Not only is the landscape of Oregon rich, vibrant and wild, so are the people. Oregonians are open, bright and without walls. I had never seen so many smiles and proverbial open arms. People looked you in the eye, were polite, asked questions and gave helpful answers.
In Michigan, everyone walks with the same stone face, driven by some inner, hidden drive and encompassed by huge, thick walls that keep others away.
Even driving the difference is quite notable. In Oregon there were many long lines, traffic jams and slow downs but I never heard car horns or saw any indication of driver frustration. It's like they simply accept that traffic bogs up and they have this high degree of patience and being in the now.
I can only guess that Some of that "being in the now" has to do with the fact that Oregon doesn't like to spend much money on guardrails. Omgoodness, the roads along 101 and along the mountains into the Willamette Valley are practically devoid of guardrails and there is often no shoulder to the road to veer off on. Nay, there are just drop offs of either a few feet or a hundred feet. Both hands are required on the steering wheel at all times. It's often driving with limited sight, as well. There being so many twists, turns, sharp curves, one never quite knows what's beyond the bend.
Having grown up in Michigan with big road shoulders and relatively flat and straight drives, I did exceptionally well adjusting to the most diverse road conditions.
The people of Oregon are Remarkable, Open and Friendly, a most welcome change.
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