Impressions of a City Well Done

I arrived in Portland, Oregon yesterday evening, pleasantly surprised by the lack of nagging security that supposedly has been instituted recently. Got a taxi to the Rose Quarter, the area of the city across the river from the center of the city, but home to the Blazers, NBA's troubled franchise--the Rose Garden and the beautiful Oregon Convention Center. Although I am staying in a hotel that will go unnamed that shakes whenever a truck drives by or someone slams a car door or blows their nose, the overall experience is pleasant. (I'm hoping Mt. St. Helens behaves itself.)

After work today, I quickly jotted down the addresses of several local snowboard shops and set off. (I'm currently in the market for snowboard gear due to the cheap summer prices and lack of buying options in the midwest.) I got the lowdown on what I need from a helpful local, Gavin. The lack of sales tax on anything bought in Oregon is a nice incentive as well. I continued to walk and enjoyed viewing the urban environment of central Portland. More people I've seen out riding bikes since I was in Beijing; Many one-way streets that may make driving a challenge, but makes crossing a cinch, look one way and cross; A general superb urban mix--residential areas mixed with retail spaces and offices; A Kumamoto-like streetcar system that is a cinch to catch and even has hooks to hang your bike (not to mention it is free in the downtown area); A multitude of bridges over the Williamette River that divides the city, connecting the two vital areas of the city, all with wide sidewalks and gorgeous views of the river and skyline; The newness of most of the structures and general cleanliness.

After about 24 hours here, I haven't seen too much of the city. I have enjoyed the 75-80 degree temperatures after a blistering summer in the Lou. It's a pleasure to walk around Portland and take in the sights. First impressions of a place may not be accurate over the long haul, but this place ain't so bad at all...