Babe in the Woods : Day 1

First, know that I'm writing this on my phone. Somehow, my computer didn't arrive with me in Portland. We suspect it's at home. But even if I were writing this on a computer, I probably wouldn't be able to figure out how to format the text so that, for example, it's aligned left and not centred. Also, Chrome for Android is curiously turd-like. The wonders abound.

The first Portlandy thing I noticed was a sign near the airport baggage carousel telling us where the bicycle assembly station is. We followed it. It is an immovable repair stand with tools on retractable cables and an immovable hand pump. This station is presumably for travellers who brought a bicycle, dissembled to save cargo space.

We went to Target for mundane necessities. First thing, there's a big mural that says "Hi Portland". Perched on the "i" is the silhouette of a bird. Yes, the designer put a bird on it. See here for more on this hilarious topic: https://youtu.be/iHmLljk2t8M

Here's a display that needs no explanation, but that I'll explain anyway. It features locally brewed craft (that is, not corporate garbage) beer. In a department store. Further multiplying the awesome, this display is flanked on both sides by displays featuring gay pride rainbow merchandise and the campaign's slogan/tag/hashnonsense "#takepride". So so so great.

It was raining. We ate outside anyway, under a rain shelter thing that extended from the roof. Three passersby spoke to us. The waiter seemed to like us. We commented on how most Portlanders don't carry umbrellas. He said he doesn't. The rain doesn't bother him. He's from here. I replied with "We're from Canada!" Later, Lisa pointed out that it was obvious that it was obvious to him that we're not local. Still, gotta represent!

#keepcanadagroovy,hepcats

This pillow on our hotel bed is illustrated with four cyclists side by side. I <3 u 2, Portland.

I told the front desk folks it's my birthday and offered them the opportunity to upgrade us. They declined my offer, but later gave us a bottle of sparkling white wine and a lovely generic card.

Found on a shelf curiously lacking Daniel peanuts or Rebecca licorice allsorts.

I'm losing circulation in my hand, so I have to cut this short. #newly40andfallingapartcommensurately

(We went to an incredibly large bookstore and spent an embarrassing amount of money. I got a signed Palahniuk first edition I haven't read. Then we went to a restaurant cineplex where you can eat your meal and alcoholic beverage in the theatre as you watch the movie. We watched a quirky indie film and enjoyed it immensely. See below.)

The corridor to the movie auditoriums (auditoria?).

The Marquee.

Powell's is an enormous bookstore. It has a marquee , presumably for readings and signings. This the entrance.

Here is the main 3-storey body of Powell's .

The Docs store across from Powell's . Note the giant boot.

Note the giant boot prints.

Funny book titles and contents.

Really? "Plank Fitness" and "Everyone try yoga" are on clearance? Quelle surprise.

Menu at the cinema

Inside our auditorium. Wide rows,wide seats, wide arm rests, dual drink holders, seats that don't flip up,tables...

Books we bought . K

"Portland has a shitload of bikes."

"Portland has a shitload of beer."

"Portland has a shitload beards."

A book of essays about "Fight Club". The film or the book, you ask? Both, because they did it right: neither one is better or more important than the other.