Fifteen years ago today:

A momentous day: I have my first breakfast at Ritter’s Diner and fall in love with Pittsburgh. David (my host) and I cover a lot of ground and if you look closely you can see things that no longer exist–like Isaly’s, Three Rivers Stadium, and the East Liberty projects.

If you’re starting to get weary from the trip, today also marks the halfway point.

Original narrative.

Fifteen years ago today:

A quick circle through downtown Detroit, followed by an unpleasant drive through Toledo and free passage on the Ohio Turnpike. I landed in Pittsburgh, which was not on the original itinerary, and thus began somewhat by accident a love affair with the place that endures to this day.

Original narrative.

Fifteen years ago today:

Highlights include a quick trip to Windsor in the rain (and another to drink later on), the Henry Ford Museum, Brush Park, and downtown Detroit. This was my first trip to Detroit, a city I was a little obsessed with at the time, and I was very excited.

Original narrative.

Fifteen years ago today:

Indianapolis to Detroit with a stop in Ft. Wayne, where I realize that one of my favorite radio stations as a lonely teenager had become the home for drooling dittoheads and other assorted morons. The night finished with some Canadian TV.

Original narrative.

Some assorted stuff before I actually leave the house and do something with my day:

• This borders on a San Francisco level of silliness. I expected more out of New York. Hell, even the SF Chronicle thinks it’s stupid.
• Same shit, different layout.
• Currently planning my annual Thanksgiving trip to Toronto next month and very excited that I might get to see this while I’m there.