Travel + Birthdays = Happiness : My 28th Bday in Chile
“Each friend represents a world in us, a world not possibly born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” – anais nin
Several weeks away from the BIG 30 got me thinking about past birthdays, friends, and travel. Thinking back, some of my best birthdays have been when I have been on the road. Perhaps because it is a time of exploration, discovery, and learning something new.
The Ladies at my Birthday Celebration
The Men at My Birthday Celebration
One of my most memorable birthdays in recent years was my 28th birthday in Chile when I was teaching at a copper mine. I become completely overwhelmed with joy and smiles when I think back to how everyone went out of their way to make my day memorable.
The Tradition - Face must dive into the cake!
There was tradition (which equals cake in the face), there was song, there was a speech (in Spanish I might add- I tried), there was laughter, and in the end there were tears of happiness.
Tears of Happiness
I was in a foreign place away from family and long time friends and yet I had one of the most memorable experiences ever with people whom were once complete strangers that have now turned into life long friends!
For my upcoming birthday, I have decided to make travel a part of my celebration! I will be taking my first trip ever to Portland and the Oregon Coast. Spending some time in the Hawthorn District and then doing some disconnecting and planning for next year on Cannon Beach to the sound of the waves.
Hopefully, this solo introspective adventure will open up a whole new world as well!
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Hooray! You’ve made your declaration. When I interviewed at Mircosoft two years ago I was able to spend some time in Seattle. I walked around the streets, poked my head into the used book shops. It was only a couple of days. I didn’t have a car and I didn’t plan that well. I did check out Pike’s Fish Market and the first Starbucks. It would have been nice to check out more landmarks, like bars that hosted some of my favorite bands from the early 90s grunge days. It seems a bit cliche, but oh well. Now that I’m more familiar with sites like Couchsurfing.org and Meetup.com, I need to make a few more local pilgrimages. Portland seems like a great city, and I keep hearing great things about the energy there. How much planning do you do, verses just going with the flow?
Yea! Thank you Neil for your support! Portland and the Oregon coast I think are going to be an amazing down to earth get-a-way. I have done just a bit of planning…..I booked a place on the beach but for only a couple of nights so the rest is up in the air! I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Perhaps this can be your next US adventure as well whenever you and Bev need to skip town.
Happy birthday for the upcoming celebration! Enjoy the sound of the waves … that sounds like a perfect way to start a new year.
And when you need a feed, check out http://indietravelpodcast.com/article/portland-food-carts-cheap-eating/
Thanks Craig! I had actually read your Portland article and even sent it to a friend! I will have to see if the what the comparison is Austin Food Carts Vs. Portland Food Carts
I will be sure and send back a report!
OMG Portland?!! Are you a foodie? I hope so. Portlands claim to fame is their amazing foods -not much in the sites department. Go to Pok Pok for lunch, ask @Italylogue to meet you there, she cannot pass up Pok Pok. I also really liked the food at Kenny and Zuke’s Deli -huge servings though.
The weekend market is cool and the walk along the river is lovely. OH! You also MUST go to the gelato place… Mio? Crap, ask @Italylogue, she knows!
Have fun!!
OF COURSE I’M A FOODIE! I know this is going to be one of the best things about Portland…..especially after reading Craig’s post on portland food carts on Indie Travel Podcast! I will reach out to @italylogue to get all of the juicy details!!
Thank you so much for all of your suggestions!!
Happy upcoming birthday, Alisha, and thank you for supporting the sabbatical cause and posting our negotiation product! I’ve always wanted to go to the OR coast….enjoy!
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