Out train trip to Portland left at a much more respectable hour, unfortunately we didn’t have the fabulous Chris to keep everyone in line, there were people just milling about any which way! I love the train rides, plenty to see both inside and outside the train, with more room than a plane!

We were happy with our cute little home for the next few days,

In a lovely quiet neighborhood

As always our first venture out is to find a bar, there wasn’t much around but we eventually found Suki’s. Very much a neighborhood bar

 

Portland is very different to Seattle, a bit more laid-back I think. We walked past the University on our way downtown and I was very excited to see all the kids arriving at the residential area , Mums and Dads loaded with cases and boxes, and all sorts of knick knacks. I would have loved a photo of a mother and daughter we saw, they both looked so excited, sort of like Eagles supporters heading for the MCG! I hope it turns out as well for that young woman! It was all very organized, lots of earnest young folk in University t-shirts and clip boards helping everyone find their place. It is very different to WA universities where they have the luxury of space and beautiful grounds, here the University is just another building on the street.

D3 and I had a girls’ day out,  coffee first of course

a gentleman offered me his umbrella even though it was a glorious day out,

then off to Powell’s Book Shop, a massive treasure trove of new and used books…..so many books, so little time!

 

I was thrilled to see an Australian book featuring on one of the stands

I managed to limit myself to two books and found the coffee nook for a quiet coffee and read.

We had the yummiest salad for late lunch, as always the meals are huge, we always say “We could have shared this”

Dad had a wander of his own, walked over a bridge, had lunch from a food van, and found out what this is. A hint, it was on the pavement outside a court house.

After a couple of weeks of eating out, it was lovely to have a home cooked meal, my Mum’s braise, D3 did her proud!

There were some yummy meals out as well

We just enjoyed walking the streets, interesting street art

and when I saw the line outside the Apple shop I rembered that the new iPhone was out the day!

Hmmmm, no wonder this beer had a kick to it!

And no, I’d never seen these cute little stirrers you clip into the cup to stop the coffee spilling and keep the chilly early morning wind out! I know it’s another piece if plastic we don’t need, but I had to get it, just this once!

Thanks Portland, you were fab!

And the metal plate was the top of a container that rose from the pavement, presumably from the holding cells, and discharged three shackled prisoners into a waiting prison van.

On to road trip 101!