Detroit, soon to be revisited

Dan Goldstein's next major trip of geographic exploration and socio-economic investigation outside Wisconsin will be to Detroit Michigan, which I haven't visited since September 1999. There are cheap, decent hotels in Royal Oak, a suburb situated a few miles north of Eight Mile Road. Back then, during the Clinton Era "Boom Years," I rode the city buses. One of them had graffiti, written in magic marker: "Beware of pickpockets and thieves on Detroit city buses." I saw many, many dilapidated residences and others that were boarded-up or even burnt out. I saw several beautiful, mostly deserted art-deco skyscrapers, many dating from the 1920's or possibly even earlier. Strolling north from Downtown's Cadillac Square, I made my way up Woodward Avenue in the daytime. There were many vacant storefronts. One store that was in business had a sign on the front door, berating the burglars who had recently broken in. After a quick stop to check my email at the main Detroit Public Library, I continued northbound. I saw large areas north of Wayne State University, some covering entire city blocks, that apparently had been abandoned since 1967's "Detroit Rebellion." There were weeds growing there; I swear, some appeared to be as tall as a two-story house. I hope to make a long-awaited return trip during the first week of July. I'd invite you all, but I prefer to travel single. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6WKMNmFsxM