Portland Diaries
So I had a chance to visit Portland in the month of Feb. As many of you must be aware of, the city is known for its microbreweries and strip clubs ;) Sadly, I could not visit any!
It's a nice city with green areas and a downtown good enough to call it a city. Yes, I judge the city by its downtown. The people are nice and smiling. I unfortunately could not see the best weather days which is a rare thing in Portland but if you happen to visit in one of those sunny days, do try some of the street-side cafes and live music. In this city of roses, the most beautiful thing was Mount Hood. Every road I travelled, every bridge I crossed, I could see it. Not to forget, the city has a beautiful skyline. If you're a museum lover unlike me, then Portland has Museum of Contemporary Craft, Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to offer. Pittock Mansion is a beautiful place for the home makers. One must thing is to take the Portland Underground and also the Portland Aerial Tram. If you are a fan of lush parks, Portland has few to offer - Forest Park, Jamison Square, Tanner Springs Park and Washnington Park top the list. To me visiting the Willamette River was a must. If you get to visit the city for more than just a weekend getaway, a visit to Mt. Hood is must! Some of the other nice getaway places would be Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Wine Country, Multnomah Falls, nearby cities like Seattle, Vancouver and Eugene.
Portland is surrounded by water all over. On the north side is Columbia River which separates this beautifully lit city from Vancouver, WA (Dear Punjabis, it's not the one in Canada) I liked how the public transport was punctual but then it is not that frequent. Also you can see a lot many walkers and bikers. Of course, the services are well connected and good priced. Not to forget, Portland is well planned in terms of addresses and locations. You can very well survive without a GPS though I would not recommend that. Well like any other city in US, Portland has its very own Zoo too. :) I was told by the locals that the International Rose Test Gardens was a huge visiting place in June when they held the Portland Rose Festival. So if you happen to be around, visit and let me know how festive it is.
Two things that I would definitely visit Portland again for is the Reed College and Powell's City of Books. The Reed college has a nuclear reactor at display :) and well I love books. Portland is home to people of many origin. It is one of the largest cultural mix I have ever seen. So that results in best food options. For the eating and being merry places, I would recommend Doug Fir Lounge, Quan Linh, Gravy, Detour Cafe, Nicholas' Restaurant, Portland City Grill, Byways Cafe, Ristretto Roasters, Portofino Caffè Italiano, Salvador Molly's, Voodoo Doughnut, Pazzo Ristorante, Andina, McCormick and Schmick's, Huber’s, Marrakesh, Riyadh's, Baan Thai (Warning: Spicest Thai food ever had. And for the record, I am a chilli loving Indian) and did I mention that they have foods on carts too. (YUM!) Some of these places are family owned which I always adore. What else could you ask for more than a good trip, good food, great people and warm hospitality. Oh and 'Coffee People' at PDX is a must too.
Adios!
