A few months ago I took my first solitary jaunt through the streets of Detroit. As I soaked in my surroundings, curious what this notoriously nefarious city had to offer:

• A security guard took the time to learn my name and shake my hand en route to his shift;
• A car stopped in the face of a green light and invited me to proceed;
• A cozy café offered free coffee to whoever purchased the building next door;
• A driver turning right halted, rolled down his window, and apologized after realizing I intended to cross;
• A passerby gently informed me I was within mist range of a nearby fountain, rescuing me from certain dousing;
• And I happened upon a charming bistro adjacent to said fountain, where I enjoyed the rest of my afternoon.

All within the span of two hours.
Sounds like the opening scene of a fairy tale, doesn’t it?