“So…is Detroit what you expected?” This is often the question I get asked whenever I go home to Iowa or catch up in phone conversations or emails with friends, classmates, and professors. The answer to this question is not as simple as “yes” or “no.” In my opinion, to have expectations limits one’s ability to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Expectations can prevent open-mindedness and may close off potential opportunities for personal growth.

I moved to Detroit expecting to find a place to live and expecting to meet new people. I did not, however, move to Detroit with expectations of the City or her people. I had no preconceived notions or assumptions, but instead, allowed Detroit and those who live here to speak for themselves. This “unexpectation” has allowed for fulfilling experiences on an almost daily basis.

One of the most recent of these experiences occurred about a week ago. My significant other was visiting from Oregon and we decided to go to the original Buddy’s Pizza for dinner. Thinking a pre-dinner drink from a local watering hole would be fun, we searched the internet for best bars in Hamtramck. We found this place–the Two Way Inn.

Expectations? Not from us.

We parked the car right out front and made our way to the front door. The door was locked. We had to get buzzed in by pushing a doorbell-like button to the right of the door. Expectations–nope. The two of us make our way into the dark interior, the dust hanging in the air. A group of four middle-aged men all wearing Detroit Red Wings jerseys are on their way out. Now it’s just the two of us. We pulled up a chair at the bar and are immediately greeted with a warm smile and a “what can I get ya?” by the owner, Danielle. We both order Michigan-brewed beers and I say, “so tell us about this place.” Turns out, the Two Way Inn is not in Hamtramck but is in Detroit. Built in 1876 by Civil-War spy, Colonel Philetus Norris (photo below), the Two Way Inn is Detroit’s oldest bar! What?!

Col. Norris founded the Village of Norris in 1873 and the Two Way Inn was the first building in the village. Throughout its life, the building has served as a general store, jail, dance hall, and bar–sometimes all at once. Just as Philetus did, the owners live above the bar. Rumor has it Colonel Philetus still makes occasional appearances at the Two Way Inn. Here are a couple historic photos of the building for your viewing pleasure.

Our pre-dinner beer turned into two as we met two regulars who came in shortly after we arrived. After a couple hours of learning about the Two Way Inn’s place in Detroit history as well as its place in the lives of its owners and regular customers, we had to head to Buddy’s for dinner. Promising to return, we walked out with smiles on our faces. Once outside, we both looked at each other, wide-eyed, thinking “what just happened?” “That was amazing!”

So, what does one do in the absence of expectations? You watch and you listen and you learn.