In Boise, one is either a Seattle or Portland person, and I had figured myself the former. I've been to Seattle many many times, and have become accustomed to the hustle and bustle of its streets, its neighborhoods, its scary parts, and its shopping. I am both comfortable and bored with Seattle. It's a great city, but almost too big and a little on the sterile (though not clean) side.
Portland, oh Portland. I had taken you for an upgraded Boise. The last time I was there, you were dingy, slightly smelly, and full of wannabe grungers in flannel and Chucks, all ready to rock, though lacking any talent. The grungers were Portland herself, and I couldn't wait to never come back.
Through the miracle of a little-known Boston Band coming out West, I was forced into the open arms of Portland once again. I was looking forward to seeing her friendlier inhabitants once again, but my intentions were virginal, and the city nonwithstanding, my thoughts were only of her dirty past.
Portland, I must say that I'm smitten. Though you totally tried to blow us over the Hawthorne bridge on Friday, and freeze us on Saturday, we persevered, and Sunday you were as sweet as warm pecan pie. You are clean, Portland! Even in your outlying boroughs, you were scrubbed, nary a gum wrapper soiled your gutters. Your inhabitants have changed - from the grungers of yesterday to the oh so cooler-than-thou hipsters, you are filled with college students who now shower and dress in gold lamé, which, as everyone knows, is totally for the irony of gold lamé.
Your parks and bookstores are gigantic, filled with everything a girl could want - my legs and arms are sore from the scenic hike and stack of hardbacks purchased at incredible rates. And for geeking? Powell's Technical bookstore made my head dizzy with knowledge and want.
And the little touches - Mississippi Studios, The Basement bar, The Jolly Roger, Ladd's, and the Horse place (Horse Brass? Horseshoe? Horsehead?) all let us imbibe to the fullest extent... with possibly (probably. definitely.) too many adult beverages.
Thank you, Portland, for being so good to us. The stories of the JBE show, the buyfest, and the nights out are forthcoming, as are photos (expected load: tonight). I have to say that my NW city of preference has changed. And it's all for the better.
the problem is that oregon is ruled by nazis, albeit from the more liberal perspective. portland is the best NW city in the US, but vancouver BC is surely the best NW city hands down.
Posted by: zach at February 21, 2006 12:53 PM