It was a welcome parcel. Partly because the clothes inside hadn’t been designed by someone who’d just listened to Tubular Bells straight for nine hours while popping LSD, and partly because they trebled my current wardrobe.
After launching Operation Pant Hunt in the malls the hotel receptionist said she wasn’t scared of going to on her own, I returned to find this aid package on my bed.
A note inside from a saintly Chevrolet PR said they’d heard about my lost case woe and hoped the contents would help in my hour of need.
Inside were three T-shirts, and a polo shirt. It meant I could retire the walking-on-its-own clothing I’d been sporting up until yesterday and the clobber I’d bought in Showtime, the store that specialised in ‘kitting out musicians’.
Perhaps my cartoon Twitter avatar made me look like a medium, or the Pulled Pork and Ribs I’ve been living off have added a few unwelcome pounds, but they don’t all fit.
In fact, if I shaved my head I’d look like the lost member of Right Said Fred – but they’re clean clothes and actually rather cool, so I’m rocking the look all the same.
Yesterday was spent looking for smalls in the malls of Detroit with Auto Express editor Steve Fowler. As a World Car of the Year judge he’d managed to get hold of a Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac CTS to try out – so we took the Chevvy for the unplanned shopping trip. Fitting really, considering the aid package waiting back at base.
The Impala impressed. Not only does it look cool in a Camaro sort of way, but it also showcases some impressive build quality – something we’re not quite used to on some European offerings from the brand.
The V6 sounded great, the multimedia system was top notch and with brown leather interior it was a pleasant place from which to take in the dilapidated Detroit suburbs.
After a visit to Macy’s (pant mission complete) and Walmart (replacement suitcase) we looked around some of the derelict buildings. The most staggering of which was the central station (seen in the panorama above) – empty since 1984 and still strikingly beautiful.
I even treated Steve to a trip to Showtime so he could meet Dan the owner and see the shirts for himself. Dan was on top form (I think this is standard) and we laughed some more as he tried to sell us a Sergeant Pepper-style jacket and leather waistcoat.
He also showed us the video below. Called Skiing in Detroit it shows off the city in all its dark drama – Dan even makes a cameo appearance in it himself. It’s worth a watch for the mad urban skiing.
I head home later today and have given up all hope of seeing my case again. Last time I checked American Airlines still had no idea where it was.
But do you know what? I’m sort of glad I lost it – it’s led to one of the most memorable press trips ever.