It is almost two months since we have officially started living in Ann Arbor. I have to say that we are very lucky to be living here. Ann Arbor, as we all know is known for the University of Michigan's main campus. UMICH is an inseparable and very important part of the city's economy and culture. With Medical school and hospital, UMICH definitely rules the roost. But other than the university, the city offers many wonderful things. While Michigan is definitely a rural state, Washtenaw county that harbors A2, is an urban county. With population of around 322,000 the county is fifth largest in the state. However, it is also a very diverse county. And A2 of course takes the cake when it comes to diversity and culture.
What I love about A2 is whenever you walk in downtown, you will hear people speaking in many international languages. People of all over the world can be easily spotted in this "cool" city. Of course, since UMICH is a big player it is not surprising to have an amalgamation of cultures in the city. There is always something to do here. There are car shows, farmers markets, holiday markets, Oktoberfest and so on and so forth. Since, the city is most definitely a liberal city, things such as environmentally friendly technology show is not uncommon. Then there is Sunday Artisan market, where local artists sell their art. And also, book shows and book tours in Borders are tons of literary events in the Ann Arbor District Library make sure that all the book-nuts are happy.
The university has an arboretum which we haven't paid a visit is known for beautiful Fall colors. Another fun part, which I had never experienced is the proximity of wild life. It's not uncommon to spot dears on the roads. The other day we were driving on one of the busy roads and I looked out and spotted few dears hanging out happily on the North campus. I was so excited that I almost hit the car next to me :-) Our landlady has mentioned that the dears do come in our backyard. Now, you can imagine how excited I am to see them.
The city has many many cuisines to offer and for someone who enjoys eating as well as cooking, local the grocery stores. There are many specialty stores that cater to specialty cooking needs such as Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern. I haven't visited all of them, but since I have been dabbling in cooking I will be visiting them some day or the other. There are tons of places that are open to till 2 in the night where you can definitely grab a bite to eat and some good wine to enjoy. Mind you, we moved from Phoenix where we had to decide if we wanted to eat out at 6 pm if we wanted to make it before closing which was in many cases was 9 pm. So given that, having places open so late is a boon for us.
There are many bars and dance clubs for entertainment. Got to be, after all it is a school town. I told someone describing this wonderful city as a "small" city but also a "big" city. Small in the sense that it's a college town. Not too much crowded. Still manages to keep the Midwest charm. But at the same time it is big as it has many things to offer when it comes to jobs, entertainment and diversity. I have to say we are very lucky to move here. I like to see the birds and the squirrels on the tree when I am drinking my morning tea. I enjoy just being here. Many times after work I would just walk around in downtown doing nothing. The weather is perfect now, though a little cold for me. But still I love sitting in a coffee shop and reading and watching students running with their laptops and solving homework. God, I love it here. If some one visits us here, I would tell them let's just sit down and relax and may be walk in the park and then eat in that fantastic neighborhood restaurant. That's Ann Arbor. Alive and beautiful, charming and peaceful, cold and warm, small and big, modern yet simple just what it is , Ann Arbor!
