Birthplace Observation

This observation made me aware of things around us that I have never noticed before. When I went to my favorite coffee shop in downtown Portland today and took notes, I was surprised by how every single thing I was looking at silently without interacting with anybody has changed for me. I started observing more of the details, the buildings, space, and the people that were walking on the street while being blasted by the scent of coffee which made me and everyone around me happy.

At first, I noticed that the street was definitely alive and very active on that sunny day. The sidewalks were very busy and people were passing by me every second. The space is filled with other small shops and a mall that kept the street crowded with pedestrians. while sitting silently under an umbrella outside the coffee shop, I have noticed the disturbing sound of the trains and the vehicles that I was not aware of before, even though I visited this place several times. What I enjoyed about the space is that I still can see people’s faces from across the street and that made me feel connected to others. People seemed very happy, it is kind of entertaining to know what they are up to. I recognized different kinds of people, ages, clothes, skin colors, and races. people were interacting with each other with different languages that I could not
understand. It was very delightful to see this diversity and contrast.

Every single person around me was laughing and feeling peaceful even the homeless, It was like a witch did a magic spell on this place. A homeless man was having a good day that he felt like giving compliments to every stranger that passes him by. I was fascinated by him, he was able to put a smile on everyone’s face. I noticed the pedestrian’s facial expressions change from a still face to a joyful face, it felt like he was giving them their favorite candy that they have been craving for a while. He was genuinely proud of what's he is doing. I was showered by the positive energy that he was filling the street with.

Ahmad Shareef
10/8/2017
UNST-107E-001

I ignored people for minutes and started analyzing the buildings. Every building was boring and lifeless except the mall on the corner. The mall was exciting with large plate-glass windows and an outstanding design. while observing the buildings, I found out that the mall is spread out between four blocks with a bridge between two sections of the mall. Then, I realized how small the blocks here in Portland and this is why I find myself walking through the downtown easily without getting tired or lost. The variety and order of the buildings were on point and well organized.

This public space was small and kind of intimate. There are trees on the sidewalks which was pleasing to my eyes. I was thrilled by The number of dogs that I have seen in this hour, I even saw a man with a parrot on his shoulder. Many people were entering the coffee shop and the mall with their dogs. I concluded that Portland is definitely a pet-friendly city that allows dogs inside the stores. A Woman behind me asked pedestrians to pet their dogs and no one refused. I turned my head around and saw a large smile on her face while she was petting a shiny, golden dog.

I learned many things about Portland, the culture, and how diverse it is.
Even though I have been to many cities in the united state, Portland is definitely the most diverse city that I have visited. This observation made me aware of how the majority of people in Portland are unique and they are not afraid of expressing a different look and personality. This spot became one of my favorite spots that I look forward to visit again when I am in downtown, Portland. what made the street so special to me is how alive and full of energy it is. I also found the sound of people's chatter and looking at their smiles for an hour kind of
therapeutic.