Big Fat Squirrel

There is a pair of squirrels living near my house... a fat brown one and a thinner black one. Armed with my 70-200mm I finally got a few shots of the fat one. Next target... that noisy woodpecker that woke me up this morning! 

Tahquamenon Fall - another shot

Tahquamenon Fall - is it that SUSPICIOUS??

My encounter with a "Forrest Gump" policeman! I was stopped by Mr FG (Forrest Gump) on the way back from the waterfall:


FG: Did you drive 5 hours here just to take some photos of the waterfall?
Me: Yes, I did.
FG: And you will be driving all the way back today for another 5 hours?
Me: Yes.
FG: That is "SUSPICIOUS", it is very unusual for people to do that (*notice the cap*).
Me: Unusual? Maybe, but not for me. I enjoy taking photos... some folks would fly to Scotland to play folk at St Andrews... I drive 5 hours to take some photos.
FG: No locals will drive for 5 hours to the Upper Peninsula just to take photos and drive back the same day... (blah blah blah...)
Me: Well, I am not a local!
FG: *stumped*


I found this quote from Forrest Gump... "Forrest Gump: Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them."


Sorry Mr FG, I am not your mama... and you should go out more often!

One more shot from Henry Ford Museum

I don't really have much more to add about the visit to Henry Ford... only wanted to share this photo. It took me about 30 mins to capture this one shot. For some reason, there were so many crowding around this exhibit... I knew it will be a good shot and so began the wait. I am really happy how this shoot turned out.

The Henry Ford Museum - it's actually not too bad

OK... I will start this post by stating that contrary to the going stereotype of people who work in automotive company - I AM NOT A "CAR-NUT". While I think the perceptive that most people who work in automotive companies are car cut is not unfounded... I am not one of those. In fact, I couldn't be bothered about the difference driving a V6 or V8 car - I am ashamed to say, they feel and accelerate just the same. :)


Also, I am not the "cultured" type that likes to go check out the latest exhibits in Museums... whether it's Renaissance or modern art makes no real difference to me. Rembrant or Monet ... I can't tell them apart... So there you go. In short, you'll probably not find me in a Automotive Museum, as I have little interest in both.


Well... I never thought I'd say this, the Henry Ford Museum is actually not too bad! Nevermind it's located in Dearborne and about 25 mins drive from my place... I actually did enough the trip and the exhibits. The museum opens from 9am to 5pm everyday - admission to the Museum is $17... but you have to pay $5 for carparking as well! I particularly enjoyed the "Heros in the Sky" exhibits. 


So here's the good and bad about this museum... 


Goods:


1. Heros in the Sky exhibit
2. Exhibits are well organised and spaced out
3. Texaco exhibits is very cool & good for photography
4. Lots of carpark lots available
5. Good write up on the history of automotive industry in America


Bads:


1. Slightly expensive - entrance fee is $17 + $5 for carparking
2. Overly "Ford" focus... for someone who works in General Motors
3. Greenfield Village is under renovation


Here are the photos...

The fog this morning on Emerald Lake Drive

This was the fog that was delaying my trip this morning... in the end, I left the house without waiting for it to clear... glad I did it.

These three little piggies went to the market ... unfortunately...

Faces of Cambodia

Found these photos during my archival process. They look interesting & reminded me of life in another world.. brought back good memories! Tells me that life can be simple and happy...

A morning at the Eastern Market, Detroit

So, I first heard about the Eastern Market on the internet... websites like VistDetroit.Org promote it as the place to be to experience the rich produce Michigan has to offer. I visited the place last Saturday and here are my thoughts.


1. The Eastern Market is a smaller version of the Victoria Market in Melbourne.
2. It offers a good variety of produce for a decent price - most produce are claimed to be organic.
3. The best deal I got was $1 for a pack of ~30 chilli (they call it "pepper" here) - very good value!
4. There is a provision shop that sells dried food called "Rocky's Historic" - they sell all kinds of dried food
5. Most folks in the market are busy doing their weekend shopping - so you can take photos freely!
6. Very easy to find a park - there are parking lots everywhere around the market... I always recall parking in Victoria market to be a nightmare.


At first, I was a bit apprehensive about taking photos in the market... I was reminded of the scenes in Tsujiki Market where the stall owners thought of photographers as being disruptive to their business. Here... it's all good... no one seem to care that you are taking photos. And so I click away.


In all, it was good for grocery shopping but not much of a tourist attraction... that I was hoping for. It seems like the Global Financial Crisis and the past 50 years of economic downturn in Michigan had a significant impact on the Eastern Market of today. In many of the online articles I've read, it used to be one of the busiest open market in the United States. I think much has changed since then, there are signs of improvements.

So this is the much talked about Sam's Loan (from the TV series Hardcore Pawn)!

There is a TV series in Australia's Channel 7 that has gained much popularity in recent days... it's called Hardcore Pawn. The TV series shows day to day events that happened in a pawn shop set in Detroit, Michigan. In one of the episode, the owner of the pawn shop (Les) was telling his son (Seth) a story of another pawn shop owned by Les' late grandfather. It's called Sam's Loan. You can check out the story of Sam's Loan in the link below...where Les shows Seth an old news story about a shootout at Les's father's pawn shop, in which a police office was killed.


http://www.trutv.com/video/hardcore-pawn/sams-loan-shootout.html


This, is Sam's Loan today. It's located 5 mins walk away from Slows BBQ (see my earlier post).

Michigan Central Station - now an abandon train station!

An example of Urban Decay in America known as Detroit's abandoned train station. A.K.A. Michigan Central Station. Michigan Central Station once was a thriving epicenter for the city of Detroit and the whole Midwest. Now the abandoned train station sits with most of it's windows broken.


The architecture of the building is beautiful and definitely deserves to be saved. I wanted to go into the building to take some shots... but the place seem very well fenced... in fact there are 2 layers of fences erected. I saw a hole in the outer fence but too bad I didn't have the time to venture through the gap! Maybe next time!

SLOWS BBQ - the best BBQ in the world!

Oh yes! This place got it "down"! ... I think this is how the locals put it. I first heard about Slows from a colleague who rave about this place having the best BBQ ribs in US. "That's a big call..." I said. "Try it, and you'll see..." she replied.


And so this venture began... 


So here's my experience. On arriving at Slows... the first thing I've noticed is that this place is packed. Truly. I was not expecting this turn-out in Detroit on a weekend. Clearly the food must be worth the while for many. That is a good start, I thought... well, the "crowd" factor is always an important & unbiased gauge on the quality of food. After waiting for about 20mins, it was finally our turn to get seated... we sat right next to the window, overlooking the Detroit Train Station. 

I chose "Your Choice" which is a half slab of St Louis ribs and "pulled pork". Pulled pork? I have no idea what's that... it seem very popular and so I went with it. The meal also came with 2 sides... all for about $19. 

When the food arrived... my first reaction was to examine the "pulled pork"... it looked like pieces pulled from a piece of pork... no wonder the name! ... ok, the best part was when I sink my teeth into the pulled pork!!! It was flavoured... soft and moist! It almost melts away in your mouth... the apple sauce provided by the restaurant is a perfect match for the pulled pork! AWESOME! Honestly, the best part about the dish is how moist and soft the meat was... there was also a subtle taste of herbs which complemented the flavour of the pork.

So... I am a convert... I don't think I have tried a better BBQ in the States than Slows! It certainly lived up to the hype! I will definitely try it again! without hesitation... The meal came up to $23!

Visit to the Packard Plant (Part 2)

To those who have been asking about how I am settling in Detroit - thanks for the concern and care! I really appreciate it. The last week in Detroit has been quite fantastic, the weather was good (lots of sunny days and I was told Melbourne's weather is terribly cold at the moment), the area I live in is really scenic & beautiful, and the people at work are such a wonderful happy bunch! 


So what has settling in got to do with the Packard Plant tour? 


Heaps... first of all, all those reputation that Detroit has aren't necessarily true. I mean, I am not saying that there is no crime or even low crime ... but hey, not everyone is a monster here who is bent on mugging you for every last dollar you have. In fact, I think an over-whelming majority of the folks here are really quite decent! And yes, the city needs to clean up some of the places around town, eg. Packard Plant! 


... in a strange and unique way, I am definitely learning to appreciate things I see around me in the city of Detroit. I know many will say it's too early... but I can already visualise myself living in this place for the next 2 years! I think this is a good statement to make when you are trying to settle in a foreign land. I will be visiting the Russell Bazaar and Slows BBQ this weekend! Until then... enjoy the photos.

Visit to the Packard Plant (Part 1)

So it all began with this headline I found in the New York Times last night "The Packard Plant, a Symbol of Bygone Detroit, May Be Demolished". The article goes on to say that the plant will be gradually fenced up to begin demolition works starting next week! Needless to say, I was shocked... "what a waste", I thought! 

While many consider the Packard Plant an eye sore... those into photography will straight away recognise the photographic qualities of such a landmark. The beauty of the industrial settings mixed with a good dose of "urban decay"... the make up of a truly unique photography experience. There is not much the photographer need to do, just let the photos do the talking. 

So it should be a simple decision right? I am alone in Michigan... the plant is less than 30 mins drive away from my place and I have nothing to do this Sunday! Logical conclusion - make the trip and take some photos! Well, it's not really a simple decision. 


First of all, the Packard Plant is within the 8 miles radius from the city of Detroit... an area of what many would consider "high crime" zone. Secondly, the plant is usually abandon and quiet ... in fact, it's very quiet... so the prospect of a modestly built Asian running into trouble (ie. getting mugged) is a real possibility... come on... I am an easy target!

"Should I go?" I asked my wife through Skype... "Go lah.... otherwise you'll keep harping on it," she said. Still feeling uneased... "I'll let the weather decide," I replied. 

Sunday... I woke up this morning to a light snow fall. Ah, the weather is bad... that's my excuse to stay away from Packard Plant, I rationalised. Then, I thought... since the weather is crappy today... maybe no one will go to the plant - then, it'll be perfect! And before I know it... I am all packed and ready to go!

I hopped into the car and turn on the GPS... after about 30mins drive... there.... that is the Packard Plant! There were some photographers around, "I could approach them ... make friends ... and then follow them around the plant ... perfect!" So, I did speak with a few of the folks, everyone was friendly... but after about 5 mins of photos, I forgot about the "making friends" part and I am thoroughly hooked onto the photography! I spend the next 3 hours walking up and down the Packard Plant... shooting away! What a day!!!

Somethings when you "think" too much... you miss out on opportunities... I am glad I didn't today... and here are some of the photos!

In my next post, I will share more about some personal reflections I did during my visit to the plant... meanwhile, enjoy the photos.

My first week in Troy... just a little slice.

Ok, after two months of waiting, I have finally arrived in Troy, MI. Having the lake just at my doorstep makes me wish that summer has come already... yes, it is a milder winter and yes, I appreciate that. But seeing the sun and the lake from my windows makes me want to run straight out and jump into the pool! But before I let my urge to swim get the better of me... I am reminded that it's 2 degree celsius out there. Better stay indoor! I wish the lake and the sun would stop tempting me.

Now, regarding my culinary skills... (or lack of) I am surprised at how easy it is to whip up a meal by "dumping" everything into the slow cooker and let the cooker do the job. Almost hassle-free and great results! yummy... I can't wait to dig into the juicy piece of stew beef cooked in the slow cooker for 6 hours. The meat just simply melts in your mouth! Oh... and the gravity is oozing out.... messy :)

Well, this weekend I have decided that I will "roam" around the Troy vicinity. First, to get acquainted with my new found home... secondly, to see what's nice out there. Today I visited the Truy Trang Vietnamese restaurant (in Madison Heights) and tried their famous "Pho". It's surprisingly nice - not as great as those that you'll find in Springvale (Melbourne) but it is very decent. Favours were spot-on... the only bit of complain is with the rice noodle. They use a thinner rice noodle compared to Vietnamese restaurants in Melbourne. I prefer the thicker variety. I saw the next table ordered deep fried springrolls... they looked good! I think I know what i will order next time I visit the place...