Travel Tips
Living in Portland Why So Many Are Embracing the Weird
Some Quirky And Weird Things About Portland That Will Make You Want To Move There
Sure we’ve heard about Silicon Valley, the southern part of the San Francisco area in Northern California. We’ve heard about the innovative tech companies that reside there and blah blah blah. Boring. Have you heard about Silicon Forest? Wait. What? Silicon Forest, what and where is that? You ask. Silicon Forest is the term given to Portland, Oregon that is now home to a cluster of high-tech companies in the area. Yes, Portland is now a tech hub and with that, picturesque living with a quirky vibe. Today, we’ll talk about some of Portland’s “off-the-beaten-path” kind of unconventional things that most out-of-towners may consider weird. But despite the “weirdness” that others perceive Portland to be, it is actually a great place to move to and live. So here we go.
Stumptown
Contrary to Portland being now considered “Silicon Forest,” Portland was first nicknamed “Stumptown”. The name is derived from its early history when Portland was experiencing rapid growth (mid-19th century). Because of this, the residence, at the time, had to quickly clear the land to support the growth. Although the trees were chopped down, the tree stumps were not immediately removed. Thus, “Stumptown” was coined. It is also said that the tree stumps were used by residents as a way to avoid muddy unpaved roads by jumping from stump to stump. Imagine carrying a basket full of eggs doing that! Today, Portland is Silicon Forest but the coined nickname stuck around with it being used as part of the names of local businesses.
A Short Block Walk
Depending on where you are from, a typical block is about 10 for every mile or 311 feet long. In the case of rural Texas, it could be up to 12 blocks a mile. With that said, you’ll find it relatively strange that Portland’s downtown city blocks are only 200 feet long. So what would’ve taken you to walk 10 blocks at a mile elsewhere, in downtown Portland, it’s only a half-mile walk. Strange but could be beneficial, cutting time so you can get to work quicker, sort-of.
Too Polite?
Since we’re talking about commuting and all, let’s talk about traffic. Yes, I know, traffic is no strange thing, no matter where you live. You get the honks, the occasional (or always) “bird”, you get curse words, and road rage. But have you ever been to a place where traffic stalls because people are too polite in traffic? Like something out of the Twilight Zone, Portland is sometimes too, way too, polite when it comes to traffic etiquette. For instance, a pedestrian is slowly but surely crossing the street, you wait patiently while huffing and puffing in your mind and looking at the time. They’ve all crossed and traffic on the other side continues, preventing you from making a turn. While you are left frustrated and boiling over, Portlanders on the other hand, are the epitome of patience and politeness. Not only do they wait politely for all pedestrians to clear the crosswalk before turning, but they also “hold the door” for other cars to get by. Which means traffic will stall because Portlanders are too polite.
Biking: The Way of Life in Portland
As mentioned, Portland is a picturesque city — to the west the ocean, to the east are mountains. With that, it’s no wonder Portland is known to rank as one of the top places for biking. Portlanders are so into biking that the city has incorporated dedicated bike lanes and off-road areas to bike as well. Well, that makes sense, nothing weird there. Right? But did you know that Portland holds an annual naked bike ride? Participants ride their bikes in their birthday suit, annually. So now you are probably searching for Portland’s public nudity law. Portland and the entire state of Oregon has a relaxed approach to public nudity in its laws. It says that public nudity is broadly legal, and here’s the but (no pun intended), you can be nude as long as it does not cause arousal in others. By now, I am laughing out loud while also saying, “WEIRD!”.
These are only to name a few of the many unconventional things that make Portland the next city you should move to and live in. Since now you are convinced to make that move, you are probably searching for long-distance movers to get you and your things moved clear across America and into Portland. You’re probably seeing a sea of search results, too. Well let me make it easy on you, services provided like those from, Suddath Portland long distance movers, offer you the ease in moving, especially if you’ve acquired tons of things throughout the years. They provide free in-home estimates and cater specifically to your needs and budget. They can also provide an estimate using your mobile device via a virtual walkthrough, putting you as part of Portland’s tech community and into Silicon Forest.
Germany—the Land of Poets and Thinkers—is not only home to world-renowned composers like Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Schumann, and Wagner. It is also well-loved by tourists for its stunning sceneries and landscapes, serene rolling hills, picturesque meadows dotted with grazing cattle, quaint medieval villages, rich culture, and hearty, scrumptious German cuisine, among others. If you want a cornucopia of unique experiences rolled into one great adventure, you definitely have to put Germany at the top of your travel bucket list.
Traveling to Germany for the first time could be a daunting and thrilling experience. At the same time, it can also be overwhelming and intimidating if you absolutely know nothing about the country you’re visiting. For such reasons, it will be helpful to book a Germany guided tour to make sure everything is already taken care of for you so that the trip will go effortlessly smooth sailing. If you are unsure where to begin for your preparations, this ultimate travel guide to successfully exploring Germany is an excellent starting point!
The Basics You Should Know
First things first, here are the basic things you should know about Germany before hopping on that plane:
Requirements for Entry for US Citizens
Germany is a Schengen country, which means that tourists from the allied 27 European countries don’t need to present a passport to gain entry to Germany. With little to no border control at their mutual borders, tourists from the other Schengen countries can seamlessly cross borders into their neighboring countries, including Germany.
Now, if you’re from the US, you would need to present a passport to be allowed entry in Germany. This U.S. passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond the intended departure date from the Schengen area.
Budget Allocation
The prices of lodging and commodities in Germany are definitely cheaper than in the US, so you would find that most things are affordable here. If you are an average spender, expect to shell out $55 to $90 per day on accommodation, food, and transportation. Meanwhile, mid-range travelers may have to spend around $110 to $160 per day, and luxury spenders may have to shell out $200 or more daily.
The Best Time to Visit Germany
Like most European countries, Germany has four seasons, each having its unique charm and appeal. This means that the best time to visit Germany would ultimately depend on your preferences.
Summer
If you like to participate in outdoor activities and festivities, it is best to visit Germany during its summer months—from June to August. However, take note that this is also the peak season, so there will inevitably be larger crowds, and the commodities tend to be more expensive.
Winter
Meanwhile, if you fancy engaging in winter sports, it is best to visit during the winter months—from December to February. Expect that the quaint German villages will have a snow-capped snow globe-like charm to them. Additionally, prices of accommodations and commodities tend to be lower since the crowds are sparse during the cold winter months. However, take note that many stores are closed down for the winter, except during the days leading up to Christmas. The German Christmas Markets are definitely not to be missed!
Spring and Fall
The shoulder season in Germany falls under both Spring—from April to May—and fall—from September to October. During these months, the weather tends to be milder, the prices of hotels and commodities tend to be lower than in the summer season, and there are also fewer tourists around.
Festivals and Events
Germany is known for having two essential festivals: the Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets.
Oktoberfest is a festival held yearly in Munich that celebrates beer, food, and Bavarian culture, along with some live music and carnival rides for 16 days straight. This world-renowned festival runs from late September to early October, attracting countless visitors from all around the world.
On the other hand, come late November til the end of December, Germany transforms its tranquil towns into a magical winter wonderland, complete with snow-dusted Christmas trees and cobbled lanes. During winter, everywhere you look, you will see festive wooden huts draped in lush Christmas garlands, sparkling string lights, and handcrafted Christmas ornaments and gifts. The delightful smell of roasted nuts, gingerbread, mulled wine, and German sausage hangs around the air as you make your way through the German Christmas markets. Christmas in Germany is truly the jolliest time of the year!
Transportation
Germany boasts an extensive public transportation network comprising of buses, trams, U-Bahn (or subways), and trains. You don’t really need to rely solely on driving cars to get around the area, as Germany’s public transportation system is reliable, efficient, clean, and comfortable to use.
If you want to get to your destination quicker, you should ride ICE Trains, which are speedy but tend to be expensive. On the other hand, regional trains tend to be slower in terms of speed but are much more affordable. But if you are on a tight budget, riding the bus will do as it is the least expensive option. You can even plan your travel using public transportation via apps like Deutsche Bahn or Rome2Rio.
To ensure a hitch-free ride, make sure you always validate your ticket at the machine in the stations before you board the train or bus. And do take note of the schedule of the vehicles as the trains in Germany are very punctual. They arrive on the dot, so it is important for you to arrive at the station early so you won’t miss your train. Lastly, you may need to push a button to open the doors so you can get off at your stop, or may need to alert the driver that your stop is approaching.
Best Places to Visit
Germany has a pocketful of mesmerizing sights, medieval architecture, and landscapes to marvel at. At a glance, here are the best places to add to your itinerary:
City Escapades
- Berlin
Germany’s capital city is one of the top tourist destinations, thanks to its marvelous museums, opulent art, and vibrant culture. This is the best place to appreciate Germany’s striking contrasts, where the past and present intermingle as historical buildings stand alongside modern architecture.
- Munich
It is Bavaria’s capital, which is known as the home of the world-famous Oktoberfest celebration. If you love beer, you will love Munich’s beer halls, most especially the famed Hofbräuhaus.
- Köln (Cologne)
This two-millennia-old city is famed for its twin-spired Cologne Cathedral and its gilded medieval reliquary alongside sweeping river views.
Quaint Medieval Towns
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
This German town nestled in northern Bavaria is known for its charming medieval architecture. As you walk its cobblestone streets, you’ll be amazed at the panoramic sight of its well-maintained half-timbered houses. Arguably, this is the best medieval town in Germany.
- Nuremberg
Back in the Middle Ages, the Imperial Castle in Nuremberg was once considered the most important imperial palace in the Holy Roman Empire. For centuries, the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg stood as a secure base and prestigious residence for the head of the Empire.
Charming Fairytale-Like Castles
- Neuschwanstein Castle
This fairytale-like castle nestled deep within the Bavarian Alps is one of Germany’s best tourist attractions. It is famously known as the inspiration for the castle design of Disney’s Cinderella. This castle was built by the orders of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was infamously known as the “mad King Ludwig.” The ever-so-beautiful castle of Neuschwanstein was supposedly a hideaway for this reclusive mad king.
- Burg Eltz
This 1,000-year-old fairy tale castle is nestled at the heart of the hills above the Moselle between Koblenz and Trier. It is among the oldest castles in Germany, and to this day, it is still owned by the House of Eltz, a clan who have lived there since the beginning of the 12th century.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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