➳ Adventures of M+A Kramer: A Weekend in Ann Arbor, MI

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create).

It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival."

-C.S. Lewis

Last year, we (Matt, Claire, and I) drove out to Ann Arbor to visit Peter over the three day weekend. It was so nice to spend time together, but it was a long drive after work on a Friday with blizzard conditions on the way back the following Monday. Quick look back at a few photos from last year's visit.

So this year, we traded our [Wisconsin] red for [Michigan] blue again. Peter and Claire were married this past summer, so we were excited to visit them at their first home together using the Southwest Companion Pass. It was convenient to hop on a plane after work and enjoy the short flights east with just a quick layover in Chicago.

It was a blessing to spend time with some of our best friends: catching up, enjoying fellowship over meals, talking marriage, relaxing, and watching the NFL playoffs. We are very thankful to the Lord for our time together.

"What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it."

"Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?"

-C.S. Lewis

We waited a whole year to have breakfast at Angelo's. Last year we stopped after church, but there was a long wait that our stomachs could not take. The anticipation had built up over the last 12 months, and it did not disappoint. My mouth is still watering from the farm fresh omelettes, homemade bread, and pumpkin pancakes.

We ventured into Detroit for a few hours and checked out the Detroit Historical Society. The lower level is set up as the streets of Old Detroit, and the upper levels had other historical displays - cars, decade highlights, underground railroad, to name a few.

A quick, brisk walk across the street brought us to the Detroit Institute of Arts. It is an incredible building with some beautiful pieces. We wandered through some of it and saw paintings from Monet, van Gogh, and many other artists.

Matt and Pete thought it would be fun to go to the GM Renaissance Center and observe the view from 72 floors up, the tallest point in the city. There is a fancy restaurant at the top, but you can go up the elevator for free after 5 p.m. to enjoy the views - Canada to the left of the river and Detroit to the right.

We ate lunch at Zingerman's Delicatessen the next day. You can sample anything here from the breads, to the cheeses and meats, and the oils. Matt went right for the cheese of course. The food is local and naturally raised, so it was a feast. Oh, and there are tasty desserts next door including gelato, homemade croissants, cakes, and other baked goods. We were quite full when it was all said and done.