Visiting Detroit, then Pittsburgh

My partner and I have been to Detroit several times over the last couple of years. This is the first time we've had more than a day and a half in the city. We usually stick to similar places, throwing in some random new new ones each time. We start each visit at Slows, my partners favourite restaurant. Yes, she's a vegetarian and yes, this is a barbecue restaurant but they've always had a good veggie option (or two).

We also always go to the downtown location of John K King Used Books, the best (and probably largest) used bookstore I've ever been to. I mean there's a good used/new bookstore in Cleveland but this is four floors of only used books and great prices. The last couple of times I've purchased old genre novels for a couple of bucks and haven't been disappointed.

While my partners combing through designer discount stores, I went to a record store in a suburb north of the city. Got some records.

Saturday was almost all new stuff. First we started the day at the Eastern Market. It's awesome. Just so big and tons of local produce. Someone had a milk crate full of puppies they were trying to sell. It took all of her power to ONLY pet them (they were pretty cute). We wandered all around, just taking everything in. I don't think I've seen anything like that. After the Eastern Market, we were off to more random locations around Detroit. One of my favourite record stores didn't have any interesting wares so we went north, finding a "retro" store that was having an absolutely fantastic back issue sale, letting buy tons of stuff without spending too much. Ended the night by seeing a bad film and eating excellent El Salvadorian food.

Sunday was our travel day. Got up early and started driving across Ohio. Stop at a Chili's for lunch (my partner absolutely LOVES Chili's. Me, not so much). Got to Pittsburgh a little early, which meant a trek to local mall for my better half and record/comic shops for me. Comic book shop was great (again with relatively cheap back issues meant that I was able to complete my run of Uncanny X-Men). Suburban Pittsburgh is interesting because it's so hilly it doesn't have a very suburban feel to it. One quirky fact - there were TONS of ice cream places everywhere. Like one almost every block in some places.

Started Monday with a short hike (3 miles) through the Panther Hallow Run. Didn't exactly get lost but definitely made my own trail in some parts. It was pretty nice park in the middle of the city and great way to start the day after two days of driving and eating. Finally saw the Roberto Clemente statue, which was really nice. Also took full advantage of having a GPS unit in the car. Went to see a movie and right before it started the fire alarm went off. Ended the night at a student dive bar whose deals made me question how they made money. We ate dinner, had a pitcher of beer, two pints of cider, and another pint of beer for $24. Seriously, how was that even possible? (The was pretty bad).

Tuesday was driving back to the city via Buffalo where stopped for dinner at the home of the Buffalo wing. While stuck in traffic in Toronto, after driving almost five hours, a bolt broke off and caused the car to make this awful rattling noise. At the time I didn't know exactly what went wrong (thought it was something minor because the car drove fine just sounded bad) but it stressed me out. Thank god my partner was able to be the calm one in that situation.

If I had my way, next time we'd go further and spend only a day in city, picking one thing to do so we could see more. I think, however, our next trip will be overseas somewhere.

Visiting Another World

Just got back from a short trip to DC. It was great. There was so much to see along the Mall and you can pretty much walk everywhere. All the museums and galleries  are free, which is great because you don't feel forced to stay in them longer than you want to justify the admission. Going to DC really gives you an insight into the American psych; what the founders, and their heirs, want the people to believe America is about. I thought I understood the idea of American Exceptionalism but I really didn't. It's something else. And I'm not sure it's for me. I get you can live in a country like the US and not buy into the propaganda. Washington is built to make you believe. They were in the business of myth making, something that Canada lacks. Now I want to visit Ottawa to compare. 

Where have you been?

Just got back from my trip to Arizona. It was great. Didn't make it to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, but did two hikes below the rim. Phoenix was nice. Don't want this to turn into "here's my vacation photos" blog so I'll just give the highlights.

It was monsoon season. Here's a picture I took on my drive into Tucson to visit family. Looks like a nuclear explosion. 

Sunset at Grand Canyon. iPhone pictures don't do it justice. 

Looking up for the 1.5 Mile Rest house on Bright Angel Trail. Made it down and back up in just under two hours. That was about all I could handle. It was hot.

Change of Plans

A couple of days ago I booked my flight to Phoenix as part of my summer vacation to hike to the Grand Canyon. My friends were taking an extended road out there and I was going to meet up with them so we could camp at the bottom. However, today I was informed that one of the drivers had backed out so the trip is in jeopardy. My flight is non-refundable so no matter what I'm going to the southwest. Where should I go? What should I do? I know next to nothing about the area. I've got an uncle who lives who there along with a couple of cousins but I don't want to impose them so I've got to find my own entertainment. San Diego and Los Angeles are less than six hours away if all else fails.

A Couple of Weeks Later

Our second trip to Chicago in six photos with caption. 

First night we walked around the Loop to find the new Target.

This was the swimming pool in our hotel.

A Cupcake ATM? Who would have thought.

Couldn't look at the field, but the outside was pretty impressive. 

Also, Chicago Comics was a great local comic book store.

Couldn't find the Wilco loft so I settled to see where they recorded the live record.

We also went to the Art Institute of Chicago (sad that Nighthawks, my favourite painting, was on loan) and, like everyone else, took our picture at the bean. Notice that it's all couples in the photo.

That's it. Interestingly enough we keep getting asked why we went to Chicago. It's like people can't imagine going somewhere and not visiting all the tourist attractions. We like Chicago. It's got a good feeling to it and there's tons of cheap, interesting things to do. Even riding the train into the city was a minor adventure. Also ate well but can't decided what was our favourite: Purple Pig (tourist favourite), Native Foods Cafe (national vegan chain), XOCO (celebrity-run Mexican restaurant) or Quartino (favourite from our last time).

Chicago & Birthdays

Tomorrow I'm heading back to Chicago with my partner for her birthday. We're flying and it's her first time on a plane. That should be exciting. It's our second trip to Chicago and we're stay in a very Swanky hotel this time. We're also packing light going so we have room for her many purchases. Hopefully the weather will cooperate so everything goes smoothly. I know it's not the most empathetic statement, but during all the coverage of the superstorm that's what I've been thinking about - How it affects my travel plans. I'm a little bit of a bastard.

Drove to Chicago

Tomorrow I'm driving to Chicago for a long weekend. I've talked to a couple of people who've been there and my old roommate from university is also randomly in town. Seems like a great way to usher in a new decade of life.

And then on Saturday I'm going to meet (or at least try) the author of my favourite comic book series of all-time. I'll update when I know more.

Oh, and if you're not already following me on twitter I'm @ryansenseless.

Pictures of Pittsburgh

Don't know if you can see too clearly from this picture but that sandwich includes french fries, coleslaw, and tomatoes on top of meat & cheese. It was excellent. I was a little sore for the rest of the afternoon. Too much food for one sandwich. Primanti Bros., you're alright.
From the parking lot of theatre where I saw Scott Pilgrim (81% Fresh Rating). I assume this means there was an old factory on the site before it was turned into a strip of big box stores. Anyway, back to the movie. Went to the late show, had a beer before the movie which was different but good, and basically enjoyed the movie. While Toronto was in the movie, it didn't go over the top. Seems to make some good money. I'm glad. The spirit of the books was captured by Wright. I think I'm going to see it again in a couple of days/weeks. Then I'll know if it was good or not.
Don't know exactly what transformers have to do with Pittsburgh but...
So Pittsburgh is in river valley, surround by rather large hills.
From inside the Andy Warhol Museum (shh... we weren't supposed to take pictures). UFC enjoying herself in some installation art. Have to say I really liked most of Warhol's art. The ideas he presented are interesting and he's had a HUGE influence overall culture in the last fifty years.

Overall it was a great weekend getaway. I'd tell anyone that Pittsburgh is an interesting town. Wished I could have spent more time there.

First Impressions of Pittsburgh

I kind of like it.

There's tons of hills, rivers, bridges, and I've already gone through two tunnels. These are not things I usually do.

Hopefully I'll have pictures on Monday.

FYI - Scott Pilgrim Vs the World was good. Not perfect, but faithful to the books and good.

Pittsburgh

I'm going to Pittsburgh this weekend. Going to the Andy Warhol Museum, the Cargenie Arts Museum & Natural Histroy Museum, and Jerry's Records. Guess what I'm most excited about.

Also, SCOTT PILGRIM opens this weekend. I'm going to see a movie set in Toronto, about Toronto, and featuring so much Canadiana it hurts in an American city. FTW?

Thank God

This is what I saw while driving in small town Ontario.

In other news, This article makes me thankful I'm not working at a summer camp right now. I can hear the phone calls for concerned parents right now. So thankful. So very thankful.

My Bicycle

Since I got rid of the car two weeks ago, I've been walking everywhere. It's been great. I forgot out easy it is to walk around the city.

I've also been looking for bike. For a decent bicycle I'm probably going to pay between $400-450, unless I go here and build my own bike from spare parts. I'm tempted for several reasons beyond the simple financial aspect. There's something empowering about building my own bike. Also, it would be a great learning experience. The cost to build my own? It starts at $50, and it's PWYC for parts. It'll take roughly four hours to build, so I know what I'm doing Monday night.

Maybe.

Border Town

Yesterday, UFC and I went to Buffalo to go to Target. We did other things, but that was the main reason. They have crossed the border (yet) and they have some "nice" stuff. At least the ones in Detroit did. I got a summer jacket for seven dollars (or 8.50 Canadian). UFC bought Milky Ways 'cause again it's a product that isn't available in Canada.

We also went to a random mall and found it pretty dead. I realize there's a recession going on but well, it hasn't been THAT bad in Toronto. And what I mean is that it hasn't been obvious. Yesterday in Buffalo, it was obvious. Maybe it was slower 'cause it was Mother's Day and people were spending time with family... Still, driving around it seem like there were lots of shops closed and few cars in the parking lots of ones that were open.

To top everything off, this was one of the first things we saw once we were in buffalo. I guess it would be the same thing if (or when) they decide to destroy the Skydome.

When we got back to Toronto, we were diverted off the highway because of this protest.

Maybe if we follow the sign things will get better...

Your Hometown

In high school, my friends and I made special trips out to Hamilton to go to this store/record company. In grade 9, this was the cool Canadian Indie Label.

We were in Hamilton this weekend to pack up some more stuff.

In the park there were two men with metal detectors trying to find buried treasure or something. At least they had each other for company.

Grounded!

So I'm at the mercy of my hostess for another night 'cause my flight was cancelled due to a heavy snow storm in Toronto. Stupid Weather. At least I don't have to take the red eye anymore!

Filling in the blanks

Cosmonaut Dog

Call all your troops, Ancient Greeks!

Sunset just my light bulb burning out

One day they'll give out Emmys for blogging...

They tried to make me go to rehab

Over the last couple of days, I have spent an inordinate amount of time talking about Canada and being Canadian. This is partly due to my presence in America but I'd like to go on record saying that it's mostly my doing 'cause I like to talk about this shit. Seriously, even I find it a bit annoying after a while.

The differences between and Canada and the United State can't easily be summed up, even if beer commercials, politicians and Michael Moore try to do exactly that. It's a lot of little things that if you weren't really paying attention you'd hardly notice. Mostly it's small group of Canadians trying very hard to avoid being engulfed by American cultural machine. When I lived in Windsor, which is just across the river from Detroit, many of the people who grew up in Windsor said they felt more American than Canadian because all their news and sports teams resided on the other side of the border. It's difficult to assess what is Canadian and what isn't. Knowledge of history and politics makes someone a citizen of their country but not fully socialized member of the cultural group.

So what's the differences I've noticed? Well, aside from a fundamental knowledge of how the different bureaucratic institutions work, there's really nothing. I don't think anyone wants to know in detail how Canadians elect their government anymore than how Americans do it [ASIDE: although, from watching and reading a lot about the presidential primaries, I have to say it seems that the Canadian system is a little easier to follow].

So, I apologize to all the people who have had to listen to me go on about Canada over the last couple of days. If you want to know the honest truth, as an out of work teacher this is the only time I get to truly inform people about something new to them. If I had a job I'd probably want to be talking about about Phoenix's acquisition of Shaq last week or something else... like beer... or cola... or blogs. Who knows?

Desert Rose

It was sunny and I was looking directly into the sun

This probably only a week or two old.

There are many strange things in the desert...

Emmy-ways...

There are two versions of the events of last night. Here are both:
1. Went to a bar in Venice Beach, and saw legendary director Quentin Tarantino. Had to walk by a couple of times but was absolutely sure it was him. Confirmed later by someone who works in the entertainment industry.
2. Went to a bar in Venice Beach where I met Quentin Tarantino. Did shots with him while Madonna's classic hit "like a virgin" played in the background. Sadly left my digital camera in the car, but he totally would have posed for a picture.

I choose to believe the second one. You can believe whatever you want.

Reason #1 for leaving Toronto in the winter

Need I say more?

First day was good. Got my D-list celebrity moment out of the way pretty quickly 'cause Rick the Temp was on my flight to LA. In economy. Shows you the state of Canadian media.

Oh, had an In 'n Out Burger. Verdict: pretty tasty but very greasy.