The phenomenon often stems from a combination of habit, emotional attachments and the contrasting nature of different environments on a daily bases. It's your fix, habit or need to feel relax in a struggle and bustling life. We're we live shapes our identities and experiences. It's an nostalgic way to try and appreciate both worlds. Enjoy my favorite city, it brings me back to my hometown in a way of Michigan with the streams, fall colors, including the gorgeous snow. That is my nostalgic with Bend. After only one visit to that amazing town.
That's so true, Kim. The places we live (and visit) leave lasting imprints on who we are and how we move through the world. There’s something powerful about finding those unexpected reminders of home in a new place. I think that’s exactly what I’ve been sitting with this week: how two places can feel so different, yet stir something familiar.
Antonina, I am unfamiliar with Bend, Oregon so thank you for the lovely introduction! As a “New Yorker wannabe” for more years than I care to count, your reflections of Bend resonate. When my daughter and SIL left Westchester and moved to Denver over six years ago, I was intimately introduced to the Mighty West. The Rockies are spiritual and the prairie evokes a rich history. Whenever I visit which is often I am aware of a different vibe from my hometown, Washington, DC. We, City Slickers, get it!
Thank you, Sharron! There’s something about visiting a place like the Rockies or the high desert that wakes up a different part of you. I imagine Denver has been a beautiful gateway to the West for your family. You are so right, the contrast between our fast-paced city lives and these quieter places can be jarring, but also deeply grounding. I’m so glad this piece resonated with you!
Enjoy your week. We are often in the Bend Area. I love their extensive downtown. We live in the Portland Area but have many friends there. Mostly we stay in Sun River. We have 3 friends who have homes there (lucky us). It is my happy place along with the Oregon Coast. If you have not visited Sun River, please check it out. The original Goodies is there and I like the atmosphere more than the Bend locations. Probably something to do with going there with my friends and kids for over 40 years. Also, the High Desert Museum, on Hwy 97 between Sun River and Bend, is a treasure. Lots of special treats - my grandkids (and everyone) love the river otters and the raptor flyover - quite the amazing experience.
Anyway, so much to do in each direction from Bend. Enjoy! Probably everyone you have met has given you recommendations for restaurants, but if you want more to mull over, just ask me!
Thank you, Marla! It’s been such a treat to spend time here. We’ve been loving the slower pace, the views, and yes—the food! We just went to the High Desert Museum yesterday (it was my second visit) and I swear, it's one of my favorite museums in the country, it's remarkable!
And yes, I’ve gotten a ton of restaurant recs, but I always love hearing more, especially from someone who knows the area well. Please send your favorites my way, we have three more full days here!
I just returned from NYC on Labor Day. I have lost count how many times I've been there; it was at least my 50th trip. You captured my feeling about the city beautifully. The first time I visited I was 16 and that was in 1963. My feeling about it has never changed. Thank you for putting into works how I feel. Kay in Portland
Hello! I am loving the Bend photos! The air BNB looks so cool - just like a dream place to stay! I've never been to Bend, but now I want to go. I also understand the contrast and you describe it so well, and your longing to get back to the City. I still find myself comparing everything to NY, and we left in 2009. It's subconscious, but I definitely do it. For instance, Chicago, we live fairly close by, but every single time I'm there, I cannot help but think that while it is a beautiful city (it really is!), it is just not New York. I hope you soak up your time in Bend. It looks like such a special place!
The phenomenon often stems from a combination of habit, emotional attachments and the contrasting nature of different environments on a daily bases. It's your fix, habit or need to feel relax in a struggle and bustling life. We're we live shapes our identities and experiences. It's an nostalgic way to try and appreciate both worlds. Enjoy my favorite city, it brings me back to my hometown in a way of Michigan with the streams, fall colors, including the gorgeous snow. That is my nostalgic with Bend. After only one visit to that amazing town.
That's so true, Kim. The places we live (and visit) leave lasting imprints on who we are and how we move through the world. There’s something powerful about finding those unexpected reminders of home in a new place. I think that’s exactly what I’ve been sitting with this week: how two places can feel so different, yet stir something familiar.
Antonina, I am unfamiliar with Bend, Oregon so thank you for the lovely introduction! As a “New Yorker wannabe” for more years than I care to count, your reflections of Bend resonate. When my daughter and SIL left Westchester and moved to Denver over six years ago, I was intimately introduced to the Mighty West. The Rockies are spiritual and the prairie evokes a rich history. Whenever I visit which is often I am aware of a different vibe from my hometown, Washington, DC. We, City Slickers, get it!
Thank you, Sharron! There’s something about visiting a place like the Rockies or the high desert that wakes up a different part of you. I imagine Denver has been a beautiful gateway to the West for your family. You are so right, the contrast between our fast-paced city lives and these quieter places can be jarring, but also deeply grounding. I’m so glad this piece resonated with you!
I love the Bend area, I visit often with my family. Enjoy your trip!!
Thank you, Susan! I love this town!
Enjoy your week. We are often in the Bend Area. I love their extensive downtown. We live in the Portland Area but have many friends there. Mostly we stay in Sun River. We have 3 friends who have homes there (lucky us). It is my happy place along with the Oregon Coast. If you have not visited Sun River, please check it out. The original Goodies is there and I like the atmosphere more than the Bend locations. Probably something to do with going there with my friends and kids for over 40 years. Also, the High Desert Museum, on Hwy 97 between Sun River and Bend, is a treasure. Lots of special treats - my grandkids (and everyone) love the river otters and the raptor flyover - quite the amazing experience.
Anyway, so much to do in each direction from Bend. Enjoy! Probably everyone you have met has given you recommendations for restaurants, but if you want more to mull over, just ask me!
Enjoy, Enjoy
Marla Edge
Thank you, Marla! It’s been such a treat to spend time here. We’ve been loving the slower pace, the views, and yes—the food! We just went to the High Desert Museum yesterday (it was my second visit) and I swear, it's one of my favorite museums in the country, it's remarkable!
And yes, I’ve gotten a ton of restaurant recs, but I always love hearing more, especially from someone who knows the area well. Please send your favorites my way, we have three more full days here!
I just returned from NYC on Labor Day. I have lost count how many times I've been there; it was at least my 50th trip. You captured my feeling about the city beautifully. The first time I visited I was 16 and that was in 1963. My feeling about it has never changed. Thank you for putting into works how I feel. Kay in Portland
Hello! I am loving the Bend photos! The air BNB looks so cool - just like a dream place to stay! I've never been to Bend, but now I want to go. I also understand the contrast and you describe it so well, and your longing to get back to the City. I still find myself comparing everything to NY, and we left in 2009. It's subconscious, but I definitely do it. For instance, Chicago, we live fairly close by, but every single time I'm there, I cannot help but think that while it is a beautiful city (it really is!), it is just not New York. I hope you soak up your time in Bend. It looks like such a special place!
So much wonderful food for thought. Thank you for helping your readers to learn so much while maximizing their travel experiences.