Travelogue 6 | Ann Arbor: Long-Awaited Leisure

🌅 After the night turns over, a new day begins. It was a little past 6 a.m., with the sky just beginning to brighten, when I decided to walk to the University of Michigan. Unlike the towering skyscrapers of the big cities I’d visited earlier, Ann Arbor was filled with charming, low-rise buildings as far as the eye could see. 🚶‍♂️ The bus stop was about a half-hour walk from the university. The campus blended seamlessly into the city, with no clear boundary between the two. The University of Michigan’s campus had a distinct Hogwarts-like vibe—grand, historic, and full of character. I even encountered an adorable, fearless squirrel who seemed more than happy to pose for a photo. 📸🐿️ 👫 After meeting up with WLS on campus, we decided to go grocery shopping and cook back at our Airbnb. Our stay was in the basement of a standalone house, which also served as the host’s studio. The host usually worked there during the day and returned to Lansing in the evenings, so although we were sharing the space, we had plenty of freedom and privacy. 🏡 The entrance to the basement was right under a decorative deer head—a quirky touch! The host’s cat, incredibly photogenic, made a cameo in our memories. 🐱 Our basement haven also featured some fun elements, like an elephant rocking toy and a cozy entertainment corner. 🍳 Together with WLS, we collaborated on cooking up some delicious meals—sunny-side-up eggs, steak, and pasta. It was simple but satisfying. 🤝 During our three days in Ann Arbor, we met many new friends. Once again, I enjoyed tea brewed by WLS and had many fascinating conversations. It felt great to finally sleep in a bed that didn’t move (a luxury after some bumpy travels!). I also picked up some basic Western cooking skills. ✈️ When the host found out we were heading to Detroit Airport, he kindly offered to drive us there. Although our documents weren’t fully sorted, the airport staff were incredibly helpful and efficient, making the boarding process smooth and stress-free. 💫 Finally, I felt like I could pause and truly appreciate life beyond the rush of travel. Everything always works out in the end. ☺️🙏 #AnnArbor #UniversityLife #TravelDiaries