Dear Portland

Dear Portland,

Call me predictable. Everyone always said that you and I were meant for each other. I'd heard that you are everything I look for in a city - full of art, good food, great drinks, and super chill. Everyone was right. You're not too far away, and it feels like every summer we would try to make it out to see you, but never quite get there. This time was different. Something about you feels like home. I'm not sure if it's plainly the PNW vibe or something about the way your streets and buildings make me think of certain areas in Vancouver. You feel small and big and never once did you feel daunting. 

Thank you for welcoming my family so warmly! Thank you for the family friendly little food joints and the pleathora of food carts. Thanks for one of the most chill zoo's I've ever been to. Not going to lie tho - seeing the giraffes in that tiny space made my heart ache. 

I'll never forget walking down the street and seeing Powell's for the first time. The genuine excitement pulsing through my body as I realized that it was a full city block. All bookstores should have their own parking lot. I could write a full letter to this place, and I'm sure one day I will. 

I regret not seeing more of you, but I know I will be back. Thank you for being the background to our family vacation and for giving us new memories that we get to hold on to forever. You are all kinds of wonderful, and I can't wait to see you again.

x J