Then and Now

My present neighborhood is nothing like those I grew up in. This should not be construed as a criticism, just something I’m reminded of every time I encounter urban funkiness that did not exist in the natural(ish) areas of my youth. With a few exceptions, most of my childhood homes were on the suburban edge of whatever city we happened to be living in. Empty lots, half built tract homes, and remnant woodlands became my playground and a stark counterpoint to the brand new houses and manicured lawns that were quickly encroaching on these areas. These neighborhoods were populated by families or retirees, often military and almost always native born Americans, and I never wanted for playmates of my own age.

Fast forward 20 years and my playground is a hip historic district in inner Portland, populated almost entirely by childless 20 and 30-somethings. There are no almond orchards or empty lots, just century old street trees and aged buildings being constantly reinvented and retrofitted to suit its ever changing denizens. Old Churches are now brew-pub/movie theaters and aged industrial buildings are now synagogues or swank tapas joints with bristled boar legs on display. Russian and Japanese tongues are frequently heard, not to mention the bits of Spanish that spill out of restaurant kitchens. As for children, you’ll see none except for those being bused to the adjacent Catholic school or the children’s theater across the street (also located in an old church). Older adults are either attending one of several cathedrals or synagogues within walking distance of our home, or reside in nearby subsidized housing for disabled adults.

I mention this because my parents are visiting this weekend and they have a hard time comprehending this narrow demographic. In previous visits, they're constantly asking "where are the children and old people?" It's funny really, because I see them all the time. Just not in my immediate vicinity....usually at local restaurants, work, or other neighborhoods adjacent to my own. Or so I say, perhaps we're secretly cannibals...