"Welcome to Portland"
A place I've always had my eye on: Portland, Oregon. Now maybe it's because Nike is headquartered nearby, or the fact that Kinfolk was created there, or just something as simple as a gut feeling; it's always been a place I knew I needed to visit. I have never felt so comfortable being alone in a foreign city where I literally knew not one single soul.
I wrote a lot. And I mean, a lot, a lot. Well for me. And it felt really good. It was fun making plans for myself and throwing out ideas and things I wanted to understand about myself. Just jotting them down on paper made everything feel so much more productive and fast-moving.
My top 3 spots: Ned Ludd for dinner, Roman Candle for breakfast/lunch/a snack, Pips Original Doughnuts & Chai for a treat.
There is so much I could talk about, but instead I decided while I was there to start and contribute throughout the trip as to what made Portland so endearing. I wanted to share it here. It was a dream. I know I'll be back.
The smell of the airport when I got off the plane.
The individuality of each home. I felt like the colors matched the energy it gave, as well as the humans roaming inside of it.
The small town, all-American, simple life feel. Except with 10 "small towns" tucked around a medium sized city.
Simplicity. No abundance.
Transit. Easy, quick, and nice.
Reading is a thing. (Powell's was something else.)
Free water at all the places. Literally, everywhere.
People sing. Waiters, taxi drivers, homeless. You name it.
Local is chill. Not commercialized.
Dads and daughters. Bonding and actually talking, about life, while out on food dates.
The way the weather is always so on and off/moody but Portland itself never feels angry or emotional.
Stability. But still creative.
Parents talk to their kids like they're real people. No be-littling. I like that.
The calmness I feel.
Uber exists.
Joy + Gary. "Welcome to Portland." (A couple I met on the street on my first night. They made me smile so big.)
Olive oil + lavender ice cream. Best, combo, ever.
The ability to Car 2 Go, always.
Division Street. Absolute perfection.
Alphabet district. The streets are named alphabetically so you always know which direction you're walking. Genius.
Portland was purposeful, meaningful and felt right to do at this time in my life. I sat on the plane ride home with a stronger sense of composure and confidence in my direction and path. I truly believe we can create anything we want out of this life whether it be: relationships, personal goals or professional. It's all waiting for you to go after it.
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity for this experience. I was the creator of it all and it feels so good to have made it happen. All me. A small collection of photos below.
