Just got back from a fun 3-day trip to Portland. I didn't really do too much of the tourist thing because I was primarily there to spend time with my friend Inese and her baby, but I still managed to enjoy quite a bit of the city.
Of course I was most thrilled about the food scene there. Amazing restaurants and impressive produce at the Farmers' Market. And lucky for me it was the peak of the berry season--my favorite! There is such a great variety of berries--very high quality and also so inexpensive compared to what we pay for them in the Bay Area. I was gorging on them at every meal!
I also had the chance to spend a morning at Powell's Books and had a hard time tearing myself away. I could have spent all day (all weekend!) in there. Room after room of amazing books. Just an overwhelming selection and in such a satisfying literary environment. All the things I didn't even know I was dying to read! I know it's a cliche to rant about how corporate chains pale in comparison to independent retailers but this is such a screaming example of that it's hard not to note.
The other thing I really appreciated about Portland was the very apparent DIY ethos that permeates the culture. In stores and results and in local press you really get a strong sense of a youthful and vibrant community that takes a hands-on, personal approach to life. I really appreciate that independent, can-do spirit a lot. One of the craft blogs I read, Angry Chicken, is based in Portland and is a perfect example of what I'm talking about.
Can't wait to go back!
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