Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Day One—Plus the Sweet Story Behind the Cinnamon Rolls

Discover the Iconic Cinnamon Roll That’s Delighting Guests Nationwide 

Hello!＾＾ Continuing my Michigan travel diary.

Today, it's the scene of my first breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Birmingham where I'm staying.

The Holiday Inn Express offers a free hot breakfast, and among the items, the warm and fresh cinnamon rolls are especially distinctive. Honestly, I was looking forward to the cinnamon rolls ever since I researched the hotel beforehand.

☆Complimentary Express Start Breakfast Bar at Holiday Inn Express, Birmingham, MI☆

The coffee machine brews each cup fresh on the spot, so it's just right to bring additional food while the coffee is being made. There was yogurt available too, so I didn't have to buy it at Whole Foods💦  

I might secretly take the packaged Danish pastry to my room (because I might get too full from the other foods...)

♡Holiday Inn Express's signature hot & fresh Cinnabon Sweet Roll♡

The cinnamon roll I'd been longing for was absolutely delicious! Savoring delicious cinnamon rolls and fresh coffee makes for such a delightful experience in the morning away from my usual spot.

Here is a wonderful insight you might find surprising:

Holiday Inn Express serves Cinnabon Sweet Rolls as a signature part of their complimentary Express Start Breakfast Bar. These rolls are made with Cinnabon's famous Makara cinnamon, brown sugar, cinnamon schmear, and topped with the brand's iconic cream cheese frosting. However, the version served at Holiday Inn Express is slightly adapted for the hotel setting: the rolls are smaller in size and have a milder sweetness compared to the original Cinnabon rolls sold in stores. This makes them a perfect breakfast item, offering the signature taste with a lighter touch suited for morning dining. This partnership allows guests to enjoy the beloved Cinnabon experience conveniently during their stay.

The coffee was served in a generous size, but I had another cup to enjoy with the lovely cinnamon roll. The breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Birmingham was very satisfying.

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Before heading out of my hotel room, I left a pillow tip for the housekeeper. I thought 1 dollar might be a little too small with prices going up, but since I am Japanese and not used to tipping culture, even 1 dollar felt like a tip to me.

To be continued...

Perfect Soy Milk Find: First Day Shopping at Whole Foods Birmingham, MI

After having dinner at Birmingham Sushi Cafe, Collie suggested we stop by Whole Foods Market to pick up anything I might need.  

2100 E Maple Rd, Birmingham, MI 48009, United States

Since I’ll be staying for six days at the Holiday Inn Express in Birmingham — Collie kindly booked the hotel I picked — he wanted to make sure I’d have something I like from Whole Foods Market.

As the hotel includes breakfast, I thought I wouldn't need much during my stay, but the first thing that came to mind was soy milk.

That said, just wandering around Whole Foods to see what products they have is fun in itself and feels like sightseeing♪♪♪

We browsed around, and here's what Collie bought for me😊: a fresh pack of berries, some organic chocolate I wanted to taste-test, low-sugar yogurt, and soy milk that's perfect for my taste!

The 1 QT (946 ml) size soy milk is just right for my six-day hotel stay. It’s organic and has no sugar added, exactly what I was looking for. I learned that the "365 WHOLE FOODS MARKET" label is Whole Foods Market's private brand, offering high-quality products at more affordable prices. That’s wonderful♡

After he walked me to my hotel room, Collie headed to his mother's house, where he's currently helping care for her. It felt a bit lonely watching him leave after spending the whole day together. Since he booked it for two people, I wondered if he'd join me sometimes? With that hopeful thought, I ended the first night of my stay.

*To be continued...*

Birmingham Sushi Caffe Experience & Reflecting on Missed Moments at Sushi Japan

After our walk in Birmingham, we decided to go for dinner at Sushi Japan. It was one of the places I had looked up back in Japan and really wanted to visit in Birmingham. Since I’m not very familiar with the area, Collie quickly checked the map on his phone and led us there. It was actually his first time too, but I really appreciated how proactively he took the lead in finding the place.

Google Maps showed it should be open, however, there was a notice saying it was closed today due to an urgent matter or something like that. Inside, there was a man who looked Japanese working alone. Collie asked me, “How about you talk to him?” but I held back.

The back entrance of Birmingham Sushi Cafe

377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, MI 48009

Plans changed abruptly! We came to another sushi restaurant, Birmingham Sushi Cafe. Once again, Collie checked the location on his phone for us. 

This was a casual sushi restaurant where Asian staff who were not Japanese worked. Collie and I each ordered two types of sushi rolls. About six sliced pieces of each kind—four rolls in total—were served together on one plate. It was more filling than we expected!

Sitting by the window, we enjoyed sushi with a view of Downtown Birmingham in the evening. Between the walk on Poppleton Street and my choice of sushi restaurants, my plans in Birmingham are being put into action quickly on my first day in Michigan, thanks to Collie.

I think what I ordered was the Spicy Salmon Roll. The orange sauce poured over it is the spicy sauce. The other one was the Spicy California Roll, which contains crab salad and avocado inside. In the back, you can see the sushi roll Collie ordered, which has shrimp tempura inside.

And this is Collie's "Philadelphia." It’s a roll made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber. Since Collie couldn’t finish his portion, I managed to eat the rest! =3

Birmingham Sushi Cafe is a laid-back sushi restaurant that hits the spot when you want to enjoy some sushi without any fuss.

On the other hand, it was disappointing that Sushi Japan was unexpectedly closed today. As a Japanese person, I want to experience sushi run by Japanese owners.

Afterwards, when I was exploring Birmingham alone, I visited Sushi Japan, but it was closed and there was no one there. Now, writing this blog after returning from Michigan, I looked it up and found that it is listed as "permanently closed".

I wish I had mustered the courage to speak to the Japanese man inside when I first visited with Collie. At that time, I thought it would be fine to talk when I visited again while it was open. 

I might have been able to say something to support the Japanese person working hard in Michigan—that thought crosses my mind now.

A Quiet Evening Walk Together on Poppleton Street, Birmingham, Michigan

This is probably my seventeenth visit to Michigan. After checking into the hotel in Birmingham that Collie had booked for me(us), he asked me what I'd like to do with the rest of the evening. I suggested that we take a walk together along Poppleton Street.

I’ve been to Birmingham several times before, and it’s one of my favorite places in Michigan. I wanted to walk along this Poppleton Street with Collie—a street I used to stroll often, one that had left a lasting impression on me.

While living in Japan, I try to study English at my own pace and focus on finding happiness in my everyday life in a way that feels true to myself. Spending time alone happily is important and right, but maybe I'm also consciously tying to do that because otherwise, I might start wondering why we live so far apart and begin to feel uncertain. So when I finally come to Michigan and see him in front of me, I feel a quiet pause inside me as I try to adjust my heart to being here again.

On the first day of October, I stepped off the sidewalk onto Poppleton Street to take a photo. Though it was already evening, the sun was still bright, pouring a warm light over the quiet neighborhood.

↑

Collie was taking this photo of me from behind! ^o^

It was a warm October, and the leaves were just beginning to change color.

The autumn colors were starting to show, glowing softly in the sparkling sunlight.

A large residence near Poppleton Street, Birmingham, Michigan

In no time, I was walking along the nostalgic Poppleton Street with Collie the very day I arrived in Michigan. The hotel was booked for six days, mostly for me; he hadn’t really stayed there. He is currently busy taking care of his mother, visiting her daily to check on her condition, so he doesn’t have much time to spend with me. Even so, I'm truly thankful to have come all the way because I can meet him in person like this, basking in the comfort of his gentle smile.

Tomorrow morning, I will take a walk along this street again on my own. I'd love to experience the morning atmosphere of Poppleton Street too. Just like I do in Japan, I will take some personal time here happily and meaningfully. The time spent with him is a treasure. The time spent alone is also a treasure, made even more meaningful because of him. Because we are connected in our hearts.

My First Delta Comfort Experience: Three Meals and Airport Frenzy

Whenever I went to Michigan, I always flew economy to save some money. But this time, I decided to treat myself and booked [Delta Comfort] for the first time. It’s just one step up from [Delta Main](economy class). The legroom is a bit more spacious, and while the meals are pretty much the same, the nice perk is boarding earlier in Zone 3, which means I can settle in and relax a little sooner. 

There’s no more drink & snack service right after boarding like before COVID. These days, the welcome drinks are offered starting from [Delta Premium Select] (one class above [Delta Comfort]) and in [Delta One](the highest business class).

So, when the dinner service started, I asked for sparkling wine🥛as my first drink, enjoying the feeling of a welcome drink♪ The sparkling wine is no longer served in a small, cute bottle like before; instead, it comes in a recyclable can, which I found quite stylish and delicious.

Delta dinner plate

During dinner, I had red wine for my second drink. It was rich and enjoyable.

The seat layout in [Delta Comfort] is 3 (left) - 3 (center) - 3 (right), 

while in [Delta Premium Select] it is 2 (left) - 4 (center) - 2 (right). 

Since I prefer to spend my time as comfortably as possible in my seat, I like the aisle seat in the middle section of [Delta Comfort]’s 3 (center) layout. This is because I believe it has the lowest probability of having to get up when other passengers stand to go to the restroom.

[Delta Premium Select] offers wider seat width and seat pitch, along with adjustable footrests and leg rests, plus perks like welcome drinks and meals served on real dishware. However, for me, sitting in the aisle seat in the middle section of [Delta Comfort] holds more value.

 PIZZA TWIST, traditional in-flight snack of Delta

This PIZZA TWIST thing was served as a light meal in the late night. I’m impressed with the creative way they made pizza easier to eat! It’s designed to be a convenient, tasty snack that fits well in the limited space of airplane service.

It was cold on the plane, and I felt chilled, so I asked for a warm cup of tea to accompany the midnight snack.

Delta morning plate

As we approached Detroit, it was time for breakfast. Although yakisoba(noodle) was also an option, I deliberately chose an omelet because I wanted to get some protein. For my drink, I had tomato juice, thinking about its beauty benefits.

There were curious sounds of cats meowing—probably someone had smuggled a cat on board—and babies crying, but my first time on [Delta Comfort] was a good flight. As usual, I also enjoyed the movies.

Near the airport exit at Detroit

Having safely passed through customs, I sent a message to Collie saying, "I've arrived ^^♪" 

Calls and SMS are possible with Biglobe Mobile’s international roaming, but data communication is not. (For data, I use GlocalMe’s pocket WiFi.) While I was wondering whether to turn data roaming ON or OFF on my smartphone, Collie appeared quickly! We hugged after a long time apart, but Rose went back to worrying about the data roaming issue.

Collie laughed and said, "Is your smartphone more important than me?" Rose replied, "No, Collie, you’re the most important, and I hugged you first!" Rose returned to checking the data roaming —because setting it wrong could lead to a huge bill...

I later found out that the correct setting was to turn data roaming OFF on my smartphone, and for safety, also turn mobile data OFF.

It was a somewhat rushed reunion (sorry, Collie), but from here, our three weeks together in Michigan begin🌷

See you nest time...  Rose

And Now, Off to Michigan! – The Beginning of a New Journey

It’s been about two years and four months since I last visited Michigan. Just like last time, I just stopped by the SKY LOUNGE for a cup of coffee before my flight. I’d always flown out of Narita Airport, so this is only my second time flying from Haneda to Detroit.

Since I have a Saison American Express Gold Card, I’m an eligible credit card member. By showing my card at reception, I can enter the SKY LOUNGE. Also, when I purchase my ticket with this card, travel insurance for the U.S. is automatically included.

I didn’t have much time that day, but I couldn’t pass up the chance for at least a coffee break! I placed my cup on the table just for a little photo memory—can you spot it? ^^  Unfortunately, it was drizzling outside. I grabbed a quick coffee and then headed off.

Then came the long, long walk to the Delta gate for the Detroit flight. It really pays to head out early.

This time, my train was delayed due to the gloomy weather, and I barely made it to the airport on time. I was relieved to make it in time for boarding! Browsing the tempting airport shops and enjoying a snack before takeoff will have to wait until next time.

The journey starts here.  I will start my new travel chapter. 

And now, off to Michigan!

President Trump's First 100 days Rally in Warren, Michigan 20250429

President Trump celebrates his first 100 days in Warren, Michigan. 

Why not enjoy this video over a beer and snacks? Congratulations!

What great people. I love you Michigan, who laid the railroads, worked the factories, tilled the fields, forged the steel, fought the battles, and won the victories that built the Motor City and made this state into the pride of the American Midwest. Under our leadership, we are making it greater every single day.      + President Trump +

Leaving Michigan & Lovely Rose Cake

It's the morning I leave Michigan for Tokyo.  The two of us went out of the house for a while.

We saw a rose bush Collie was growing. He was growing roses while we couldn't meet for years. It was a type of rose with few petals. What is the rose called? The delicate petals look like a lady's skirt.

I'm all set for leaving Michigan for flying back to Tokyo. This is the room I use when I stay at his house. I look at it for the last time, saying thank you in my heart.

Then he drove me to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. We skipped breakfast at home to get there earlier. I didn't really think about it when I booked the airline ticket of Delta Air Lines, but later I realized the ticket didn't allow me to reserve a return-trip seat to Tokyo in advance. My ticket was "Basic" Economy and was Delta's most reasonable fare class that came with more restrictions from Economy. I'll have to line up to get my seat at the boarding gate on the day.

We usually spend time together at the airport as long as possible before I go through the security check. But this time, he hurried so that I could get a better seat. "If you are going to feel cramped between big Americans, I'd better endure the shorter time we can be together at the airport!"

He carries my ponderous suitcase easily. （❤︎ ❤︎）

He walks on so fast carrying my heavy suitcase.（❤︎ ❤︎）（❤︎ ❤︎）（❤︎ ❤︎） Wow! He is super cool. 

Thanks for helping me out.  Collie, you're the best!!!

He helped me to check in, too. Then we sat and began to eat sandwiches Collie made quickly at his house in the morning. In the sandwich, there was lettuce that he washed for dinner last night and kept some for our quick sandwiches at the airport. He also prepared nuts etc.

Facing the security check, we eat breakfast. We don't have time to chill somewhere more relaxing because of my Basic Economy ticket. ( ;  ; )  While I was eating, he took a selfie of us. There were a few tears in my eyes. I am happy with him... I have to go soon.... I was smiling but my heart was crying. 

Before long, the time came. I began standing in line for the security check and he saw me off as I proceeded. I turned around and looked at him, again and again. And finally, I waved at him and disappeared from his sight.

This travelogue was written about what happened in June 2023 in Michigan. When Covid-19 travel restrictions were lifted in the United States, I flied to Michigan for the first time in 5 years to see Collie. After the sparkling stay, I returned to Tokyo and resumed my work at an advertising agency.

In July 2023.  I received a picture expressing birthday wishes from Collie. 

Birthday cake with rose shaped cream on top!  And roses arranged in a small vase must be the ones he grew! Rose cake and real roses for Rose. What a lovely presentation🌹  Thanks a million, Collie!!

A video was sent on Google besides a picture.

Near the whole cake, there is a pair of chopsticks I gave him as a present.  Collie is playful. （^ ^。

I've been counting on him every birthday since I met him. He is my everything and birthday wishes from him are special. Thank you Collie, from the bottom of my heart...

If I'm given another chance to fly to Michigan, I will treat myself with Premium Select. It is Delta's premium economy seat class and more comfortable than Economy. 

He has made everything beautiful in its time.  I will look forward to that time.

Best of luck and thank you for everything, Rose

Quick & relaxing dinner at home on the last day in Michigan

We came back from CANTERBURY VILLAGE in Lake Orion. It was a TACO Festival. Though we didn't eat any Mexican food there as we were not so hungry, it was a very fruitful day for me to have experienced where the locals like to hang out on their day off. 

My dinner on the last day in Michigan was at Collie's home. It has a chill vibe so I can relax. I wish I could stay longer, but I am counted as one of the transient population in Michigan and have to go back to Tokyo tomorrow. Hectic work in a bustling city is waiting. 

I rustled up burrito-like food with gluten-free tortillas, served with sauteed broccoli with garlic. I was able to use in time the tortillas I chose at Kroger! My own style Mexican food😓  I wonder if he used the rest of the tortillas later... 

He said he didn't want my broccoli, but I gave him some😆  He found it's palatable after the first bite. He has a mysterious beef sandwich that he bought extra the other day, trying to make it healthier by adding some lettuce.

 。◇゜。◇゜。◇゜dessert ◇ time   。◇゜。◇゜。◇゜

KEY LIME CHEESECAKE from ASTORIA PASTRY SHOP

Collie finally eats his cheesecake tonight!  I also took out my cake: the rest of red velvet cake and carrot cake which became much smaller... I've been enjoying my cake over a couple of days😄

It's lovely to spend our evening by taking it easy at home. Just being together, I feel comfortable. I feel safe just being with him. I spent the last day of my stay in Michigan, relaxing like that.

Fun shot with Great Tiger & Great Akuma at CANTERBURY TACO FEST 2023 and more★

CANTERBURY VILLAGE in Lake Orion, Michigan marked its 30th anniversary in 2023. Congratulations!  Collie & Rose visited CANTERBURY TACO FEST on June 25th, 2023.  I will show you how we spent it with photos.

Canterbury Castle   2325 Joslyn Rd, Lake Orion, Michigan 48360, United States

Collie took me to CANTERBURY VILLAGE, saying, "You must like the TACO FEST!"   I was not sure why he thought so, but let's play it by ear and see where our day takes us.

For me, CANTERBURY VILLAGE has a Christmas or winter season image. I used to see Christmas ornaments and do shopping here. This is probably the first time I've been here in early summer. 

Walk around and look at the stalls and other things...

DONUT SUNDAE??  I haven't seen this before, but that makes sense. A donut nestled next to vanilla ice cream is drizzled with caramel sauce and whipped cream. It's a signature treat of YATES. Yum...

TACO EATING CONTEST at TULIP STAGE

I am sending a cheer unconsciously with a lot of spectators. Collie might have thought I liked TACO FEST because of this event...😅

The winner was a woman on the left. The way a guy looks at her while eating is humorous. Good job, everyone!

Collie is trying to buy something. :3  It was a chocolate chip cookie. I found he sometimes buying a cookie in this trip of mine. We took a seat and had a rest while chatting. I took a bite of the cookie. I thought the one he bought at ASTORIA PASTRY SHOP in Royal Oak was hands down the best.

BALLET FORKLORICO DE DETROIT at CHAPEL STAGE

It's a community-based dance company dedicated to preserving rich Mexican culture with dance and music. The dance expresses life and spirit of Mexican people through its movement and tune. 

ALL-STAR WRESTLING at YATES STAGE

I was privileged to take a picture with Great Tiger & Great Akuma. They were both very welcoming! What gentle eyes Great Tiger has! I was moved. When I said "I'm from Tokyo." to Great Akuma, he responded by saying "Hajimemashite", which meant 'Nice to meet you'. It was a wonderful experience. I am grateful to Collie for suggesting my standing in line with the audience for a picture with Great Tiger & Great Akuma.   ＊Akuma means Devil.

Throughout the festival, we tried to search numerous food trucks for the best TACO, but we missed eating it. The main reason is we weren't so hungry in spite that we liked Mexican food. We didn't eat traditional Mexican dish TACO, however, we really had a good time at CANTERBURY TACO FEST 2023 in Lake Orion, Michigan. It was held in 2024, too. You can read more details about the festival on this site. → https://www.canterburyvillage.com/event/canterbury-taco-fest/　Have a nice day!

Singing with love & a wonderful gift at St.Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion, Michigan.

I like attending Mass at St.Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion, Michigan. I come here every time I stay in Michigan. I like to sing hymns, say a prayer aloud with participants, and listen to the priest's preach trying to understand English as much as possible as I am Japanese. I especially like singing.

" To sing is to pray twice. "     － St.Augustine

Singing adds to our praise and worship of God.

We praise God with all our heart and voice. Singing helps us to communicate with invisible being. 

How great it would be if I could come here with Collie every week. But I'm grateful that I could come here again. I cherish this valuable moment. 

Then after Mass, I have something to look forward to.

Collie: "I can't believe you eat a donut!"     Rose: "Why not (●- -●).."

When you come out of the chapel, there is a room opposite where coffee & sweets are prepared. Donuts were being served today. Can you resist getting a donut??? And look at this fresh coffee!

Collie didn't take a donut. I know I've already eaten a cheesecake, carrot cake, and a red velvet cake, however, I'll have to go back to Japan soon and today is the only opportunity to be able to enjoy coffee & a donut at St.Joseph!

It's still vivid that a little girl smiled at me shyly, gently when she handed out a donut to me. It was so cute and made me happy. The time with palatable coffee & a donut was a wonderful gift for me.

St.Joseph Catholic Church

715 N Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion, Michigan 48362, United States 

The power of sacred music increases the honor given to God by the Church in union with Christ, its Head.

I think going to church together with a beloved one is the best date. It's also a wonderful gift.  Now I pray.   May the power of God be with you on your journey and protect you always...