CARL SHEPPARD LARSON

After a visit to Portland that ended up lasting for 10 years, I decided it was time go home to the east coast. I suspect that a list of the things that I've missed about New England and what I'll miss about Portland will probably say a lot about me.

 

Things I miss about Portland:

• Access to nature - ski to a fire tower for the weekend? No problem.

• The Portland Flag Association - It turns out I'm really into Vexillology.

• Transportation options - Living without a car was low-stress, fun, and not weird.

• Cheap movie theaters - Beer, pizza, and a classic movie for $10? Deal.

• Hype - Actually...I won't miss those New York Times articles at all.

 

Things I've missed about the Northeast:

• My family - My parents are still in Bedford and my sister's family is in Brooklyn. 

• Dirty old cities - I miss the history, crooked streets, and graffiti.

• Diversity - A wider variety of backgrounds and worldviews makes life interesting.

• Direct communication - Portlanders have a million ways of saying "no" but "no" isn't one.

• Weather - I miss summer thunderstorms and frigid, clear winter days.

• Good Cheese - I could never be vegan while living near Vermont.

 

That pretty much sums me up, right?

 

Here's my resume.