Well, let’s see. It’s been well over a year and half of staying put in our new home in the burbs of Chicagoland. Just when we thought the pandemic was allowing for travel, the Omicron variant started to make the news around Thanksgiving, and kids ages 5-11 were allowed to get their first COVID vaccination doses in the U.S. We figured with the younger one getting his first dose, we’d go out and venture on a small road trip to Michigan.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Uncle JB, our very dear friend, has been to see us many times before and even visited us during our last weeks in Cyprus, so we decided to go make the trek to see him.
I’d like to say we did all the turkey and trimmings right, but this year being a tough one with a few family members getting sick (not COVID-related), we’d keep it simple. Prof ordered a turkey and trimmings, and Uncle JB picked up the food. However, Uncle JB was smart and ordered Cali rolls and other delicious rolls. After that night, we figured that maybe turkey and all the trimmings weren’t all that necessary like in years past.
We had a lovely time seeing a little bit of U of M’s local establishments, and we are lunch with Uncle JB, Uncle Jeff, and his kids. What a treat to see the little ones.
We said our goodbyes, and we headed back out on the road. A small kerfuffle in the car ride led us to think we should head directly home, but we continued on our trek to Grand Rapids, Michigan – our old stomping grounds.
Drive into Grand Rapids, Michigan
I really didn’t look forward to Grand Rapids because, if I’m honest, the place does not bring back fond memories. But the kids really wanted to see the old house, the old school, and the local places we once visited.
I was surprised at how much changed and how much stayed the same. Several of the local Dunkin Donuts were gone on 28th Street and replaced by other local donut shops.
Woodland Mall
The Woodland Mall had stores that I was not expecting to see. The trading card shop, where the big one used to get specialty Pokemon cards, was no longer there. But good ole’ Barnes and Noble was. The mall was busy with a diverse group of folks – at least much more than we were there. I mean, come on, if you see Squid Game paraphernalia, that says it all. The kids wanted to see the old bacon and food items in the play area, but it was gone! We thought they got rid of the play area. They moved the whole area to the back of the food court, which was a good move since there was a lot of empty space. But man, was it tight in there. We even walked by the old Lotus Express, a favorite fast food Chinese spot. Trust me, it was a kid favorite.
Grand Rapids Downtown Market
We drove all the way to have dinner at Grand Rapids Downtown Market, which used to be one of our favorite dining spots.
Reeds Lake
The next day, we were ready to head back home. We made one last pit stop and drove by the old elementary school and then Reeds Lake. It’s a nice spot to take a stroll with the family. I guess that’s one fond memory I have of Grand Rapids.
Ehh, it wasn’t all that bad. Maybe we’ll come visit again.
