Probably the single biggest reason that we like Portland over our hometown in Minnesota so much, is the neighborhoods. Sidewalks, unique homes, tons of flowers, one-off restaurants, antique vehicles, cars that stop and wait for you to arrive at crosswalks, parks all over the place, towering trees, local pubs, and the list goes on. North-East Portland, where my mom lives, is five minutes from the center of downtown yet feels like a small-town neighborhood. It’s always a great place to unwind after a year in Mexico.
Today we went down to the Hollywood Saturday Market where we were able to replenish the kids supply of fruit (they eat pounds of berries a day—like bear cubs) as well as score two of Ouest’s favorite things in the world—pork tamales and a cold glass of horchata. We’re finding as much authentic Mexican food and drink here as we do back home.
We usually pick out Ouest’s main outfit for the day, but the accoutrements are all hers and are largely pulled out of the dress-up bin. Lately she’s been wearing an apron over her clothes, as well as a tiara and even these dangly clip-on earrings. And she doesn’t go anywhere any more without that pink purse full of treasures. She spends all day “keeping her eyes peeled” for treasure, and it’s surprising how often she finds coins on the ground.
8 Comments on “Portland Life”
A Ford Thames van all the way from England!
Yes indeed. Pretty sweet looking ride. Too bad it looks like it’s been sitting there for quite some time. That thing needs some love.
Portland is a great place to unwind after a year in Mexicio?!?! I just, I dunno, I need to go to Portland I guess.
When all you have to do is lounge around Grammy’s house, Portland time is unwinding time. 🙂
I grew up on 37th and Tillamook Street. It was great, despite almost every family on the street being on food stamps at one time or another. Today, Saabs and BMWs have replaced old pickups and VW bugs, but the character remains!
Wow Pat .. a Thames 800 Van. There is your next adventure, restore it and use it to get back to Mexico. I had one and they were neat vans, especially once you pulled the tired old 4 cylinder out and put in a 202ci 6 cylinder … man then they went like the clappers.
Regds
Muzza in N.Z.
Yeah, I really like the looks of that van. I wouldn’t touch the paint either, that thing is beautiful. Take that thing on a long trip home to England. 🙂
Pat & Ali
My brother who is an avid reader and donater turned me on to this adventure blog, and I read it daily….Hooked.
We have a trip planned starting Sept. 12 sailing out of La Paz and going north to fish and enjoy the sea of cortez. Any chance you might be in the area at that time?