Sullivan in Portland

On his way back to Nashville from a road trip to Alaska.
Portland pulled out all the stops for his visit: it rained for the first time in weeks today, people were filming something on the unusually packed streetcar, there seemed to be more bikes out than usual, and we talked to these people on the sidewalk who got caught in the rain and they were just as pleasant as could be about it.

Morning Fog

Friendly... but not

This pedestrian overpass near my apartment is safe and convenient, but the razor wire maybe wasn't the friendliest decision Portland has ever made.

It snowed even more overnight

Today was supposed to be my last day of work, but since cars and buses like these keep getting stuck...



I really didn't think I was going to be able to drive my car (if I could even get it dug out from under a foot of snow). So I called in to see if the store was even open. My (now former!) manager, ever the inconsiderate jerk, started spouting off orders:
"The district manager says everyone has to have chains on their tires or use public transit to get to work; weather is not an excuse. So you'll need to get some chains before the next time you work."
"Um... you said today was going to be my last day."
"Oh."

Snowed In

My car and apartment buried.

They don't salt the roads here.

Looking down from the pedestrian bridge near my house.

Evidence of iced-over entertainment on the parking lot across from my house.

Still Cold and Snowy

I haven't seen alot of salt on the roads, but I have seen lots of cars sliding around.

Thirsty Pigeons

I'm always looking for ways to pass the time during my 3-hour break on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Anne called and ranted about her black racist classmate for an hour.

Goal Accomplished

Portland Metro's goal statement is that everyone should be able to see Mt. Hood and be able to walk to a library. Here's the view down my street when the weather is clear.

Closed?!?!

If a restaurant named "Veganopolis" can't make it in Portland, then the terrorists have already won.

Biking through downtown

I was riding my bike through downtown during rush hour on a street with streetcar tracks. There were lots of cars and I was worried about getting my tire caught in the tracks or a streetcar coming so I got off and walked.

Then this girl zipped by riding right down the center of the tracks. I figured she knew what she was doing and that I'd be safe if I followed her.

But then when she stopped at the next red light, she fell off her bike.

Protesting Nothing

Carrying blank signs for a mile in a reenactment of a 1968 public performance to kick off the Time-Based Arts Festival.

Free Apples

I wish I could take a picture of what the air feels like in Portland

It pretty much always feels like fall.

It's Raining in Portland

surprise, surprise.

House Hunting

There are tons of houses available on craigslist, but I'm having a hard time getting anyone to write me back. I've sent out 25 emails and only heard back from 5 people. All the houses here are super cute, but I'm looking for one with roommates and I haven't found anyone I'm interested in living with yet.

Bike Lane

Being able to ride my bike around a city again is as exciting as being 16 and driving a car on my own for the first time.

Last day of the 2008 Portland trip

Portland has so many independent record stores that somebody made a guide to them.


Nerd bookstore.


I do not understand why my friends thought it was funny to pose me with this book.


Junk store cats.


Portland essentials checklist: dude with hipster beard (check), bikes (check), coffee shop (check), another coffee shop within three blocks (definitely)


This was not a fancy vegetarian restaurant, just a normal looking Mexican place. But even they have amazing vegetarian options!


You can park your bike in specially made parking spaces on the street. I'm not sure if this is an awesome civic policy, or a really good way for your bike to get hit by a car.


Alatto


Gel


latto

A Day Trip From Portland

Matt has a zipcar membership so we went on a day trip along the Columbia River Gorge.


Portland is very dense, so it does not take long to get to the country - and by country I mean mountains.


We went to Multnomah Falls, which is the second highest waterfall in the U.S. and also looks like a trickle from the road.


It's much more impressive up close.


Obviously tourists.


You may have seen the Columbia River before, if you could survive without succumbing to dysentery:





We drove back on the Washington side of the river, which is Skamania county. We did not see a single person pick it up.


The Kennedy School used to be an elementary school but it has been renovated into a hotel, bar, restaurant, movie theater, and probably other things.


Voodoo Doughnut is open 24 hours!

So much to see (and eat!) in Portland!

Veganopolis


Gina got a quinoa burger. I don't even know what that is, but it looks awesome.


I forget what Matt got, but it also looks amazing.


Last year almost every picture I took was of Matt or Dan taking a picture of something. I took this one for old times' sake.


Then we happened upon a dance party in the middle of town.


Some people were dancing in burlap sacks (?!????!)


Kendall and I got quick Lindy-hop lessons from these people but we couldn't do it.


In the '70s Portland tore down a highway and replaced it with this waterfront park. If you look closely you can see tons of transportation options in this picture: car, bus, boat, bike, foot, and stroller.


It's amazing how many people walk across the bridges in Portland.


You know which way the bikes are coming from so you don't get hit! Portland looks out for its pedestrians.


Portland's skyline from a bus stop on a bridge.


You can call to find out when your bus will arrive... and it works!


Just like the Bob Dylan song.


Just like a dude in a hat.


Hipster junk store.


Reflecting on cupcakes.


Matt had ten maps in every pocket.


Gina, our local guide, who guided us to this fancy but cheap late-night bar/restaurant called Montage.


Tomato basil pesto mac & cheese. I wish I had some right now.


When you take your leftovers home, they wrap them up in aluminum foil in crazy shapes. Like a squirrel.


Or a sword.


Or a dude hanging by the neck from a tree.


Late night Connect Four in the hostel.