Newport: Connecting Two Worlds

An article I wrote on Newport tonight. Managed to put something together more organized, and that felt good.


Newport: Combining Two Worlds in One

After spending a day in the seaside town of Newport, Oregon, one can start to guesswhy San Francisco was the center of the 1960s hippie movement - it's just something about the water. Something about the majestic waves, the grand size of everything out on the West coast. It makes a person feel a bit more free, a bit more unencumbered. The same spirit seems to have been carried up the coast from California to central Oregon.

Newport is a city of about 10,000 residents that serves as something of a hub for smaller, nearby towns in Lincoln County. The ocean is its most striking feature; the water is visible the moment you enter city limits. Unlike some coastal cities, much of the coast is accessible through various parts of the city; the area known as the "Bayfront" has cute, touristy shops lining the street, and huge ocean views at any point along it. Go a little further down that street and you'll come to a state park with stunning ocean and wave views that you won't believe. The Nye Beach area is one of the largest beaches you've ever seen, along with some shops. South Beach has a famous marine center. The Yaquina Bay Bridge can be seen in the distance from many areas of the city; it is quite picturesque with many boats underneath it.

Gift shops of all kinds abound; tie dye pokes out from every corner of the city in various shops. A Beatles Yellow Submarine logo adorns a wall by the marine center. An old green VW van can be seen cruising down the streets. A "Baitful Dead" parody of a Greatful Dead t-shirt hangs in the wall of one gift shop, a play on the fact that this is a fishing town at heart. Signs annoucing clams and other fish compete for space with Ripley's Believe it or Not and other eclectic businesses. Walk down to one of many piers leading to the ocean and you might see people fishing for crabs. On another dock you may see sea lions lounging in the sun.

Newport is surrounded by many relatively rural areas; some of these can be quite a treat in themselves, with an abundance of trees, hiking areas, and wildlife. It is not unusual to see cows, sheep, even llamas on the side of the road. The sound of roosters mixes with the baahing of a sheep; the shrill call of a peacock mixes with the gentle ribetting of a frog. It is almost like being in another world.

People are unusually friendly and helpful when asking for directions. Newport, Oregon is a city with heart; the ocean air seems to imbibe its inhabitants with a certain free-spiritness that makes the town a joy to be in. Located on the coast, it has its share of rainy, cloudy days, but it just makes the sunny days all the more special. Make plans to visit Newport today.

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Worked on my clothes issue today. My roommate is amazing. She's the first person who's gotten me into clean clothes in months. Okay THAT is embarassing but I just made this a mostly private blog so I can say that lol. And it's true.
My clothes issues are still very worriesome and bothersome but I feel much more confident dealing with them than anyone.
I love so much about her, every day there seems to be something new that just amazes me.
I have never seen anyone handle, well anything and everything, as well as she handles anything and everything that comes her way. It blows me away. It inspires me to try to do the same, although I don't think I 'm quite as far along as she is.
But when the Internet didn't work for an hour today, I didn't stress about it at all. I just waited patiently until she was off the phone to ask if I could reset the router. It's little things like that that make me think, wow. My ability to deal with stress is getting much better as I live with someone who is such a great role model and just takes everything in stride. Laughing more, worrying less, compassion and understanding and appreciation for everyone's needs and differences: that is the motto I'd like to live by and the one she already does.

I made shrimp scampi....yesterday? I think so. Don't remember if I wrote about that. Today I made potatoes. They were SO GOOD. Cut baby potatoes in half, put olive oil and basil and oregano on them, bake for about 30 minutes, and they melt in your mouth. and burst in flavor. T (T will be my acronym for my roommate if I remember) really liked them too. Said I taught her something new. Made me feel good!

I also made chicken soup out of a can which I've never done before. And had a salad. I'm working on my cooking skills - feels good.

Sunny today. Walked to where the llamas were. Saw sheep, llamas, roosters, and I'm not sure if therer were chickens or cows but maybe. Heard sheep baaing and roosters crowing at same time, it was so beautiful! Wow. What eye and ear candy. Just something else that's for sure.

Tomorrow....New day....Try not to worry..... See what happens.

Try to call my grandfather or someone else, I think.....that will be one goal. Try to make the salmon I bought yesterday.

Goodnight
Kate