HOW THE (NORTH) WEST WAS WON (BY ME)

It's all about the amazing time that I'm having...

I arrived last saturday early afternoon via AMTRAK train from the Seattle airport. The Union Street station is located next to the Pearl District which is very close to the area where I stayed (The North West). Gentle breezes off the Willamette River make this location a delightful outdoor and urban experience.

Right after a deserved and necessary meal I decided to visit the famous Powell's Bookstore where I got lost several times before I get to the music and arts section.

Later that night I was ready for some dancing and after a couple drinks in different gay bars located on Stark street, I found a different kind of club that caught my attention because of the long line to get in. The Escape is the name and while in the line I asked a cute lesbian couple about the music that the DJ play. They said techno and I said party time!!

To my surprise, the techno music that these girls mentioned was my own New Wave Music of the 80's (Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran,etc) Silly young girls!!

This is the part of the story that I called "PERVERT WHO?"


Minutes after I paid the 11 dollars cover, the bar girl laughed at me when I asked her for a beer. It's an underage club, we don't sell alcohol man! she screamed.

The DJ played Softcell's Tainted Love and right before I decided to take a picture of these cool and young crowd dancing to this oldie but goodie, a very flamboyant guy asked me to put my camera away. Why? I asked. Shut up you pervert, he/she replied.


Can you believe that? They thought I was a dirty old man trying to get some pictures for my "personal files"

I couldn't resist to capture this fun time with my camera and right after I took this picture, I had my A flock of seagulls moment when I ran so far away and YES... I could get away.


I also laughed and laughed at that ridiculous situation, drank and drank wheat bears and at the end of the night, I forgot my way to the hotel!!!


Almost half hour later, I made it to my cozy lodging house with a victorious YES!!!
(Please notice the drunk face with the cigarrette in hand... Pathetic!!)



Sunday morning hangover disappeared with the walk to the Sunday Market, a cup of coffee at the Stumptown Coffehouse and a vegan donut from Voodoo Donuts.





I kept myself fresh and hydrated with the million water fountains that I found all over the city.
The remarkable history behind the Bubblers rings like a typical Wild West tale of the late nineteenth century.

Early Portland legend and lumber baron, Simon Benson— nondrinker himself—realized that local bars were slaking the thirsts of his company employees. Eager to provide an alternative refreshment, he originally paid for the installation of 20 fountains. Soon thereafter, Benson proudly noted that saloon sales dropped nearly 40%. Still, the Bubblers have remained famous and popular in the city of roses and on hot summer afternoons they are especially appreciated by all.

Later that afternoon I enjoyed the Gastronomic Italian Festival held in what is consider the heart of the city, The Pioneer Courthouse Square.





While walking downtown I experienced the homeless youth on the streets, a fact that Panda Bear Mark shared with me days before my trip to this side of the North West Coast. Sad but true, Mr. Roequin mentioned that Portland is the #1 city rated with the biggest population of young homeless.

Late sunday afternoon and after an intensive tour to the different neighbours in the city...



...I walked by 3 of the 5 bridges over the Willamette River...

...and while admiring the colossus Freemont Bridge, I saw cloudy skies that turned into my first rainy day in Portland.

The wet and breezy sunday night found me chilling in my rented crib and charging batteries for monday of nature.

My first stop was the beautiful Washington Park where I had a panoramic view to the city. Searching for the roses an angel showed me the way to the Japanese Garden, a very peaceful and beautiful place to stop and admire this colourful flora.

This is how I smell the roses... Pretty sweet huh?

I finished my last day in Portland admiring the sun setting from the park and drinking some Pinot Noir. Good times amigos, good times...

I took the train back to Seattle early tuesday afternoon. Already located in the Capitol Hill area, I prepared myself for a night of great british rock. Oasis concert was great but it sucked that the Gallagher brothers's band didn't include the anthem LIVE FOREVER in their set. Well, at least they played the awesome classic CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA, What else could I ask?

On that rainy tuesday night I took a quick peek of the Public Market Center area and while trying to catch the 14 bus to my friend's house in Capitol Hill I felt on the floor and woke up wednesday morning with a sprained ankle.

Let's see if I find some relieve with a couple ibuprofen on this cloudy and gray wednesday afternoon.

Until then amigos, greetings from this side of the map...