Mini Travels

Korrin B.

March 17, 2009 - 7:00 PM

As much as I'd like to, I can't really afford to travel the world right now. I need to finish school and I need to do some serious fundraising before that can happen to the extent that I would like it to. However, I have come to realize lately that I can find little travels, mini travels in my everyday life. Sometimes, I will randomly, spur of the moment turn down a street I've never been on. Instead of taking the same monotonous path to work everyday, I'll take the back road, winding around quaint little Eugene neighborhoods. The adventure of it, the exploration, the newness, and the beauty of it thrills me.

Eugene also happens to be perfectly located for little day or weekend trips to other cities, parks, or adventures. Yesterday, I left on one of my first trips out of Eugene to explore the amazing bits of Oregon that I am surrounded by. I drove up to Portland to visit with family, go to a luncheon on poverty issues, and most importantly, get out of Eugene and into an individual adventure. It turned out to be just what the doctor ordered.

I woke up yesterday morning bright and early to go to my 8am final and then right after it, grabbed a chai tea to go and hit the road, headed toward Portland. I loved having some me time to just rock out in my car. When I got to Portland, the adventure was on! I soon found myself trying to navigate around downtown Portland, a place I had never driven in before. My quest to find a parking garage close to the Tiffany Center was invigorating. Once I found one, I was on foot, looking for the place where the luncheon I was there to attend would be held.

I found where it was with plenty of time to kill, so I began an exploration. I walked down random streets, took in the energy of the city, and applauded myself for jumping out of my comfort zone and setting off on a mini travel. I eventually, possibly unfortunately, found myself outside of, and then inside of, Banana Republic. After that short stop, it was time to walk back up to where the event I was attending would be held. I smiled at the passion of the fur protesters as I passed them on a street corner.

Next, it was time for the luncheon. The luncheon was on poverty and was put on by Human Solutions, an organization in Portland aimed at homeless prevention. I had found out about the event online and decided to go to it in order to network with people from organizations I would be interested in interning with for the summer. I walked into the second floor ballroom of the Tiffany Center and was inspired to see how many people were sitting at the tables of this event.

I introduced myself to all of my tablemates and began to eat the delicious lunch that was provided. The speakers during the luncheon were very inspiring. One woman talked about how she went from generational poverty to earning her PhD. Once homeless and living off whatever food her family could find, she had now published a book and become educated to the greatest extent. I got some business cards from some people at the event who were interested in helping me get involved for the summer, and then headed out to find my car. Parking was $10!!! I was a tad outraged that I had spent that much on parking for a few hours. I guess that just comes with the city though.

Next, I was off to my aunt and uncle's house. I got a little lost, ended up at the Portland Zoo, and had to call my dad to MapQuest my way back to my aunt and uncle's. However, I appreciated the adventure of it! Sometimes it's great to get lost because that is when you truly find things. I was relieved to finally make it to my aunt and uncle's though. I was pretty exhausted after taking a final, driving, and going to this luncheon, all on about three and a half hours of sleep. I took a nap and woke up to a delightful dinner with family. Dinner was of course followed by dessert and then we all went to the Alberta Street Public House around 9pm. My aunt's sister plays the fiddle and a group she is in was playing that night at this pub. The pub had a great energy to it. It was a small, friendly space and the music was a lot of fun! There's nothing quite like some good old bluegrass to get you tapping your foot. Plus, my readers should know by now how much I appreciate local businesses!

The next morning, I woke up and met my cousin's new baby girl! She was adorable and it was so nice to finally make that connection. I drove home a couple of hours later because I needed to make it back to Eugene on time to get to work. It had just been a little overnight trip, but it had brought a lot with it. It was nice to just get out and do something different. I love mini travels. They help me remember the beauty in the world and exactly how much I am capable of.