going to Eastern Market is one of the best decisions I could have made.  I don’t know if it’s just me, but something about this place almost makes me feel like I’m in Europe. There were so many people shopping there, both from Detroit and the nearby suburbs. I spent $10 on a week and a half’s worth of produce, which is such a money saver. Goodbye to going to grocery stores to buy produce for the rest of the spring and summer! There are also a lot of cools shops there that I’m looking to check out soon. Crazy and mind blowing. This is going to become an almost weekly trip for me now!

2. Honeybee Market

I ran out of lettuce and I’d heard a lot of great things about Honeybee Market, so I decided to go check it out. I might go back again depending on what groceries I need..  It’s located in my favorite area, Southwest Detroit, a.k.a. Mexicantown. I don’t know what it is about Southwest Detroit that makes me fall in love every time I go there. Perhaps it’s the gorgeous stretch of retail down Vernor Highway. Perhaps it’s the culture and the people. Perhaps its the old European style homes and the vibe the area gives out. Maybe it’s all of these things combined.

3. Speaker Panel on Two Detroit’s and Gentrification

I attended an interesting panel to learn more about the tough topic which is gentrification. I know that gentrification has a both a good side and a bad side, but I don’t have enough information to pick a side and decide which one is right. At the panel, I learned a lot more about gentrification in Detroit and met some incredible people. This topic really interests me and is something I would like to learn even more about.

4. Art Hop

Most of the fellows went to 4-5 different museums together. It really was  lot of fun. After that, many of us went to Cody’s girlfriend’s house in Royal Oak for an Easter egg hunt and to just hang out and have fun together.

5. 8 Mile Boulevard Association’s Leadership Luncheon

Thanks to Challenge Detroit for sponsoring our tickets, Lyse, Brandi, Darin and I were able to attend a fancy lunch hosted by Corissa’s host company, the 8 Mile Boulevard Association. Here, we got to hear a very interesting panel discussion featuring Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and the three tri-county executives, Mark Hackel (Macomb County), Robert Ficano (Wayne County) and L Brooks Patterson (Oakland County). Mayor Duggan was incredible and I really have high hopes for him when it comes to turning around the future of Detroit’s leadership. I am proud to say that he is our mayor. I’m also happy and proud to say that Mark Hackel, from my home county of Macomb, was my favorite panelist of all.

6. I saw Bill Clinton at Shinola!

After the Art Hop, I walked back home, which was only a block away. As soon as I got home, I received a group text from Calyssa informing us that President Clinton was at Shinola, which is almost literally right in my backyard! Needless to say, I ran over there the moment I looked at my phone. How many people can say that they saw their amazing former president almost in their own backyard!?

The month of April has been an incredible one. I’m looking forward to all the great things May and the rest of the summer will bring. I am SO excited.

Happy May!

Shivani