Lessons learned on vacation:
It's hard to get a plain bagel and orange juice sometimes (but do not succumb to the gooey sticky bun instead). Most Americans enjoy driving cars, even if I don't like to, so getting around most cities requires them. Shelf space in a hotel bathroom is critical. It sure does get hot in the Northwest. And always pack an extra bag for books.
Sivani was kind enough to shuttle us around for an entire day, including lunch and a trip to the gorges (is that where the phrase 'I felt my gorge rise' comes from?) and Multnomah Falls, seen here. E. later climbed to the top, but we mere mortals stood at the bottom and dreamed of ice cream.
We did a lot of garden walking in Portland, including the vast Japanese Garden and the more compact Chinese Garden, pictured here.
We did not rent a car during our stay in Portland or Seattle, which worked out well, although we still found ourselves relying on friends and/or taxis a fair bit. In America, I am reminded, driving is considered a birthright, but sometimes it is just more of a burden. Still, we appreciated getting the rides. I found this sign in downtown Portland hilarious:
One street in Portland featured metal pig sculptures on every block or so. They were most charming, but why are they there? I can find no explanation for this.
Not pictured: Me walking home from Powell's with bags of books (and every one of them worth it). Me listening to a "reading" by Mark Helprin, wishing he would talk about his book rather than just tell funny stories about himself. And finally, me (and E.) getting on the Amtrak to Seattle, for a surprisingly clean and easy journey. Stay tuned for part 2.
Posted at August 20, 2005 03:52 PM