upekkha

I live in PDX now. It’s sort of my last stop before I move overseas.

Portland is funky, progressive, active, friendly, and depending on where you live, snobby, militant, and indie. It’s just a great little city rolled into one. The one downside is the traffic. It can be really bad, especially with all of the commuters I-5 north to Vancouver, WA. However, I would say that is the only downside (besides the weather). The city itself is very clean, and there’s fresh air! I definitely notice the difference when I visit California.

As far as living here, I would definitely describe it as comfortable. Almost feels like being in your own cul de sac.

In the summer it’s beautiful to visit, and when you drive around and see the bridges it’s charming. It’s just a great little city. I believe it’s a very well kept secret since Seattle gets all of the attention. Personally, outside of the weather, I think it’s gotta be one of the best places to be in the U.S.

My heart longs to be in Australia. I’ve temporarily moved to Portland until I get my visa. I really like Portland . . if there were one place in the US I would live, it would be PDX. However, I miss everything about Australia – the beaches, the camaraderie, the values (family and friendship over work), the laid back lifestyle, the food, EVERYTHING. Being in Oz just feels like your in a corner of the world that is unspoiled and isolated, and leading a simpler life than you would in the US. I will be in Oz as soon as I can.

Moved up here from California. Wow, what a difference a state makes. Portland is mellow, laid back, and the people are so friendly and engaging. There is a real community here. I do not miss the California Rat Race and the “whatevah, whatevah” blause attitude there. It’s nice to be able to drive in Portland and not worry about other cars trying to run you off the road. The only thing is the climate. It’s dreary here. Other than that, Portland must be one of the top places to live in the US. I’m planning to move abroad to Australia, and I’m so glad I got to see Portland. It has restored my faith in America and it’s social structure.