I was in Portland, Oregon for a few days recently and although I didn’t send any postcards, I did notice a postcard flyer for the Booklover’s Burlesque Festival (I would have gone to that, if I had been there when it was on, but no such luck, drat). So, on the theme of postcards, if I were to send a few from my time in Portland, this is what they would be:
Neighbourhood — My favourite was the Alberta Arts District. It has an interesting history and a vibrant community, with independently-owned businesses, micro-breweries, cafés and restaurants, galleries, food cart pods and a weekly street fair in June, July and August.
The one tourist thing I did (and am glad I did it) — I spent an afternoon in the Portland Japanese Garden. Opened in 1967 and situated within Washington Park, according to the “about” page on their website, the garden has been described by a former Ambassador of Japan to the U.S. as “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan.”
Things I’d forgotten about the west coast — Yes, it can be rainy (that part, I couldn’t possibly forget, after having lived in Vancouver, BC for almost 20 years). But what I had forgotten is that surprisingly often, in the late afternoon, the sun comes out as it lowers in the sky, making for afternoons and evenings that are bright, warm and glistening from the rain earlier in the day, with the sidewalks and patios and parks buzzing with the activity of the locals.
I’ll leave it there and leave you with a link to “teaser #1” from the Booklover’s Burlesque Festival 😊
a few words ... from Montréal 