Aloha everyone! We took a bit of a break due to some European travel, which is always a great excuse :) Today we meet Trui Moerkerke who is a tour guide in the "Motor City " Detroit!
What is your current job/role in the tourism industry?
I just launched A Dose of Detroit, offering guided tours in Detroit (in Dutch, French, and English). I moved with my family to Ann Arbor, Michigan in the Summer of 2016. My husband started a new job here. In Belgium, I had worked full time as a journalist (at Knack Weekend). We were optimistic about me being able to work after three months or so, but it took me two years to get a work permit. In retrospect, these two years were a great gift. I had the time to help my teenage kids adapt to their new life in the US, but also to discover Detroit. I became fascinated with this city and studied to become a tour guide. I was fortunate to have the support of the Belgian-American tour guide collective Via Americana. I joined the team and learned from the best! I am back in the saddle now, as a freelance journalist and as a tour guide, so ready to take Belgians and Americans on a tour of Detroit.
Your own favorite vacation destination?
I like big cities, but only for a few days. For longer vacations I prefer quiet, relaxed and if possible, remote destinations. It’s hard to choose, but I’ll go for the Périgord and Tuscany as my favorites. And I have fond childhood memories of family vacations in Valais, Switzerland.
What is the motto you live by?
Live and let live. Also: You are never too old to learn (and never too old to do silly things).
What do you miss most about Belgium?
Ask my husband, and he will say: proximity to France and Italy. I like that answer. I don’t miss much. Yes, the food in Belgium is better. I miss the bread and bread rolls. Obviously, I do miss my family and friends, but WhatsApp makes it reasonably easy to stay in touch. The biggest surprise: I never thought much about my national identity, but now that I don’t live there anymore, my roots have become more important.
If you want to know more about A Dose of Detroit, please feel free to contact us at info@dailytraveldose.com.