Portland Oregon, 10-2025
Portland Oregon is cool and not just because they try to bait officers with bagels.
Maria and I went because my son and daughter who had gone to Portland recently reported that it was a nice place. That said...
We took Amtrak's Coast Starlight there and back using one of their roomettes. A lot of conversations with other passengers over meals. We stayed at the very nice Canopy Hotel (part of the Amtrak Vacation Package that Amtrak whipped up for us). Maria and I took a river cruise under all the bridges, visited old town, and the Pearl District. We were 2 miles from the ICE facility and there was no activity. Saw an officer by himself who may have just been taking in the sights.
Old Town reminded me of downtown San Diego several years back. The China Town part had a lot of markers but looked like it had seen better days...appeared to be going through some renovation. The riverfront near the train station seemed relatively undeveloped as well. There is a fenced in block where the people can get services as well as a large indoor facility. Walked around both and had no troubles, was glad to see that Portland was doing something for their homeless. The Pearl District made me think about moving. Studio's and Art Galleries everywhere. Powell Books takes up a block and is 3 stories tall. Used and New books... they have it all, even the 'banned books.'
I had a good time, ate well, bought some books, and saw stuff. We almost canceled the trip when President Trump (aka liar, felon, and spiteful bully) called it a war zone.
