[TRAVEL] Portland, OR Day 1

[TRAVEL]
Pioneer Courthouse Square, Japanese Tea Gardens

After a scrumptios lunch from Broder Cafe, our bellies full ,we  drove over to Pioneer Courthouse Square/Portlands Living Room. 

Portland's "living room" is a great spot for people watching. A few folks were happy to pose for my cam :) Folks having their lunch,a just married photo shoot session...everything was happening here. The semi-circle of around 2 dozen steps, the open mouthed copper dragon - accurate in its stormy and rainy weather prediction -, the outdoor chess tables and Portland's iconic "Umbrella Man" or "Allow Me" -  we were fascinated by this little city. Most people just call him “Umbrella Man” because it’s the statue of a man hailing a taxi (apparently for an out-of-town visitor) while holding an umbrella.

He seems to be a local icon - one that captures the "everyday civic virtue" aspect of Portland's self-image. Everyone seems  to like him - a regular guy in a suit, seeing someone in need and trying to be helpful. I guess that's what it's about. The central location probably helps too.

Portland's Japanese Tea Garden - located in Washington Park - is the perfect epitome of harmony and tranquility. Every inch of this garden is beautifully landscaped. I felt the entrance fee was a bit expensive.

But I've also heard it is the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan itself! The entrance fee then does justice! If you have lots of time  - then you have to visit this place

[EAT][TRAVEL] Portland, OR Day 1

[EAT]

We started our first day in rainy Portland - the bike city. A lovely drizzle greeted us as soon as we stepped out of PDX. Ravenous and famished after missing our early morning flight - first stop was Broder - a Swedish restaurant for breakfast.

The weather was getting really beautiful after the early morning drizzle. The drive from PDX to the cafe was lovely - lush greenery all around. The place was packed - but the wait was worth it.I had read a lot about Broder and its yuminess ( I rate their food very high, possibly one of my fav eateries so far in the US)

Their Danish pancakes, baked eggs, Swedish Meatballs and Vegeterian Pyatt  were absolutely yummy. Great atmosphere, nice and warm on a cold rainy day.

Broder
2508 Southeast Clinton Street
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 736-3333

[TRAVEL]

Our bellies full, we explored the vicinity. I love Portland - for its bicycles and its "bike boulevards".

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the Pioneer Courthouse Square...more fotos in the upcoming blog.