Real Portlandia.

Day 1: After a day and a half of traveling, (delayed flights and not sleeping) I had finally made it to Portland, Oregon.

Local time 10.32 AM

It was early, and I was SO ready to explore the city known for many different things.

First my friend Zack drove me around the city. This revealed it’s finest features from perspectives I couldn’t get to by foot. it was only necessary to view the city first by car.

We arrived at his house, and got ready to go to lunch (Bollywood Theatre), then hiking.

Post Indian food lunch, we became distracted by a vintage clothing store, (Artifact). Here I found a jacket that captures the essence of Portland, (light green with a cool beach-like lining).

Then we walked to Laurelhurst Park and watched doggos.

No hiking today, saving it for tomorrow I was beat tired, y’all.

Day 2: On the way to going hiking Zack played the record Country Mile by Johnny Flynn. I’m gonna say this. There is nothing more picturesque, than listening to this record on a drive through the mountains. Winding back country roads, and gorgeous mountain and river views: y’all I was in heaven. When I listen to this record now, I can still see the scenery in my head. It was magical.

We went hiking at Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and soaked in the beauty] that is the outdoors. This is my favorite hiking experience I’ve ever had so far. Climbed to the second tier of a waterfall, which NO photo can do it justice, (but of course I took photos).

Went to another waterfall close by, and got some amazing shots. Even watched a pro working taking photos of the falls.

Left and attempted to go to the overview, yet it was closed so we went to a very late lunch instead.

We went to a sandwich place (East Side Delicatessen) on Hawthorn. I had the Sweet Hot Mess and my oh my, was it delicious.

Post lunch, I wandered into another vintage store, (Village Merchants). I purchased a thumb ring and an awesome leather jacket. Yes I bought another jacket (I was cold and I like leather jackets).

Post vintage store went to Stumptown (amazing coffee). I sat in the outdoor section, continued reading my book, and people/dog watched. Still waiting for it to hit me that I was in Portland.

Walked around the neighborhood, it’s pretty.

Day 3: My first rainy day in Portland, and by rain I mean mist. Mostly on my own, I started the day attempting to plan out what I was gonna do. Ended up doing what Portlandians do, BRUNCH. I went to Trinket, had the most incredible poached duck eggs Benedict I’ve ever had, (never had duck egg but now, I’m in love).

Walked towards the double-decker coffee & tea place that is TOV. The Sahlep is a traditional Turkish style drink that is topped with pistachios. It’s something everyone needs in their life, (just sayin).

Rain started clearing, so I continued the trek down Hawthorn to the street car.

Took a brief detour, where I went to a Vacuum Museum, which is a wall. Yes. A wall. You’re welcome.

Street car adventures into the city began with taking the B line to the NS. Taking me to NW 22nd where I would then walk to the Peculiarium. Where when you first enter the museum you’re greeted by Krampus, which is awesome. Naturally, I had to have my photo with the guy. Extremely interactive museum, a hidden gem of Portland, pho sho.

Post I walked back to the NW 22nd, left at 11th and Johnson and returned to the A loop that would take me back towards ‘home.’

Got ‘home,’ chilled for a little bit with Haley and John. Later went to Horse Brass and played darts with Zack and Anna.

Day 4: Zack and I went to the farmers market, the real one not the tourist one. Saw beautiful flower arrangements that were arranged right in front of you.

Ate at a Chinese place where I had a rice ball, so good. (Picture is posted somewhere in Photos)

Zack and I realized that “the mud of Portland is just a bunch of wet leaves.”

Got coffee, then walked around 4th street. We discovered a building covered in foliage alongside the side of the building. It looked like the jungle was released on the corner of this building.

We continued walking and decided we needed to see the one, the only, Portlandia.

Well, he was under construction so we saw a finger and some historic photos posted on the wall were the site was. Still pretty cool.

Zack then dropped me off at the most amazing place on this green earth, Powell’s City of Books. This place, is a dream come to life my fellow lovers of literary goodness.

I spent three hours there. I may have had an armful of books and had to put the majority back, but I still scored.

Post Powell’s I peeked into to the ACE Hotel where Zack ordained a wedding, cool stuff.

Then I walked to Voodoo. Stood in line with a bunch of tourists. Spent three dollars on the voodoo doll, and felt like I ate something out of Willy Wonka’s factory, so sugary. I give it a three out of ten.

Saw the Keep Portland Weird wall: I approve.

Walked to Chinatown: it was eh.

Walked on the riverfront, it was pretty.

Accidentally took the train and not the streetcar. So I ended up walking from 98th ave to 44th ave, (hah, it was a loooooooong walk).

But it’s cool, cause:

I detoured to Mt. Hood Park where there were TONS of dogs. The trail, paved with wood-chips, was alongside the mountain with drop-dead-gorgeous views.

Came ‘home,’ and then laid down I was so tired.

Haley made me tea. She’s great.

Then I met up with Haley and John to play pool.

Day 5: Woke up. Went to work (no bees no honey, no work no money).

Had brunch with Haley and John.

And let me just say: Hanging out with these two, is like experiencing Christmas morning. It’s comfortable, it’s exciting, you feel the love, and you’re in that happy state of “it’s a great day.” Love y’all!

Haley let me ride with her where it was close for me to walk to the orange line.

Got on the Max, was like 15 minutes late to meet up with Steve at Case Study, (which is AMAZING by the by).

Had an incredible interview, (super charismatic guy).

Took the train home.

Had a nice little walk.

Came back, hung out with Haley who told me ghost stories about the house. Then I had her help me move my stuff back downstairs where the peoples and cats were.

Day 7: Went to Lloyd Center just to get PDX Carpet socks for Zac, (you’re welcome).

Then Zack and I walked around to a few different vintage places to find a jacket for him to wear to the wedding.

Next time I visit I’m doing ALL my thrift shopping here.

Saw Zack’s work, bought Tim’s chips (my new spud obsession). Had a slice of square pizza from Scottie’s, (man that was good).

Came back to the house and attempted to record me singing for the Lutheran church, (long story).

Got ready for Greg’s show.

-THE SHOW- Was sooooooo good.

“Varney and I were talkin earlier about fu$&!n up with the symphony. And here I did it five times already.” – Greg

“Just enough times to make it awkward” – Greg (singing a “Let’s Put All These Words Away” over and over)

Met up with Steve post concert and the first thing he said was “I see you!”

Talked about how great of a show it was and thanks for comin and how we will be in touch and all that business talk.

Day 8: Went to Pittlock Mansion and saw the overview the West Side of Portland.

Went to brunch at Screen Door, ate praline bacon waffle (dude it was amazing. dude).

Went to a bagel coffee shop across the street from Zack’s work and did pt. 1 of the interview (posting of that to come ;).

Ate a Blue Star doughnut (which trumped Voodoo by a thousand), then walked to and hiked Mt. Tabor.

Day 9: Interview with Zack pt. 2, with Turkish tea at TOV then PDX.

And that ladies and gents, is my real Portlandia adventure.