Portland- Night #1

Yesterday Justin and I walked the streets of Portland. As opposed to the strong and immediate negative reaction that I had to San Francisco, within minutes of arriving in Portland I felt tingles of goodness. It was exactly what I was hoping for: a big city that feels like a small town. 

Justin and I stopped at a great bar called Roadside Attractions and caught up a bit. The last time we had a lengthy conversation was three years earlier, during a time in which we were both abhorrently depressed. Adversely, our latest conversation was full of laughs and the exchange of funny stories. After the bar we walked a bit more and met up with a friend of his names Luke, and ate some Thai food. Luke has the most incredible handle bar mustache I have ever seen. I am equally fascinated, impressed and horrified by it. 

Justin had to record shortly after eating, so Luke offered me a motorcycle tour of the city and a visit to the world famous rose gardens (how could I refuse?) We unfortunately arrived a little late in the day/ year to see the roses at the height of their brilliance- but I ended up getting a few really wonderful/ frightening flower shots with my awful flash.

a view of downtown from the gardens

another view of downtown 

After we left the gardens, Luke took me on an extended tour across three bridges so I could get a good look at all of the downtown lights. It was indescribably beautiful. 

I like this place. I like this place a lot.