| Page Views: 585 Last Visit to Portland: September, 2004 | Port-LAND by ccvisit - last update: Nov 28, 2004 |
First impression of Portland as we drove from the airport: slow drivers. Slow in relation to California drivers who take the concept of the fast lane very seriously. There, 80 mph is not fast enough. But the driving experience was a bit more leisurely, and they have good reason for it. It's very scenic, even going past industrial buildings and passing through a no holds bar steel bridge.
You got trees on both sides, then popping through the gaps on those trees, you can get a glimpse of the snow-capped Mt. Hood. So, I can understand why drivers are less rushed.
Also, the air is fresher. There's a sense that locals mold their habitats in line with what's good for the environment and not the other way around, but don't get me wrong, it's not a utopia. Dowtown Portland, although VERY clean, has it's share of people surviving out on the streets. Strangely enough, the folks that I saw all had dogs. And watching them, you get a sense of the loyalty human and animal have forged out on the streets--oh crap.
Whoaaa, where did that come from? Sorry about that. Sometimes the melo-dramatic romantic gets a hold of me.
Where was I? Oh yeah, I just better end with this: Portland is a nice place to visit. |
But Portland for me also means visiting with my dear old friends Brian and Melanie who very patiently drove us everywhere, from the Columbia Scenic Highway (and stopping at all the waterfalls) to the wineries and to the Outlet Malls. Another proof that it's all about the people... |
And of course let's not forget about the wine. Portland is surrounded by wineries that produce award-winning wines and provide visitors with charming estate grounds to relax in and pretend for a moment that the patio you're sitting at is your own and the big house behind you is just a little summer home. |
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| Pros: | "Fresh air, NO SALES TAX, full-service gasoline" | | Cons: | "A lot of stores close early evening" |
ccvisit's Portland Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 5 - Photos: 5 | | | Restaurants
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2 | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 Comments for ccvisit about Portland | | | | |
ronaldbarr Fri Apr 15, 2005 06:14 UTC
Great work here CB. Your tips have been easy to read, informative, nicely personalised and a peach to rate. I will explore more of your stuff soon. Greetings to you from Ireland. ronaldbarr | ZanieOR Sun Apr 3, 2005 17:43 UTC
Very good Portland page! I didn't even know that section of Portland was called Nob Hill and I visit there all the time. | pamstravels Thu Feb 3, 2005 16:18 UTC
I can relate to the slow drivers! I am from ATL and the speed limit is a suggestion for the MINIMUM speed. While in Hawaii I had to remind myself that I was on vacation and this was no place for road rage. Your pages are insiteful and thought provoking. | Ann75 Tue Nov 30, 2004 18:41 UTC
Hi Cheryl, great page about Portland. I hope to visit there in the near future...it looks like a wonderful place, especially those waterfalls! Nice tips and great pictures! Take care and Happy Travels. |
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