Sacha's visit
Introducing an 18-year-old to the USA
We begin
Our eighteen-year-old nephew Sacha's visit to the Pacific Northwest
was something we'd been looking forward to for a long time. It’s not every day
that you get the chance to host family from across the pond, especially when
that family member is at such a pivotal moment in his life.
Sacha has always held a special place in our hearts, and we’ve
cherished watching him grow over the years. Seeing him now, not as the little
boy who used to marvel at the simplest things, but as an ambitious young man on
the cusp of adulthood, was both heartwarming and a little bittersweet.
The sweetness came from witnessing his excitement, his eagerness to
embrace the next chapter of his life at Bristol University, and the pride we
felt in seeing him ready to take on the world. But there was also a tinge of
sadness, knowing that this visit marked a turning point—a transition from the
familiar, where we could still see traces of the child he once was, to the
unknown, where he would fully step into his own as an independent adult. It’s a
natural progression, of course, but that didn’t make it any easier to reconcile
the joy of his growth with the quiet longing for the days when he was still the
little boy who looked up with wide-eyed wonder. This visit was a reminder that
time marches on, and while we celebrate his journey, we also hold close the
memories of the boy we knew before he became the remarkable young man standing
before us.
The trip was as much about celebrating Sacha’s achievements as it
was about sharing with him the beauty and culture of our home. Julia and I had
been planning the itinerary for weeks, making sure we packed in a mix of iconic
landmarks, natural wonders, and some of our personal favorite spots. We wanted
to give Sacha a true taste of the Pacific Northwest—its diversity, its spirit,
and its unique charm.
Portland and Washington Park
Our journey began in Portland, the vibrant heart of Oregon. Sacha,
fresh off the plane and a bit jet-lagged, was immediately struck by the city’s
energy, and as he put it: “How many American accents there are”.
Portland’s quirky vibe is something that captivates everyone in its
own unique way, and Sacha was intrigued by it. We started with a leisurely
stroll through Washington Park, a place that never fails to impress with its
lush greenery and serene atmosphere.
The Rose Garden was in full bloom, a symphony of colors and
fragrances that seemed to encapsulate the essence of summer. We wandered
through the rows of meticulously cared-for roses, each one labeled with its
name and variety, some with histories as rich as the city itself. Sacha was
particularly taken by the sheer variety of roses, marveling at how such a
diverse collection could thrive in one place. Julia and I couldn’t help but
smile, watching him soak in the beauty that we’ve come to cherish over the years.
From there, we made our way to Pittock Mansion. The grandeur of the
estate, perched on the hill with its commanding view of Portland and the
surrounding mountains, offered Sacha a glimpse into the city’s past and a view
of it today. Sacha, always the inquisitive one, was fascinated by the history
of the Pittock family and how their legacy is intertwined with the development
of Portland.
A Day of Kayaking in Scappoose and Mt. Tabor’s Scenic Views
Next on the agenda was something a bit more adventurous – kayaking
in Scappoose. The idea of spending a day on the water excited Sacha, and we
were more than happy to oblige. Scappoose Bay is one of those hidden gems that
offers a perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty. Paddling through the
calm waters, with the sun shining and the landscape stretching out before us,
felt like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And no,
there are no moose in Scappoose.
Sacha took to kayaking like a natural. As we glided through the
water, we chatted about his hopes for university life, his excitement about
moving to Bristol, and his slight apprehensions about leaving home. It was one
of those rare moments where you can sense someone is on the brink of change,
and yet, they are fully present in the moment. Julia and I cherished this time,
knowing that once Sacha heads off to university, these leisurely days might
become a little less frequent.
After our kayaking adventure, we made our way to Mt. Tabor, a
dormant volcanic cinder cone within the city. The hike to the top was
invigorating, and the views from the summit were nothing short of spectacular.
Portland lay spread out before us, a patchwork of urban and natural elements,
all framed by the distant mountains.
Later that evening, Sacha received the email that would change
everything—his acceptance into Bristol University. I will never forget the look
of surprise and joy on his face when he told us about his acceptance. We
celebrated right there with hugs and cheers.
Coastal Wonders: Cannon Beach and Fort Stevens State Park
No visit to Oregon would be complete without a trip to the coast,
and Cannon Beach was the perfect destination. The iconic Haystack Rock stood
tall against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, its base teeming with tide pools
full of fascinating marine life. We spent the afternoon exploring the beach,
dipping our toes in the cold Pacific waters, and simply taking in the
breathtaking scenery.
Fort Stevens State Park, with its mix of history and natural beauty,
was another highlight. The day ended at the mouth of the Columbia River, where
the powerful meeting of river and ocean created a dynamic landscape that seemed
almost otherworldly. Sacha was in awe of the sheer scale of it all, the
vastness of the ocean stretching out before him, and the sense of history
embedded in the land. It was his first time seeing the Pacific Ocean. One
forgets that when you are 18 there are so many firsts in life to experience.
Long Beach, WA
Our adventures didn’t stop at the Oregon border. We took Sacha north
to Long Beach, Washington, a charming coastal town with a laid-back atmosphere
that was perfect for a day of relaxation. The beach itself, with its expansive
sands and gentle waves, was ideal for a leisurely stroll. As we walked along
the shore, we were treated to the sight of giant kites soaring high above the
beach, their vibrant colors dancing against the backdrop of the cloudy sky. The
sheer size and grace of the kites were mesmerizing, and we found ourselves
stopping frequently just to watch them glide and twist in the wind. Sacha was
particularly fascinated, his eyes following the kites as they dipped and
swirled, adding a whimsical touch to our day by the sea.
However, the weather quickly reminded us of the Pacific Northwest’s
unpredictability. What started as a cool, overcast day soon took a turn, with
the wind picking up and the temperature dropping sharply, making it feel more
like winter than late summer. We hadn’t dressed for the sudden chill, and soon
found ourselves huddling together for warmth, our leisurely stroll turning into
a brisk walk back to the car. The change in weather didn’t dampen our spirits,
though – it added a bit of adventure to the day, reminding us of the wild,
untamed nature of the coast.
As if the sudden shift in weather wasn’t enough, we discovered that
the car had a flat tire when we reached our accommodation. It was one of those
moments that could have easily turned the day sour, but instead, it became part
of the adventure.
Providence Bridge Pedal
On our return to Portland, the Providence Bridge Pedal was another
unique experience we enjoyed. This annual event in Portland allows cyclists to
take over the city’s bridges, offering a perspective of the city that you can’t
get any other way. We all participated, cycling across bridges with the wind in
our hair and the city skyline as our backdrop. Sacha quickly found his rhythm
and reveled in the novelty of the experience. It was a fantastic way to see the
city and to be part of something that feels uniquely Portland.
Clackamas Rodeo and the Uyxat Native American Powwow
Taking Sacha to the Clackamas Rodeo was a fun and unique experience,
especially since it was his first time attending a rodeo—and ours as well. The
atmosphere was electric from the moment we arrived, with the smell of popcorn
and BBQ in the air and country music playing in the background. Sacha was
immediately captivated by the energy—the farm animals on display, the
excitement in the crowd.
We spent some time exploring the fairgrounds, indulging in vegan
fare while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Julia and I savored our
plant-based dishes, enjoying the variety of flavors, while Sacha decided to try
his first corn dog—a classic rodeo treat. Watching him take that first bite,
curiosity written all over his face, was a fun moment. The contrast in our
choices highlighted the diverse food culture at the fair, and it gave Sacha a
fascinating glimpse into the many facets of American life. We all enjoyed the
experience, with Sacha fully immersing himself in this unique slice of
Americana.
We found our seats in the open-air grandstand. As the rodeo began,
with competitors taking on bull riding, barrel racing, and roping, Sacha was on
the edge of his seat, fully immersed in the lively, authentic American
experience.
In contrast, our visit to the Uyxat Powwow Grounds offered Sacha a
vibrant and equally loud experience, but in a more spiritual way. While the
rodeo was full of excitement and competition, the powwow was a celebration of
tradition and community, where the energy came from the deep connection between
the dancers and their heritage. The dancers, adorned in ornate regalia of
feathers, beads, and intricate patterns, moved in harmony with the powerful
beat of the drums, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and reverent.
This experience highlighted the rich cultural diversity of the region, leaving
Sacha with a profound appreciation for the spiritual vibrancy and history of our
Native American communities.
Silver Falls and the Columbia River Gorge
We dedicated a day to exploring Silver Falls, a state park known for
its stunning waterfalls and lush forest trails. The Trail of Ten Falls is a
must-do, and we weren’t about to miss it. Each waterfall we encountered seemed
more impressive than the last, with the grand finale being the majestic South
Falls. Walking behind the cascading water was a surreal experience, one that
left us all feeling a little more connected to the natural world.
The Columbia River Gorge, with its dramatic cliffs and sweeping
views, was another destination that left a lasting impression on Sacha. The
Vista House at Crown Point, offering a panoramic view of the Columbia River
Gorge, seemed to encapsulate the spirit of the entire trip. Standing there,
looking out over the vast landscape, we reflected on the incredible journey we
had shared so far.
We visited several waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River
Highway, each one offering its own unique beauty. Latourell Falls, with its
striking basalt columns, was a particular favorite. We also made stops at
Shepperd's Dell, Bridal Veil, and, of course, Multnomah Falls, the tallest and
most iconic of them all. Sacha was captivated by the power and beauty of these
natural wonders, and we were thrilled to share these moments with him.
Lyle Cherry Orchard and Maryhill Museum of Art
One of the most memorable moments during Sacha's visit was our hike
on the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail. This trail, with its sweeping views of the
Columbia River Gorge and remnants of an old cherry orchard, offered a unique
blend of natural beauty and historical significance. As we ascended the trail,
the landscape opened up to reveal expansive vistas, with the Columbia River
shimmering below us.
Reaching the summit was the highlight, where we were rewarded with a
breathtaking panoramic view of the Gorge, showcasing both its arid eastern
landscape and its lush green western scenery. The peacefulness of the moment,
with the world spread out before us, led to deep conversations about Sacha’s
upcoming journey to Bristol University and the changes ahead. The hike down was
quicker but filled with a sense of contentment and connection, not just with
the stunning surroundings, but with each other as well.
For a touch of culture, we took Sacha to the Maryhill Museum of Art.
The unusually located museum, perched on an isolated and remote bluff
overlooking the Columbia River, houses an eclectic collection that ranges from
Native American artifacts to European art. Sacha, who is studying art history,
was particularly drawn to the exhibits on the Native American tribes of the
region. We spent hours wandering through the galleries, discussing the artworks
and the stories they told. Sacha almost beat me at a game of chess too. Almost.
Timberline Lodge and Trillium Lake
Our visit to Timberline Lodge, located on the slopes of Mount Hood,
was another highlight. The lodge, with its rustic charm and rich history,
offered a glimpse into the region’s past. We took a tour of the building,
marveling at the craftsmanship and the stunning views of the stupendous Mount
Hood.
Our hike around Trillium Lake was another highlight of Sacha's
visit, offering a serene escape into nature. Nestled at the base of Mount Hood,
the lake's calm, mirror-like surface created a picture-perfect scene that felt
almost surreal. The trail itself was an easy meandering loop, winding through
dense forests of evergreens and opening up to stunning views of the lake at
various points. As we walked, the peacefulness of the surroundings seemed to
envelop us, the only sounds being the crunch of our footsteps on the trail and
the occasional call of birds overhead.
We took our time, stopping frequently to take in the views and enjoy
the tranquility that Trillium Lake is known for. Sacha, who had been busy with
the excitement of exploring new places, seemed to appreciate the slower pace
and the chance to simply be in the moment. We found a quiet spot along the
shore to sit and watch the kayakers gliding across the water, their paddles
barely disturbing the lake’s surface.
Timbers vs. Saint Louis
Attending the soccer match between the Portland Timbers and Saint
Louis was an unexpected highlight of Sacha’s visit, especially since Julia and
I were surprised by the level of play in the United States. We had always
associated top-tier soccer with European leagues, so witnessing the intensity
and skill on display at Providence Park was a revelation. The stadium was
buzzing with energy, filled with passionate fans decked out in green and gold,
waving flags, and chanting in unison. The atmosphere was electric, and it was
clear that soccer has a dedicated following here.
Sacha, a devoted soccer fan, was thrilled to be part of the action.
He was impressed by the pace of the game and the technical ability of the
players, frequently commenting on the strategic plays and standout performances
on the field. Julia and I couldn’t help but get caught up in the excitement as
well, finding ourselves cheering along with the crowd. The match was closely
contested, with both teams showing remarkable skill and determination, and we
were left with a newfound respect for American soccer. It was a memorable
evening that not only entertained Sacha but also broadened our appreciation for
the sport in a way we hadn’t expected.
Final Days and Farewells
As Sacha's visit came to an end, we spent our final days revisiting
some of our favorite spots and simply enjoying each other's company. We knew
that once he left for Bristol, our time together would be more limited, making
these moments even more precious. We indulged in leisurely walks, had long
conversations about his hopes for the future, played many board games, and
shared quiet meals that allowed us to savor the time we had left.
As we anticipate saying goodbye at Paddington Station in England,
the thought already feels bittersweet. While we're thrilled for Sacha and the
exciting journey that lies ahead at Bristol University, there's a tinge of
sadness knowing that this chapter is about to close. When the time comes to
embrace him before he boards his train, we'll remind him that no matter where
life takes him, he will always have a home with us in the Pacific Northwest. As
Julia and I watch him disappear into the crowd at the station, we know we’ll
feel a deep sense of pride in the remarkable young man he’s become. His visit
not only strengthened our bond but also created memories that we will cherish
forever, carrying them with us even as we say goodbye.