Can-a-da

Because Windsor is a border city lots of trips are made to detroit to shop and sight see.  Our hosts took us over a few times, once to Mexican town (no camera no pictures), which is a really....really run down area with a block of very popular authentic Mexican resturaunts.  The food was delish.

And another day we were off to Greek town with a stop at the Renaissance Center which is the corporate head office for General Motors

 And is right on the boardwalk on the water.  The kids enjoy the spray of water that shoots up on and off

 Especially when it is as hot as it has been here.  This place is a huge hit as you can imagine.

 Then off to Greek Town.  The buildings here are fabulous

 And the sky was perfect

Pagasus is an authentic Greek restaurant that serves authentic Opa.  One is a cheese opa and the other is a sausage opa.  What looks like a piece of deep fried bread is actually the cheese, you scoop a piece up and eat it on bread.  The sausage was different and I liked it.

 

When they bring the cheese opa to you it is lit and flames up quick nicely.  As the wait person does this it is customary for them to say 'Opa' in a loud strong voice.

 One must not eat at a Greet place and not have a Gyro.  They were quite tasty.

Cold Stone may not have anything to do with the Greek but who can walk by one and not imbibe?

 This bakery was authentic.  Baklava and other yummy treats to be had.

These two border towns celebrate Independence day together.  Canada celebrates their Independence Day on July 1 and of course the US on July 4th.  Along the boardwalk of both Windsor and Detroit there is celebration for two weeks over the 1st and 4th of July.  There are street fairs, food tents, street entertainers that come from all around and much much more.  The creme de la creme is the combined fireworks set of from three barges sitting in the water.  This is the 2nd largest fireworks display in North America, New York City is the largest. 

A million people gather on both sides to show their patriotism.

 And amongst those million sat David and Mark

 A pre- fireworks shot of the Renaissance Center

The architecture across the water is quite impressive especially with the American Flag proudly waving

 To begin the show a helicopter flies the Canadian flag across the skyline.  I was happy to get the shot of it near the US flag.  Patriotism at its best.

 And then the US flag is coptered across.  Unfortunately they flew much lower you are able to see the flag here but not the helicopter flying it.  There was applause all around when both flags flew.  Patriotism at its best.

 And the display begins

 This was a bit eerie I thought

 Not only was the view fabulous but the sounds, oh the sounds booming over the water and through the skyline

 Colors that lit up the sky

 And the good ole red white and blue.  It was quite the feeling sitting there amongst all of the Canadian citizens with the US across the way enjoying the very same show applauding each others country.  Patriatisim at it's best.

It has been said that this may be the very last combined fireworks due to Detroit's financial difficulties.  It would be a huge huge lose and missed by millions. David and I are happy to have been a part of this combined Independence Day celebration.

I am not sure what the deal is with these Canadians (I say with a smile on my face) but they celebrate Thanksgiving in October not November....egh?  So we thought what the hell, let's celebrate ours in June.  Turkey, dressing, gravey and corn on the cob with wonderful friends and great hosts.

 

It has been a fabulous almost three weeks, time we will never forget, spent with friends who now feel like family.  They welcomed us into their home and their lives.  Thanks guys-love ya.