Wednesday, June 12, 2013

My Summer in Salem, Oregon



 I returned to the U.S. on May 25, 2012. I stayed with my brother and his wife in Salem, Oregon until just before Labor Day weekend last year, during the prime summer months. It definitely was a big change from Greater London, but I think it was a perfect place to re-acclimate to the U.S. It's a small-ish town, within a 45 minute drive of Portland, Oregon and all it's Hipster offerings.  It's all very civilized - there is a really nice Espresso cafe across from their place, above and a Whole Foods nearby.


 This is Indy, who went to the Rainbow Bridge a short time ago. He was my delightful companion while I worked from home during the day.


The Willamette Valley's small towns are full of charming places to visit - like this Carousel museum and workshop, above.


No shortage of craft and bead shops, either!


I re-acclimated quickly to shopping at Target again. Europe may have Hyper-markets, but there's nothing like Target.


My brother took me to the local Sanrio store for my Hello Kitty fix.


 

We made trips to the Uwajimaya store in Beaverton, a suburb of Portland. One weekend, there was a Taiko drum concert in the parking lot.

 Uwajimaya had all the necessary Japanese food products.


I ate plenty of Kimchee Ramen for lunch.


My mother got Indy addicted to Bonito. This bag costs $25. He ate better than humans.


This is Indy with his empty Bonito Bowl. You can see the hungry look in his eyes - he was always on a diet!

 We had lots of Teriyaki, and Tacos too.


Bim Bim Bap was another lunch favorite!


 We also liked to visit the Vietnamese grocery in Portland. The neighborhood wasn't great, but the quality of the produce is amazing.


Of course, shopping at H Mart, the Korean Superstore, was an absolute requirement. I have never seen so many fermented foods in my life. Their Kimchi selection is THE BEST. Too bad H Mart only has locations in Southern California - no Norcal locations.



My brother didn't believe me when I told him I had colleagues in Seoul who had Kimchi refrigerators. All doubts were put to rest when he saw them for sale at H Mart.



We also hit the sales at the nearby outlet mall, Woodburn Company Stores which is about 30 miles south of Portland and 17 miles north of Salem. 110 stores - not bad.


 We visited a Frank Lloyd Wright house - the Gordon House - in Silverton, Oregon. Beautiful and really ahead of it's time.


Finally, on my second to last day in Salem, I got a haircut, color, and highlights. I had a farewell lunch with my brother and his wife at a local Mexican restaurant.



Then, it was off to Silicon Valley in my new Kia Soul over Labor Day Weekend.

And that's how I spent last summer!

Jamilla




14 comments:

  1. Nice photos! Indy has the cutest puppy (well, kitty) eyes :-)

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    1. Lol! He was the cutest - and very persistent. My brother and his wife (and I!) really miss him!

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  2. cool pictures! looks like a really good place to visit!
    very nice blog by the way :)

    kisses from Russia,
    Juliet
    RUSSIAN DOLL

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  3. SOOOOOOOOO glad to see you back to blogging! I miss you and I'd love to meet Cat. Looks like I'll have to visit you some time next year!

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    1. K, I really miss you! I am sorry that I didn't get a chance to visit you in Jakarta - but you know I'll be back to Tokyo. Can't wait to see you in December!!

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  4. Such a cute cat! Lovely pictures :) Oh and I'm following you on bloglovin now :D

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  5. Thanks, Mattania! Glad you loved the kitteh pics and thanks for the follow <3

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  6. Yeah, I think whole America is a shock after living in Europe. At least it was to me. Salem seems to be such a cute little town. I would love to visit Oregon. And, I would love to have those huge Korean and Japanese stores here on the East Coast. :(
    Have a good day!

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    1. Hi Doraemon,

      Yes, I had some re-entry shock, but the re-adjustment was gentle except for the fact that I no longer had any credit history in the U.S. and had a horrible time with Wells Fargo over mortgage documentation (my employer intervened)! However, California DMV found me in their system so I didn't have to take the driving test to get another California driver's license!!

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  7. Wow - are you sure that wasn't Puss'n Boots from Shrek with those eyes???
    Great to see the photos and read what you did when you landed State side.
    So very proud of you my friend- after those bad months in the UK.
    Must catch up soon - hopefully end is near for me being in Memphis TN and I get back to NC for a while!
    Hugs
    Annalie

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    1. Yep - we kept comparing Indy to Puss n' Boots, hahahaha! Can't wait to catch up with you - I understand about those death march projects!

      I'd love to check out Hilton Head with you sometime :)

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  8. You bet! Never done it either so will be a first for both of us.

    When do we get to see a full photo of the yoga queen you have become???

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    1. I'd love to visit Okracoke Island too :)

      It's Pilates and the Gym lolz!!

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