Chapter 2: Living life in the PNW

Vinita Bennett
May 9
2 min read

Updated: Oct 3

Hello, family and friends!

Spring has finally arrived, and it feels like it's been some time since I last updated my blog! We have now settled into our dream house, and I was fortunate to receive a job offer just a few months after moving in, which has kept me even more occupied. Although we're uncertain about traveling internationally this year, we plan to fully enjoy all the seasons that Portland has to offer in our first year here. Who knows? Our strong desire for overseas travel might lead us on an adventure!

We moved in last Fall and went through the entire Winter with snowfalls at home and icy hills, which wasn't too bad since the snow melted the next day. We are certain that the grey gloominess doesn't affect us. Now, we are embracing the arrival of Spring! April was filled with blooming flowers and visits from family and friends. My cousin, who is currently studying at RISD in Providence, RI, visited during the Cherry Blossom season, along with my girlfriend from Atlanta. We've already connected with several like-minded individuals and are getting to know them better. Portland offers many unique neighborhoods, restaurants, and coffee shops, with each season providing a fresh perspective on activities, which perfectly suits me/us.

Last weekend, we took a brief trip to the Willamette wine country, famous for its Pinot Noir. While we are big fans of Cabernet Sauvignon, we discovered an exceptional bottle of Pinot Noir that impressed us, even though we're not completely convinced yet. I understand that tastes can evolve over time, and I still prefer the oaky, chocolatey, vanilla, and smoky flavor profile. We've heard from many Oregon wine enthusiasts that a visit to Walla Walla in Washington (about a 3-4 hour drive from Portland) is highly recommended for its excellent Cabernet. That's definitely on our to-do list!

Here are some of my favorite photos from Winter through Spring. We are also excited about experiencing all the summer activities along the waterfront, exploring Eastern Oregon, and making more trips to the coast and waterfalls!