I've just returned from a week in Portland, land of all things silly, absurd, and mostly harmless. It seems the Portland Bike Warriors had a smash and crash derby that ran three days starting on Sunday. Teams of young adults, riding bikes pulling chariots of junk parts, chased each other around a makeshift arena hitting each other with foam clubs. You can read more about it here.
Maybe that's what I like about Portland - it's just plain quirky. You can fit in no matter who you are - there are simply all types living in the rainy city. Both of our daughters live in the same apartment complex where they are friends with the inhabitants that come from all walks of life and are readily accepted no matter their job (one is a stripper), their sexual orientation, or what political party they associate with - although I would guess most are liberal. Most liberals are open to diversity, and in Portland you really have to be open to diversity.
So, now that I'm back in my own purple state, I'm once again looking at real estate in Portland. It's not just the rain, which I love, my family, which I love more, but it's the feeling that I'm okay in my skin. I can be my own quirky self. After all, if people with metal cages around their bikes are part of the landscape, how can one feel otherwise?
10 comments:
Great post! A move to Portland sounds like the ticket. I love Portland.
I prefer the term "nude dancer" to stripper, myself. Besides, she works at a VEGAN strip club. That counts for a lot! :-P
the feeling of fitting in no matter who you are...that def makes it feel like home...smiles...
T&R - It's very unique, that's for sure.
Jen - Sorry - nude dancer - and they really have vegan strip clubs??
Brian - True statement.
I lived in Boulder before moving to Bellingham, Washington, and I think both of those cities are also perfect for me. Portland is the same, but both BHam and Boulder are islands of liberalism in a sea of conservative ideas. Portland, I don't know if that's true or not. I suggest you already belong there, even if you don't live there... yet. :-)
While this may seem silly and absurd, I suspect there is some serious science behind it.
Increasingly, bicyclists are hitting the road in all kinds of weather. That includes our son and daughter-in-law, who are out there in sunshine, rain, and snow, with their children. (They don't own a car.) Life in an auto-oriented world is dangerous for cyclists. No protection in the event of being hit by a car (as our son has been).
So, is there a way of protecting yourself, even a little, in the event of a collision with an auto?
How be we let the Portland Bike Warriors have some input into this discussion.
I forgot to mention to you the SW Portland location of Multnomah Village as a possible great location for your real estate search. It's close to town, has a real "Bohiem" ambiance and neat local merchants offering wines, coffees, eating establishments with character, (and characters) wonderful book store, great walking, etc. Just saying.
Sounds like a fun city! :o)
I remember one Sunday afternoon when we pulled up at a stoplight where Terwilliger bottoms out on Sam Jackson Pk Rd. Opposite us was a large motorcycle gang just leaving the gas station on their Harleys. Driving sedately down Terwilliger, making the right turn were about 150 motor scooters in triple formation. There was just something so perfectly Portland in that moment.
DJan - Yes, Portland is the same. Oregon is very conservative outside Portland and Eugene.
Rob-bear - Yes, they definitely do have input. Portland has bike laws that are mostly enforced, I believe. I hope your son is okay.
Jo-Mama - It will definately put it on my radar - thanks. Loved having lunch with you and Lindz!
Chris - It's pretty crazy - you just might like it!
Susan - Yes, (smile), I agree!
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