Nomad Summer Recap: Oregon

I have lots of blog posts floating around in my head. I needed to take a short break, I needed to find some inspiration, I needed to think a little bit about what I wanted to say. So I took some time away from posting this summer, but it wasn’t exactly quiet time.

Summers are a critical for expat families. It’s our time to reconnect with our home countries and the lives we left behind. It’s where we get to visit family, enjoy our favorite treats and fit in with everyone else (for the most part). There is a rest that takes place when you visit “home” – a mental rest from being foreign and it’s best to soak it all up while you can.

Here is what we were up to: We had our second nomad summer and it was wonderful and busy and sometimes challenging and full of favorites and new experiences. We pretty much did a little bit of everything.

First stop, Oregon.

We flew into Portland and made our way to the Coast. We got right to work visiting with family, enjoying the cooler weather and some much-needed slow summer days. It doesn’t take long to fall right back into your favorite routines and filling your cup as you visit with family and friends.

We took a nature art class (such Oregonians), stopped at the many lookouts along the coast, visited some sea life at Hatfield Marine Science Center and spent some mornings at the tide pools. We couldn’t leave without having at least one campfire on the beach complete with good friends and sticky s’mores. Also, a sparkler or two.

Yes, we have sweatshirts on and it was amazing. I have learned to really appreciate a moderate climate since living in the Caribbean, pulling on a hoodie is my love language.   I may have said this before, but there really is nothing better than summer in the Pacific Northwest.

We capped it off with the 4th of July, a small town parade and fireworks! One of my favorite holidays and we were so thankful we got to celebrate it while we were in America.

Oregon is where I feel the most at home. I have lived and visited many places in my life, and sometimes it takes leaving for a long time to appreciate the feeling of coming home.

The fresh smell of pine trees is possibly the best scent in the world to me. Oregon holds my childhood and so many of my memories, it is where I am comfortable and where I belong without question. It is the most restful place for me.

Update: I wrote a Central Coast Guide for all our favorite stops on the Oregon Coast. Check out all the best places to eat, play and stay!