Rooted in the Pacific Northwest, I am a city girl. Raised to drink Starbucks, own at least one piece of flannel, hate that one team from California, take selfies with the Fremont troll, and complain about how much it rains, I am a Seattleite. With its memorable skyline, cultural diversity and West Coast vibes, Seattle holds a special place in my heart.
Then, I went to Portland, the Rose City. I had never known much about this weird place, except that it was ridiculously famous for bizarre donuts, lack of sales tax, food carts and protesting hippies. However, I slowly fell in love. The quaint charm of streets filled with small shops, varying from paper crafts to overpriced dessert; the surprise mid-day torrential downpours that left me dripping from head to toe. Portland sure knows how to leave an impression.
Still, its sights weren’t the only thing that drew me in. Portland’s commitment to sustainability and being friends of the Earth took me by surprise. Possibly one of the nation’s greenest cities, visitors quickly learn that local businesses not only have one compost bin, but five: food, glass, paper, forks, etcetera. It is a good feeling knowing that your city, on a daily basis, practices awareness of reducing our carbon footprint and prioritizing protection of our natural environment. Portlanders might drink their coffee pretentiously, but in no way are they snobs or selfish in regards to keeping this Earth.
Speaking of nature, what is up with all these parks? It seems as if every corner of Portland is either occupied by a large urban park or a Trimet stop. Seriously, Portland’s close proximity to stunning hikes and waterfalls is astonishing. You do not have to venture far from downtown to find yourself fully immersed in native wildlife. Forest Park, a short 10 minutes by car from downtown, stretches thousands of acres overlooking one of Portland’s main waterways, the Willamette (pronounced will-AM-mit) River. For this, you could essentially go on an early morning hike, grab a latte afterwards and still have enough time to make it to the Timbers game.
Don’t even get me started on the friendliness and openness. This city provides more than enough opportunities to embrace whoever you are, or want to become. There are hipsters, cosplayers, nerds, fashionistas, and athletes ... the choices are honestly endless. Portland is a city where a man can dress up as Link, playing a pan flute, Salt ‘n Straw ice cream in one hand, boom box in the other, all while riding a unicycle and nobody gives a d*mn.
A city lit up with culture and progress, Portland has unexpectedly captured my heart. Embodying all the perks of living in a big city, Portland also charms with its livability and unique perspective. Surrounded by public transit lovers, umbrella haters, culinary treats and artistic baristas, Portland is like that weird uncle that everyone secretly loves.
Although Seattle will forever be my hometown, there is no place like Portland.
Keep Portland Weird.
