Portland, Oregon - Unaffected and Unblemished

Portland, Oregon is a major in America's west coast but it has remained unaffected by development and unblemished by too much urbanization. Yes, it has structures that modernity brings but it has lots of nature to offer.

Don't be deceived by the seeming bustling metropolis once you step on the city. They are just the icing on the cake, so to speak. Of course, there should be edifices to house different offices on both sides of the Hood River but there is more to them than meets the eye.

The Mt. Hood River, the Forest Park and other virginal spots dot most of the city. Just like what I mentioned earlier, the buildings in the city can be deceiving. These are but some of more than what the eyes meet.

Since Portland is nearer to Asia, it has allotted spaces for the Japanese Garden and the Lan Su Chinese Garden. The beautifully-maintained gardens are a fitting tribute to the growing Asian population in the city and in the state.

As if the two are not enough, Portland also has the International Rose Toast Garden and the National Sanctuary of the Sorrowful Mother which has a grotto in its midst. These show that Portland is vast and varied.

The city's proximity to Washington state makes it an extension of coffee shops that you can find in suburban Seattle. Almost in every corner or street, you can find a Starbucks Coffee, Seattle's Best Coffee or Stumptown Coffee Roasters almost side by side or in  front of each other.

Roaming around Portland is not as hard as in other American cities. The street layout is easy. One can easily find his way around. The people are friendly and accommodating. Driving was such a delight in their not-so-complicated environment.

It has museums for those who appreciate art and science. The Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry are must-see places when in the city. Both offer alternative scenes away from the hustle and bustle of the city and from nature.

When in Oregon, Portland is a city where you will feel safe and at ease. Development is something inevitable but it has remained unaffected and unblemished all these years. In the short stay I made there, i yearn to go back and enjoy its scenery.

Credits to the owners of some of the photos.