The BIG Drive: Detroit - Atlanta

So it's time to move on. This time, it's not just another internship. I am leaving Michigan for good. Being in Michigan for about 7 years, I know there are things that I will miss. There is a sense of anxiety, and I will say, it's more for the things that I am giving up than for the unknowns ahead. I am used to dealing with new environment, people and neighborhood. I can't say I really enjoy it, but I do feel that I needed something to keep my mind fresh.

As I was talking to a friend who also "left" Michigan, the common weird feeling is, even though Detroit is a pretty rough city, it grows on you. I figured that it is the bluntness of the culture that makes it easier for one to not dislike it. What I mean is, as compared to big cities like NYC or Boston where people go there for a particular reason, to compete, to thrive. In Detroit, well, you come here to chill, and it does get pretty damn cold. The roughness of the city scape also means that, unlike Singapore or Japan, you don't really need to worry about cleanliness, but you still get the nice air. Also, Michigan offers you SPACE. This is definitely a big luxury that very few cities can offer.



So that's that, and off I went. But before my departure, I had to take care of some minor things, like closing my bank account, cell phone account etc. This is when I realized how long I've been here, and small things like these do catch you off guard.



So that's my limo right there. Thanks to Leon who pretty much became my mover. That last dinner that I footed for was definitely worth it. Driving a truck is one thing. Piece of cake. Driving a truck and a trailer is another story. I've been warned about, and I did expect the impossibility of reversing the truck with the trailer. Yes, I regret to say that I am defeated.




Off I drove, along 14 mile road onto I-75, which will accompany me all the way to Atlanta. I hope I don't forget those familiar roads like 12 mile, 14mile, Big Beaver, Woodward, John R..... Yeah, that was my hood. Now, it's going to be Roswell, Dunwoody...





So as I drove, pass Detroit downtown, and a Ford stamping plant, it was pretty much a summary of the state of Detroit's economy. Lot's of layoffs, very little growth, which became more of a contrast when I arrive in Atlanta where everything is thriving and new stores here and there. It's quite a different scenario.

First rest stop to peeeee....





"Needmore Road" in Ohio.... simply can't have enough roads huh?



Cincinnati is pretty much the biggest city that I encountered along the whole trip, and is also the section where I spent the most time on because of traffic. I can't say much about it, but it's rather unique as a city surrounded by rolling hills.



Crossing over to Kentucky.



Kentucky is really beautiful. Just rolling hills after rolling hills with beautiful autumn forest. The warm light from the sunset also added to the scenery. The highway was cut into the landscape and you can see the layered rocks as you drive through them. It's almost picture perfect.



By the time I got to Tennessee, it was already getting dark. I turned on the radio, and the music was rather appropriate.... wait, I don't know what song this is or what it's singing about, but it just sounded right for the moment.





I wish I was driving through Tennessee in the day. This section of I-75 is crazy. It twines within the mountains with speed limit at 70mph. This means people are doing 80mph. For me, driving a truck and a trailer going down the hill and turning at 70mph was a little too much for my heart, but I can see how fun it can be if I am driving a more appropriate car. Crazy semi-drivers thinking that their trucks are on rails or something.

Other than the scary night drive, the first day's drive was rather smooth. I was delayed a bit by the traffic and detours, but I did get to Knoxville as planned. The next morning, the drive continues and soon, I was arriving at Altanta sooner than I imagined.



Tennessee River

GEORGIA!!!



I-285, very close to destination!





Off the freeway, towards the house.

Atlanta roads are small, twisty, and surrounded by a lot of trees. This is a big contrast as compared to the wide, flat, straight roads in Michigan with endless views. Driving in Atlanta streets requires a different kind of attention and expectation.

The house. Be jealous!





Living room.



Kitchen



Looking out from the living room.



This house is build on a slope, sitting on steel stilts. A creek runs along the slope, surrounded by trees. It's very hard to imagine that I am just minutes away from amenities like Target, grocery stores and tons of restaurants. Not to mention, I am only 4.5 miles from work!





View from my bedroom!



So how's Atlanta so far? Well, here's an example.

I just came back from Target. A new target store. It has the new brand language with bright store fronts and fansy neon lights, with newly designed shopping carts done by Design Continuum, and all of the staffs who I encountered were extremely friendly and helpful. What about back in Michigan? New Target store? No such thing. There is no "new" in Michigan, because even the existing stores are struggling. The atmosphere is different here. There are things happening all the time, things to look forward to, opportunities to be explored. The streets are busy, and residential and commerical mix very well. It's like the Asian midwest where you have the density and strip malls at the same place. So far it's looking good, and I hope it will get even better.

Still, I miss Michigan. Not for it's good or bad, but for the memories, friends and experiences.