The Pacific Northwest: Home of the Worldly Gnome

After the stress of getting kicked off the cruise ship and the early morning flight, landing in Portland felt like a huge relief. The crazy thing was that I was so focused on just logistically getting home, I never really fully processed that I was going HOME. It had been a year and a half since my last visit and it was time to see my parents and to breathe in the clean fresh air of the Pacific Northwest. With Miriam by my side we arrived in the place that I called home for the first 18 years of my life. We spent a day exploring Portland with my friend from university, Andrew. We took Miriam to the world’s largest used bookstore, contemplated waiting in Voo Doo Doughnuts’ long line, and strolled past Portland’s famous food carts.  Another day my dad drove us to Timberline Lodge and we hung out on Mt. Hood. Most of our days were dedicated to me going through piles of my childhood stuff. Yes, I am a pack rat and yes my mother likes to point this out almost every time we talk. In her defense I have lived outside of the US for years and my infrequent visits mean that all my belongings are just taking up space in my parents’ house and collecting dust.

I got to see many friends and met my god-brother’s newborn baby girl and my brother’s newborn baby boy. Oh how life has changed since I left. There have been weddings, births, and deaths. All of which I wish I had been there for. This is the one negative to the life style I have selected for myself- you sometimes miss out. All I can say to my family and friends back home is that I love you all and even if I am not there often, you are with me in my thoughts.