My first trip to Detroit and I am smitten! The weather is a beautiful 81 degrees and my flight arrives 30 mins early. I disembark the airplane and as I enter baggage claim (and to my pleasant surprise!) there was a sign for AAJA convention attendees. I immediately felt the warm welcome and couldn’t wait to get to the hotel and check in!

After leaving the airport and settling into the hotel, I join 2 buses of motivated and ambitious attendees to attend the Opening Night at the Arab American National Museum.

A bus tour guide provided an informative overview of the well-known ‘Warren Street’ which is 4 miles of Arab food heaven (and barber shops!). During Ramadan this week, some food shops are even open until 5am. This is a must place to visit before returning home. I know I will. Hope to see you there!!

— Amy Pholphiboun