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Early Retirement

            On his television show, Portlandia, Fred Armisen described Portland as the city where young people go to retire.  While not actually true, it does describe the city pretty well.  Having lived for most of my life in Atlanta, I had grown accustomed to a certain pace.  Like Portland, Atlanta appears to be a popular locale for young adults.  Life in Atlanta and, I have found, many other east coast cities, is brisk.  People often seem to be moving at a more determined pace.  Racing from place to place and task to task.  Impatiently waiting.  In short, exhibiting the opposite of the leisurely life often associated with retirement.

             Portland, by contrast, gives off a much more casual vibe.  People move at a more relaxed pace. The racing and running so frequently seen on the east coast all but disappears.  In its place is a more seemingly patient mindset.  Though Portland certainly has its share of sizable thriving businesses, the corporate metropolis image does not seem to be nearly as evident as in my hometown.

           Still, I love to visit Portland.  To experience this different life, even if only for a short time.  For a few days, I am able to relax, to slow down . . . and to enjoy "retirement."

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