Welcome to America, April,1975: Detroit, MI

Before we could get our gear together and head up the Interstate ramp, a car pulled over and the driver signaled us to climb in. Esperanza chose the rear seat, I joined Michael in front. He was a recent immigrant to this country from Greece and was returning to his new home in Detroit. He had visited relatives in South Bend and was interested in driving the side roads on his way back. Since none of us were familiar with this neck of the woods we all became tourists for the day without a guide. Most of the countryside was farmland, with many small diners and food stands. We stopped many times for coffee and conversation. Besides exploring the country side we explored each other’s stories.
Michael had come over to join immigrant relatives. He was a factory worker, who had left a wife and two daughters behind, until he could afford to bring them over. Many of his compatriots would split up families while the intricacies of immigration were worked out. He was also acutely interested in the waves of hitchhikers he noticed traveling around this country. We were not the first he had carried. This was an experience he had not seen in his country. I suppose he had not visited Northern Europe recently as the wave of modern day pilgrims was also awash there. Having him question us, gave us opportunity to reflect and understand the nature of our own journeys. I experienced mine as an unfolding that could best be summed by the title of a popular hit tune, “On the Road to Find Out.” Esperanza concurred and we welcomed Michael as part of the story.
He was also taken by the fact that we were traveling together without being committed partners. It seemed strange to him that the nature of our commitment lasted only as long as our journey. He was also puzzled about the nature of any sexual relationship we may have. He approached this subject by asking me about Esperanza’s availability for sex. I guessed that in his culture, matters of this sort were handled by the males. He was quite surprised that I brought her into the discussion and pointed out that here woman can speak for themselves. I stood aside and supported Esperanza as she turned down his offers. He accepted her rejection and our time together was comfortable enough that when we arrived at his home late that night we accepted his offer of floor space to sleep on.
His apartment was barely furnished. Michael was overly apologetic about the lack of amenities. His first furnishing was an excellent music system. Besides having a good radio and the beginnings of a cassette tape collection his belongings consisted of a single bed, a coffee table, no chairs, but he did have an automobile. He did have a set of dishes and cooking utensils that he displayed while graciously preparing and serving us fine example of Greek cooking. He apologized for the lack of beds, but we assured him that sleeping on his carpeted floor indoors was much better than cold damp ground. We arose early and Michael dropped us off at the entry ramp for the bridge to Windsor, Ontario on his way to work. In parting we welcomed Michael to our country and walked toward Canada before the sun arose.

©