The Start of Saturday in Portland

After the coast trip, Sandra and I met Bruce and Jodi for dinner on Friday night at the Heathman Restaurant. We ate in the lounge of the adjoining namesake hotel and talked past ten o'clock as we enjoyed the ambiance of live music with the food. Then, stretching out our legs, we headed to the Pioneer Square, the focal point of downtown Portland. Here, feeling the effects of the long day (and for me, the effects of the previous night's late arrival), we decided to return to our respective hotels and get a fresh start in the morning.

Sandra hit the Farmer's Market located along Portland State's downtown campus. She bought several local specialities to bring home. Portland's position in the Pacific Northwest makes it a center for fish, shellfish, nuts, and berries with a variety that is not seen in Tennessee. In particular, we were still in berry season, so throughout the trip, I took advantage and sampled the fresh harvest.

Afterwards, Sandra returned, and we joined Bruce and Jodi for breakfast. Full, the four of us were now ready to explore Portland. The first stop was a few minutes at the iconic Powell's Bookstore, a sprawling collection of new and used books which has infilitrated several buildings on and off Burnside, basically dominating an entire city block.

A quick purchase later, we were stepping down Burnside, which is the north-south address divider for Portland.



Sculpture in the Park

While Portland has a definite urban city feel, block-sized parks are scattered throughout, so green space is readily available for people.

You might have noticed the Eastern influence in the sculpture pictured above. Being on the West Coast, Portland has been and still is home to many Chinese and Japanese immigrants and descendants. Not surprisingly, an older section of downtown showcases that history.



Bruce and Jodi Lead Us to Chinatown

While not as busy as Chicago's, Portland's Chinatown has a mix of retail and restaurants. It is also home to something that it sets it apart, the Lan Su Chinese Garden. My next post will spotlight this Portland treasure.