Should I come to Detroit (Rochester Hills, Southgate: house, condos, rent)

[NYD_Central]

Originally Posted by and the

More of a concern to me than the snow is the drab, gray skies we have for a large part of the winter. It's depressing.

For someone from France, you'll find the gray skies similar to the skies you see in northern France during the winter. If you are from that region, the Michigan winter skies might actually make you feel a bit at home.

Also if you have traveled some in Europe, you'll find Michigan's gray skies are nothing compared to the heavy and thick clouded gray skies of Vienna or Budapest. The winter skies in those famous European cities are unlike anything I've encountered anywhere in the US.

[and the]

which kind of activities can we do after work and the weekends? Skiing? I don't know.

If you're in Detroit, there are a couple ski areas you can probably get to after work and still have enough time for some skiing before they close. There are plenty you can get to for the weekend. None of them are comparable to what you have available within reasonable driving distance in France. We really haven't had much snow over the last few winters, but the ski areas do their best with snowmaking.

There's lots of winter things to do in the Upper Peninsula. There's a large Finlander influence up there. That's only a day's drive at the most. I made it from Detroit to Copper Harbor in 10 hours.

If you're really daring, you can try this. Only 176 feet high!:

Pine Mountain Ski Jump - Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Niagra Falls is only a day's drive. There's always cultural stuff to do in Detroit, orchestra, museums, Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn:
The Henry Ford: America's Greatest History Attraction

There are many places for cross country skiing in and around Detroit.

I'm not that into Winter activities, but there are plenty of things to do if you don't mind going outside......which I do......

[LOUIS XIV]

Originally Posted by and the

If you're in Detroit, there are a couple ski areas you can probably get to after work and still have enough time for some skiing before they close. There are plenty you can get to for the weekend. None of them are comparable to what you have available within reasonable driving distance in France. We really haven't had much snow over the last few winters, but the ski areas do their best with snowmaking.

There's lots of winter things to do in the Upper Peninsula. There's a large Finlander influence up there. That's only a day's drive at the most. I made it from Detroit to Copper Harbor in 10 hours.

If you're really daring, you can try this. Only 176 feet high!:

Pine Mountain Ski Jump - Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Niagra Falls is only a day's drive. There's always cultural stuff to do in Detroit, orchestra, museums, Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn:
The Henry Ford: America's Greatest History Attraction

There are many places for cross country skiing in and around Detroit.

I'm not that into Winter activities, but there are plenty of things to do if you don't mind going outside......which I do......

And what about the other seasons?

Moreover, do you know if it's easy (and not expansive) to travel to the other sates. I would like to visit the most famous american places like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, New york, Disneyland...

[LOUIS XIV]

Originally Posted by NYD_Central

For someone from France, you'll find the gray skies similar to the skies you see in northern France during the winter. If you are from that region, the Michigan winter skies might actually make you feel a bit at home.

Also if you have traveled some in Europe, you'll find Michigan's gray skies are nothing compared to the heavy and thick clouded gray skies of Vienna or Budapest. The winter skies in those famous European cities are unlike anything I've encountered anywhere in the US.

you know I don't have to go to nothern, in Paris the couds are our daily menu, even in the summer like this year. I made in comparison in terms of temperature and in average, only the period between january and march seems colder in Detroit. I am a soccer trainer (for youngs, during my free time) and it's very uncomfortable when it's the winter, in particular because of training takes place the evening. and contrary as when I was a player, I can't run to warm myself. Do you know if there is some sport activity that I could do?

[and the]

And what about the other seasons?

Moreover, do you know if it's easy (and not expansive) to travel to the other sates. I would like to visit the most famous american places like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, New york, Disneyland...

Lots of stuff to do in the Summer. I'd check out the towns of Ludington and Pentwater on Lake Michigan. That's less than a day's drive from Detroit. I like the Upper Peninsula in September and October. The rest of the year is too cool, too muddy or too many bugs for me. I like Calumet, Houghton Hancock and Copper Harbor. Do a Google search. The Porcupine Mountains are nice and I've stayed in Ontonogan before at Scott's Superior Inn. Nice place and not very expensive. Right on Lake Superior. There are a lot of historic iron and copper mines in the UP, some with tours. I also like looking through the old cemeteries there.

Phoenix, AZ is about a 4 hour plane trip from Detroit. Then another 4 hours or so drive to the Grand Canyon. I'm sure you can fly in closer than that, but that's the way I went. Sedona, AZ is beautiful and Monument Valley in northeastern Arizona is where they made a lot of western movies that you may have seen done by John Ford.

Los Angeles is maybe a 5 hour airplane trip from Detroit. Orlando, Florida, where Disneyworld is, is a good two day drive from Detroit and maybe a 3 hour plane trip. Washington DC is about a 10 hour drive.

If you go to the Grand Canyon, I would get away from the tourists and spend a few days there so you have enough time to go to the North Rim.

[NYD_Central]

Originally Posted by LOUIS XIV

you know I don't have to go to nothern, in Paris the couds are our daily menu, even in the summer like this year. I made in comparison in terms of temperature and in average, only the period between january and march seems colder in Detroit. I am a soccer trainer (for youngs, during my free time) and it's very uncomfortable when it's the winter, in particular because of training takes place the evening. and contrary as when I was a player, I can't run to warm myself. Do you know if there is some sport activity that I could do?

Ok, yes, you'll find Detroit's gray skies very familiar. One good thing about Michigan evenings is that it does stay light out longer than on the east coast. Because of the time region, the sun in SE Michigan sets about 45 minutes or so later than it does in New York City. This might be of some help.

Well there is plenty of sports activity in the Detroit area. Although I'm not sure about soccer.

[and the]

Oh, one other thing you should check out.......As you know, Detroit was founded by Antoine De La Mothe Cadillac in 1701. Ste. Anne De Detroit is the second oldest Catholic parish in the country, having been founded in 1701. The church records go back that far. Go check out that church in Southwest Detroit near the Ambassador Bridge. It's mostly Mexican down there now, but all the stained glass windows in the church have the name of the sponsors on them, and there are many familiar Detroit French families on them. Cadieux, Campau, Livernois, etc. Also, in the chapel next to the church, you can see the casket bearing the body of Gabriel Richard, a big name in Detroit and Michigan history. They dug him up from the prior church building when they tore it down. The current building is about the 8th and was started in 1888 I think. Do a Google search on Gabriel Richard.

Have you ever been to the church at Angoville au Plain in Normandy? That's the church there that was used as an aid station and still has the blood of US paratroopers of the 101st Airborne on the pews. A friend of mine made and delivered this stained glass window that was recently installed there. Ironically, he's an 82nd Airborne Veteran.:

[HeleenieWeenie]

Originally Posted by and the

Oh, one other thing you should check out.......As you know, Detroit was founded by Antoine De La Mothe Cadillac in 1701. Ste. Anne De Detroit is the second oldest Catholic parish in the country, having been founded in 1701. The church records go back that far. Go check out that church in Southwest Detroit near the Ambassador Bridge. It's mostly Mexican down there now, but all the stained glass windows in the church have the name of the sponsors on them, and there are many familiar Detroit French families on them. Cadieux, Campau, Livernois, etc. Also, in the chapel next to the church, you can see the casket bearing the body of Gabriel Richard, a big name in Detroit and Michigan history. They dug him up from the prior church building when they tore it down. The current building is about the 8th and was started in 1888 I think. Do a Google search on Gabriel Richard.

Have you ever been to the church at Angoville au Plain in Normandy? That's the church there that was used as an aid station and still has the blood of US paratroopers of the 101st Airborne on the pews. A friend of mine made and delivered this stained glass window that was recently installed there. Ironically, he's an 82nd Airborne Veteran.:

I think that any Widipedia article will tell Mr. paris what he needs to know; that Fort Detroit was a French stronghold, there were plenty of battles against the English, which the Indians helped fight. But the landscape is flat, flat, being as its right there on the Detroit River,Lake St. Claire, there is NO skiing in Detroit. As with any fun or recreation (other than baseball, football, hockey games) you have to go outside in the suburbs, i.e. 25 miles or so will get you to Pine Knob, Bald Mountain.
Just try to go search on the Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Bureau to answer all those little trivial questions about the snow, temp, recreation. Becoz you will get a variety of OPINIONS from each/every writer that will tout his / her own preference or prejudice regarding what Detroit has to offer. Me, personally, I was born there, withstanding the grime, crime, decay for 27 yrs. Hate it, had to get out. But thats just me!

[LOUIS XIV]

Originally Posted by HeleenieWeenie

I think that any Widipedia article will tell Mr. paris what he needs to know; that Fort Detroit was a French stronghold, there were plenty of battles against the English, which the Indians helped fight. But the landscape is flat, flat, being as its right there on the Detroit River,Lake St. Claire, there is NO skiing in Detroit. As with any fun or recreation (other than baseball, football, hockey games) you have to go outside in the suburbs, i.e. 25 miles or so will get you to Pine Knob, Bald Mountain.
Just try to go search on the Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Bureau to answer all those little trivial questions about the snow, temp, recreation. Becoz you will get a variety of OPINIONS from each/every writer that will tout his / her own preference or prejudice regarding what Detroit has to offer. Me, personally, I was born there, withstanding the grime, crime, decay for 27 yrs. Hate it, had to get out. But thats just me!

What is interesting in a forum is actually the diversity of opinions, which moreover come directly from people whose live the situation. I have already got some informations from "offical" sources but the best thing is to know the own judgement of the Detroit (& suburbs) residents. However, I thank you for your advices and I hope you'll change your opinion for your natal region. Where do you live now?

Moreover, does somebody know if a furnished house hiring is possible/usual in Detroit?

[pipeski]

One good thing about Detroit is that you will be there. Detroit is predominately an African American City, run by African Americans with "White Folks" directing them in the background from the suburbs. Eventually the "White Folks" will come back into our city and take what they believe is rightfully theirs. Detroit is on the move to greatness. The present Mayor is having some huge problems of his own at the present time. He will probably be exonerated, and the city will move on into a positive way. Go to Detroit. Meet the people, get ajob, go to school, learn about urban life. THen tell your MAMA to come and visit her MAMA's SON IN DETROIT CITY! Have a great tripl:rolleyes :