Detroit: Static & Rust
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. 1513271… seriously, what even is that? and 1860622196? it’s just… a number. like, a really long one. i landed in detroit yesterday, and honestly, it’s… intense. the air smells like something vaguely metallic and regret, which is a surprisingly compelling combination. the temp was 16.13, feels like 14.71, min 16.13, max 16.13, pressure 1013, humidity 35, sea level 1013, ground level 952. yeah, that’s… specific.
seriously, the architecture is… a thing. brutalist concrete everywhere. it’s like the city is trying to apologize for something. i spent the morning wandering around the *Eastern Market, which is, like, a chaotic explosion of produce and weird crafts. someone told me that the chili dogs are legendary, but i’m still on the fence. i’m leaning towards the pickles. they looked… aggressive.
found a tiny record store called Groove Merchant - it’s crammed to the gills with vinyl. the owner, a guy named Silas, looked like he hadn’t slept in a decade and was absolutely obsessed with obscure krautrock. he kept muttering about ‘the resonance of the frequencies’ and ‘the vibrational alignment of the grooves.’ i bought a copy of Can’s ‘Tago Mago’ purely because he insisted it would ‘unlock my potential.’ i’m not sure about that, but it smells amazing.
I heard that the Detroit Institute of Arts has a seriously impressive collection - specifically, Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals. Apparently, they’re a whole thing. i’m planning on hitting that up later. also, i’m trying to find a decent place to get a decent burger. detroit seems to have a complicated relationship with beef.
Speaking of complicated, the neighbors are… interesting. if you get bored, Ann Arbor is just a short drive away, and there’s a surprisingly vibrant arts scene there. also, Ferndale has some decent breweries. i’m not saying you need to go, but… options.
I stumbled across a street art collective called The Rust Belt Rebels - they’re covering the city in these huge, incredibly detailed murals. it’s kinda beautiful, kinda unsettling. it’s like the city is trying to reclaim itself, one spray can at a time. i saw one that was a giant, chrome-plated pigeon. a chrome-plated pigeon.
Someone told me that the Motown Museum is a must-see, but it’s pricey. i’m trying to keep my expenses down, so i’ll probably just listen to some Motown on Spotify. it’s a good compromise.
I just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is clinging to everything like a damp blanket. it’s 35%. i’m starting to understand why Silas was talking about vibrational alignment. it’s all connected, you know?
I’m staying at a hostel called The Wick*, which is… well, it’s a hostel. it’s clean, it’s cheap, and the other guests are mostly college students who are desperately trying to figure out their lives. i feel like i’m in good company.
I found a Yelp review that said, “The pizza here is… an experience. Don’t ask questions. Just eat it.” i’m intrigued. i’m also looking for a good place to get a decent cup of coffee. i need something strong.
I’m starting to think detroit is a city of contradictions. it’s gritty and beautiful, broken and hopeful, chaotic and strangely serene. it’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s… something. i’m going to keep exploring. and probably keep drinking lukewarm coffee.
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/tucson-arizona-cactus-chaos-and-questionable-burritos
- https://votoris.com/post/the-cost-of-living-in-balikpapan-a-budget-breakdown-for-the-unprepared
- https://votoris.com/post/manila-mayhem-sweat-street-food-and-seriously-weird-vibes-3
- https://votoris.com/post/exploring-the-flickering-lights-of-our-citys-forgotten-corners
- https://votoris.com/post/troms-in-the-deep-freeze-my-budget-student-survival-guide