Portland

While I am out here in Portland, I figured I should post on what its like out here in the great North West.

It's awesome.

The people are some of the friendliest that I have met. My first night here I went to the local brewery to eat dinner with one of my room mates. We struck up a somewhat awkward (and drunken) conversation with to life-long Portlanders. Every time I go out, whether it is to the grocers, the coffee shop, a bike shop, or some random establishment, someone strikes up a conversation with me. Yesterday on a longer bike ride, I had no fewer than five people stop and offer me help when I was reading my map or adjusting my brakes. Great people.

Being down on the water and in the mountains has always appealed to me. Well, ladies and gents, Portland is a port, therefore it is on the water. Furthermore, it is surrounded by mountains. A ridge runs right up and into the city. The is the home of Forest Park, one of the largest parks contained in a city in the country. Pretty cool. This also leads to some amazing scenery from Skyline Dr which runs the crest of the park.

The city itself has some beautiful architecture. Most of the homes are of the craftsman/bungalow style, with tons of personality to set themselves apart form each others. Because of the hilly nature of the region, many houses and garages are built into and out of the sides of hills, which leads to some really neat terraced neighborhoods. Unfortunately, I have not been through the city during the day with a camera. But at night it is breathtaking.

From a foodies perspective, Portland is pretty darn good. Gelato, classic American, burrito joints, amazing (and surprising) doughnuts, even the bar food is above average. The grocer is a little pricey, but that is mainly because everything is organic, fair-trade, hormone free, and/or free range. Plus, their meat selection is second to none. I am not even sure that Jungle Jim's has the selection of high end meats that this grocer does.

 

My only complaint that I can come up with for this city is that I am afraid of getting hit when I am riding my bike. Not by cars mind you. There are so many cyclists out here, that there are no shortage of close calls. I guess one has to pay for having perfect riding weather, an abundance of bike lanes/paths, and a nuclear city that supports the bike movement. 

In parting, I would love to move to Portland at some point in my life. Sooner would be cool, but I think that living here at any point would be a wonderful experience. Not to mention, everyone I have ever known to have moved away from Portland has wanted to move back. I think that speaks volumes.