From Free Tours to Antihistamines: A Portland Weekend Chronicle

One thing I started noticing between trips is that when you travel with a partner, some doors close. Or rather: people assume you already have someone to talk to. And sometimes you just want to meet other voices.

But we also found ways to open those doors. One that worked really well was free tours. You know, those walking tours where locals show you around in exchange for a voluntary tip. We signed up for a few without expecting much, and ended up sharing coffees, lunches, and even some after-work drinks with guides and fellow travelers. There's something about walking through a city together that makes it easier to just ask "so, where are you from?"

I'm a Gemini, I have ADHD and some autistic traits. Depending on which part of my brain is in charge the day you meet me, you'll get a different version of who I am. Overall, I'm easygoing, usually in a good mood, happy. But if we don't know each other yet, I might come across as shy. I'm also pretty homey—I don't need to go out much or do a million things. But my mind needs movement: I tend to spend hours turning over ideas that don't feel quite right, looking for the heart of whatever's off.

We've met a lot of people while traveling. Kai is more extroverted, and that's opened doors for us too. In fact, right now we're in Portland, cat-sitting for some friends.

Mimi, Kusi, and Kimbol. Three Persians with very distinct personalities. Mimi is a lady who values her privacy (I get her). Kusi is pure cuddle energy, always asking for chin scratches. And Kimbol, our chunky favorite, tricks you with his sofa-like body: he's all energy when the toys come out.

Here's something I haven't told you: both Kai and I are allergic. So this weekend (and the week ahead) we'll be riding the antihistamine wave, with an air purifier in the room and a lot of mindfulness about not touching our faces. So far so good. Except for that one time I forgot to wash my hands. Lesson learned: cats always win.

This little corner of the internet is for that: sharing what works, what doesn't, and everything we're learning along the way. With or without free tours. With or without allergies.