Although a bit late, I am excited to be back in the blog-sphere. The break was nice, but I did miss blogging. I almost feel that I forgot how to blog, lets hope it's like riding a bicycle and it'll come back to me.Speaking of biking, I've never had my own bike as a kid, another activity that my mother deemed "dangerous". But being the little rebel I was, I used to 'sneak' some rides on my friend's bike in the neighborhood. I don't even remember learning to ride a bike, I just remember borrowing the bike from my friend, while she kept watch to make sure my mother is not in the vicinity, and I would take a spin or two around the block. I think I was nine or ten when I last borrowed my friend's bike.
It wasn't until three years ago that I finally purchased my own bike. I was hoping that what they say about riding a bike is true and that I still remembered what to do,especially that I don't even remember how I learned riding in the first place. Well, the saying is true. It took less than half an hour, and I was comfortably balanced on my bike, I was very happy and proud. I do enjoy biking, a lot.
Portland Oregon,considered one of the most bike friendly cities in America, has more than 200 miles of bike ways,both off-road and along the streets. So we had planned on renting some bikes to use around downtown during our recent trip to Portland. We were lucky,however, to find out that our hotel offered bicycles for guest use. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is very well located, near the Lloyd Center, a walking(or biking) distance to shopping, dining and all of what downtown Portland has to offer. The hotel is also clean and the staff is friendly. I would definitely stay there again.
September 1st was a beautiful day in Portland, bright and sunny, with a nice break from Maui's heat and humidity. We actually had five days of gorgeous weather in Portland, and it didn't get Portland like(overcast) until the morning we were leaving, we did feel very welcome while there. On our first full day in the city, we got a couple of bikes from the hotel lobby, put our helmets on and headed towards the Broadway bridge to the downtown area.We cruised around downtown for a while, grabbed a breakfast bagel from one of the cafes(forgot the name) and then headed towards Tom McCall Waterfront Park don't think I've ever seen a prettier setting for a park. Biking along the Willamette River, with the green trees, beautiful boat marinas, soaring bridges, side shop and cafes, I couldn't help but be amazed and envy Portland residents(is that Portlanders?) for having the fabulous park; so green, so accessible and so attractive.
I actually love Portland, and consider it one of the cleanest(if not the winner) cities I've visited. There is something about Portland that makes it very appealing to me;the greenery, the fresh air, the atmosphere as a whole, make it very relaxing. Not to mention, the great food, and fresh ingredients. If I knew I can handle not seeing the sun for long periods, Portland would be my top choice for a place to settle down. Alas, no place is perfect.
From Waterfront Park, we biked away from the river heading towards Powell's city of books : the largest new and used bookstore in the world. The bookstore occupies a couple of blocks on Burnside street, it has a map showing the different sections and floors, and it is very easy to loose your way, as well as yourself, in there. For a book lover, it is a book haven with many old and rare books, at great prices. We spent a couple of hours browsing and shopping.
With a couple of bags of books on bikes, we biked some more, had a delicious veggie pizza from Pizza Schmizza, and headed back to the hotel to rest a bit. In the evening, we drove to the Pearl District, a beautiful and rising Portland neighborhood, and met our friend S for dinner and beers at Bridgeport Brewpub. I forgot to take photos, but the food was great. I got delicious mussels served french style with fries and garlic. Bill and S got the famous Bridgeport grilled bratwurst plate, and they loved it!
I will share more highlights from Portland in future posts.
Comments (7)
Candi, we missed you too! Glad you're back to blogging. You write and post such wonderful insights into all the places you've been. I think Portland is a very exciting city which has much to offer. I haven't been there in years but have been hearing such wonderful things about the city. Your photos present such fun options. I can't wait to revisit such a lovely place.
Posted by Barb Cabot | October 2, 2009 6:46 AM
Posted on October 2, 2009 06:46
Reminds me of the PNW - Pacific North West.. All of the areas and weather are very close, yes even Victoria...
I'd like to take another visit down there as well soon.
Great pics.
Posted by expatraveler | October 2, 2009 7:42 AM
Posted on October 2, 2009 07:42
Welcome back! I hope you had a great trip and a nice break from blogging. I bet it will be just like riding a bike. :)
I've heard nothing but good things about Portland. It really does look like a very nice city. Need to put it on my (long) travel list. I'd love to go to Powell's!
Posted by Annie | October 2, 2009 8:35 AM
Posted on October 2, 2009 08:35
Portland sounds really interesting, Candi, and you've captured a real sense of the place with these great photos (I love the sign on the bookstore, "I was here"!)
It's great to have you back blogging!
Posted by sandrac | October 2, 2009 3:37 PM
Posted on October 2, 2009 15:37
Hi Candi, I too say welcome back! I recognize that "almost feel that I forgot how to blog" feeling. I find it hard to get back in the swing of things when I've been away from blogging. This is a wonderful entry, I don't think you have forgotten a thing! :)
Posted by Anne | October 4, 2009 3:14 PM
Posted on October 4, 2009 15:14
Glad you are back blogging. We all missed you! So are you in Florida now?
Portland sounds like a beautiful place. I wish I had visited it while living in Washington. I love cities that have dedicated (and safe) bike paths. Glad you had a great day! Loved seeing your photos of your day.
Posted by girasoli | October 4, 2009 10:44 PM
Posted on October 4, 2009 22:44
Thanks all for the kind comments.
Girasoli, yes, we are in Jacksonville, FL.
Posted by candi | October 5, 2009 9:10 AM
Posted on October 5, 2009 09:10