Further Adventures with Jientje.
On Wednesday we traveled ~50 miles south of Portland to Salem to meet Alida and her family. Jientje and Alida became online friends through NaBloPoMo last year and couldn't pass up this opportunity to meet in person since Jientje was so close by.
Luke and Isabela had made welcome signs and a Belgian flag for Jientje and hung them at the front door (I neglected to get a photo of them, darn.) She had a little gift for them and they couldn't have been more thrilled.
Alida fixed us a lovely lunch and we talked and talked like we were old friends.
Isabela, in a cat-like moment:
Luke, with his current passion, Legos.
We spent a couple hours exploring Salem and visiting some more back at Alida's lovely home.
And then, Thursday morning came all too soon and Jientje packed up to depart for Hawaii! It was another priceless moment in the living room, getting her suitcase closed, and a team effort with Laurie and Liza lending a hand - and a paw.
Aloha, dear friend!
I've been musing about how our lives have changed since the internet became such a big part of us -- how we can meet people from far away and also from within our own area through common interests of blogging, books, photography etc., and spend face to face time and enjoy each other's company so much. It truly is a different world now, and I feel quite lucky to have met so many wonderful people through this medium. May it spread peace and understanding throughout the world.
Our Belgian friend Jientje arrived in Portland today, one of the stops on her 3 week American adventure. Jientje and I "met" sometime last year as we participated in some of the same photo challenges and admired each other's work.
The plan was for her to arrive last night, but the gods had other ideas and she was stranded in Washington DC overnight (albeit in a pretty comfy looking hotel!).
I caught up with her at United Airlines lost and found, where she reunited with her luggage that had preceded her to Portland.
Before we'd gone two miles, Jientje spotted some neighborhood art she wanted to photograph.
And before I knew it, she was wandering into the back yard taking photos!
I gently explained to her that Americans tended to be pretty private and protective about their yards. Fortunately, no pit bulls were involved.
Next stop was a local coffeeshop. Jientje was amazed to see almost every customer using a laptop. I've grown accustomed to the sight, but she said if she did that in Belgium, people would be shocked and would gossip about her!
Then it was home with a hearty greeting from Liza the wonder puppy, Laurie, Tara and Ms. P and Mr. M. Jientje introduced Ella to us.
Ella is traveling around the world with a variety of friends. She arrived in Portland last night, ahead of Jientje, and spent a lonely night in baggage claim.
Jientje immediately recognized Ms. P's potential as a photographer.
We headed up the street to shop for some dinner items. Jientje got a little taste of our neighborhood, one of the more vibrant and creative areas in Portland.
When we left Pastaworks, we happened upon three young men boogieing to a boombox.
Not only a photo op for Jientje, but a dancing op too! There she is, dancing in the street (well, almost).
Tired (Jientje's had about 3 hours sleep in the last 48 hours, plus jet lag), home to a lovely meal of sausage and cheese and bread, with the cupcakes saved from last night.
Next up: more of Portland in the morning and then a trip to Salem to visit Alida. Stay tuned for more adventures!
About the photos
Unless otherwise noted, all photos on this blog were taken by me. If you want to use any of the images, please contact me first. Thanks!
Isabela, in a cat-like moment:
We spent a couple hours exploring Salem and visiting some more back at Alida's lovely home.
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