Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Well I don't know about Ms. J...
Argentina is fast becoming the lead runner for me, why? Well other than the possibility of custom tango shoes for $50 (apparently a must have tourist purchase) to the cavalier suggestion on Wiki-Travel that I consider the new vogue for tourists - cosmetic procedures (lipo here I come - I jest, just a tummy tuck for me). Really it's actually this:
That folks is one fabulous bookstore - oh be still my palpitating heart.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Argentina? or Savannah
As I have mentioned finances might limit our flying as such I was thinking about the Southern East US - like Savannah, GA - I don't know how much that will appeal to Ms. J so we'll keep you posted - is there anywhere in the US (other than NYC) that we have to go to?
Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27503905@N08/3286949222/
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
On the Road Again... or the water
Ms J and I and our PU's (Parental Units) will be exploring this fine area we live in this weekend. So stay tuned for our run down on the joys of ferry travel, July heat wave, boats, hippies, crazy family shenanigans and such like.
As stay tuned as Ms. J and start to formalize our Spring travel plans. Now you might think I'm too Type A and maybe I am, but see here is the deal, I'm applying for graduate school starting in May. If I am going to be going anywhere this upcoming year it needs to come from the SnP travel fund. This travel fund we speak of has a current balance of $8. Crazy! I know. So then, as such I've started thinking about other destinations, shorter trip, cost savings etc. I also know that if I have a price tag in mind that I can definitely save better than I did for the NYC trip which we more or less did on the spur of the moment.
So look forward to the planning!
As stay tuned as Ms. J and start to formalize our Spring travel plans. Now you might think I'm too Type A and maybe I am, but see here is the deal, I'm applying for graduate school starting in May. If I am going to be going anywhere this upcoming year it needs to come from the SnP travel fund. This travel fund we speak of has a current balance of $8. Crazy! I know. So then, as such I've started thinking about other destinations, shorter trip, cost savings etc. I also know that if I have a price tag in mind that I can definitely save better than I did for the NYC trip which we more or less did on the spur of the moment.
So look forward to the planning!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
You Might Ask
Is there more to Portland than just books? Well yes and no. There is amazing food to eat while reading books. Portland is I believe what you want it to be - it can be a stop off place of outlet shopping further south - there is some boutique shopping as a well as the major department stores downtown. It can be a place for outdoor activities - Nike/US Olympic team are in the Portland area in addition to several marathons etc.
The city is easy to access on foot and by tram, it is small with minimal in the way of hills, this is no Seattle that is for sure.
Though I would like to bring attention to what we really like best - FOOD!
On Sunday when we couldn't find any other breakfast place that was open or spacious enough to sit ourselves down for a few hours to avoid the sportactic deluges, we found Prasad. I believe every traveler should have one meal that is as Nigella Lawson calls it "temple food" something clean, whole and almost all just vegetables. Ms. J and I tried their Gaucho Wrap (Ms J) and Dragon bowl (kale, sprouts, avocado, black eye peas, quinoa and peanut sauce) for lunch. They have a large selection of smoothies, juices, sweets and coffee. We shared coffee (served in a press), cowgirl cookies and two smoothies. I have to say the part I loved the most was being able to see the kitchen. You were able to see them prepare the food from scratch, see the dried beans and the spices. I think this kind of kitchen should really be cherished. For those looking to get some asana time in - the kitchen shares its space with a really nice yoga studio.
PS If you stop in you might just see Serena Ryder...
Prasad - 925 NW Davis, Portland OR 97209 : within Yoga Pearl rate:5/5
Gluten, Dairy and Soy Free and Vegan friendly restaurant - just ask the staff as to what is soy free - as the gaucho wrap for example had tempeh in addition to being wrapped in a flour tortilla. I will give the staff credit that she warned me that the wrap was not GF, in addition to it being labelled as having Gluten and the menu stated the same...
PS. Did we mention it often poured in Portland - this is Ms. J's attempt to stress how often the sky opened for substantial chunks of time
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Booklovers@Powell's.com
We spent an impressively short four hours in the World-famous Powell's Bookstore on Saturday, and left only because we were both tired, a bit overwhelmed, and hungry. The weather has been crazy - going from warm spring sun to torrential downpour in the blink of an eye - and though we were glad to stay inside a cozy bookstore during the downpours, I began to get a bit impatient to get outside once the sun came out.
Of course, it began to pour only a few minutes after we left the store.
Anyway. Back to Powell's, the destination that puts Portland on the map (in my opinion). Five+ floors of new and used biblio-goodness, arranged in a coherent and comfortable way makes for a delicious way to spend a day. Or a weekend. (Maybe a week?) S&P, the lit geek, and I puttered our way around the aisles, giggling at some of them:
(I have to explain that this image is from the Regretsy book pictured above - it's a slightly creepy and obstetrically-correct maternity sock monkey, delivering a wee sock bootie from her sock va-jay-jay. It made us double up in laughter so I took a picture and texted it to Briana... but no replies. I wonder why....!?)
Intrigued by others....
and finally indulging our book addictions with a basketful of volumes on our favourite topics, new and old. The bonus for S&P was that she needed some books for her GRE and current English courses, so this wasn't just a recreational visit (though methinks she was being a VERY conscientious student this day). We collapsed into the busy coffee shop in Powell's and enjoyed a cuppa and some snacks while we absorbed and sorted the books we hoped to give good homes to. For those of you hoping to win S&P's contest, it hasnt' closed until we leave on the train tomorrow evening so don't get your hopes up! I'll never tell how many she bought!
I've always thought that the best bookstores were those that were noticeably assembled with purpose - the books weren't just blockbusters or easily sold volumes of airport-novel trash (though those are plentiful as well) - good bookstores show evidence of deliberate care and attention to the reader, and the interests of the proprietor. This is the value that independent bookstores offer to readers. Powell's, given how large it is, offers its value in how it engages the customer in helping them satisfy their reading curiosity. There are plenty of "rooms" of books arranged by subject, where a reader could browse through the shelves until something caught their eye, and there are plenty of information desks where a real human being will help point out where the volumes on the list crumpled in your hand are tucked away on the tall birch shelves. Powell's is actually in four large buildings spanning a whole city block, so in the many odd mezzanines and vestibules connecting the different rooms there are large displays and lists of books that invite you to sample something new. From the list of international book award winners that is two stories tall and updated regularly, to the collections of books fitting various themes that connect diverse subjects, readers are invited to sample something old while they can still soak in titles on subjects they love.
I actually also like that Powell's has a thoughtful and wide selection of interesting cards, gifts and games that fit a booklover's taste. S&P spent probably an hour looking at the card section - laughing and sniffling and enjoying the very literary selection - and taking home enough to last us through months of birthdays and other sentiment-requiring occasions.
We ended up leaving happy but burdened and sought refuge at the aforementioned !Obe! Cuban restaurant for happy hour, but returned to our hotel in the evening to dive into our book booty. I won't reveal to whom these books all belong so as not to spoil S&P's contest but this will give you an idea of the depth of our book sickness (and perhaps lack of restraint).
We hope to return to Powell's to say goodbye tomorrow! :)
Of course, it began to pour only a few minutes after we left the store.
Anyway. Back to Powell's, the destination that puts Portland on the map (in my opinion). Five+ floors of new and used biblio-goodness, arranged in a coherent and comfortable way makes for a delicious way to spend a day. Or a weekend. (Maybe a week?) S&P, the lit geek, and I puttered our way around the aisles, giggling at some of them:
Intrigued by others....
and finally indulging our book addictions with a basketful of volumes on our favourite topics, new and old. The bonus for S&P was that she needed some books for her GRE and current English courses, so this wasn't just a recreational visit (though methinks she was being a VERY conscientious student this day). We collapsed into the busy coffee shop in Powell's and enjoyed a cuppa and some snacks while we absorbed and sorted the books we hoped to give good homes to. For those of you hoping to win S&P's contest, it hasnt' closed until we leave on the train tomorrow evening so don't get your hopes up! I'll never tell how many she bought!
I've always thought that the best bookstores were those that were noticeably assembled with purpose - the books weren't just blockbusters or easily sold volumes of airport-novel trash (though those are plentiful as well) - good bookstores show evidence of deliberate care and attention to the reader, and the interests of the proprietor. This is the value that independent bookstores offer to readers. Powell's, given how large it is, offers its value in how it engages the customer in helping them satisfy their reading curiosity. There are plenty of "rooms" of books arranged by subject, where a reader could browse through the shelves until something caught their eye, and there are plenty of information desks where a real human being will help point out where the volumes on the list crumpled in your hand are tucked away on the tall birch shelves. Powell's is actually in four large buildings spanning a whole city block, so in the many odd mezzanines and vestibules connecting the different rooms there are large displays and lists of books that invite you to sample something new. From the list of international book award winners that is two stories tall and updated regularly, to the collections of books fitting various themes that connect diverse subjects, readers are invited to sample something old while they can still soak in titles on subjects they love.
I actually also like that Powell's has a thoughtful and wide selection of interesting cards, gifts and games that fit a booklover's taste. S&P spent probably an hour looking at the card section - laughing and sniffling and enjoying the very literary selection - and taking home enough to last us through months of birthdays and other sentiment-requiring occasions.
We ended up leaving happy but burdened and sought refuge at the aforementioned !Obe! Cuban restaurant for happy hour, but returned to our hotel in the evening to dive into our book booty. I won't reveal to whom these books all belong so as not to spoil S&P's contest but this will give you an idea of the depth of our book sickness (and perhaps lack of restraint).
We hope to return to Powell's to say goodbye tomorrow! :)
Saturday, May 22, 2010
!Oba!
More photos below:
Rainy, Liberal and I need a drink: A First Day in the City of Roses
We arrived (slowly) in Portland yesterday afternoon by Amtrak after 8 hours trundling through the landscapes of the pacific northwest. Our train trip was an alcohol-marinated soap opera we weren't anticipating: a troupe of college-aged guys joined us mid-morning at Everett, and commenced their Bud consumption immediately to celebrate their buddy's last days of singleness. We really didn't anticipate that a handful of middle-aged cougars from around the train would line up to party with the boys in the Bistro train attached to ours. The woman in front of us who had assisted her very elderly mother aboard in her wheelchair disappeared 30 minutes in and returned from the bachelor party slurring her words, falling over herself and completely unable to think straight. It was cringe-worthy. Amtrak conductors came over the speaker every hour or so to remind all that this was a "family journey" and that profanity and drinking personal alcohol was not allowed - but that certainly didn't put a lid on it.
It sounds like the trip was bad, but it was fine, really. I think we both really enjoyed the train - it was slow, peaceful (for the most part) and devoid of the usual stress of airline travel. I felt that it gave the sense that we'd actually travelled somewhere, taken some time to journey to another place, while S&P points out that on the train you get to see the lush greenery and tucked away cottages that are hidden to the everyday vehicle commuter's eye. We slept, read, ate fabulous vietnamese salad rolls (prepared by S&P, natch) and emerged in Portland full, and ready to have a little distance from the frat boys' bachelor party led by Captain America himself.
It must be said: I love Portland. I've been once before with my Dad on one of our memorable road trips. The Art Museum is amazing, the streets are tidy and walkable, the food is great, the coffee culture is vibrant, there are musicians, hippies, students and homeless people everywhere (and sometimes all-in-one). It's like an optimistic Liberal utopia. However, a 1.3 mi uphill walk in a downpour was a generally disspiriting greeting, even for Vancouverites.
Once we arrived at the hotel, our walk was forgotten. the Hotel Modera is a rebuild of what looks to have been a budget business hotel, into a small, upscale and very fashionable boutique style. We were really impressed by the look and feel immediately upon entry, and the front desk staff were great - we both noted later that they had something the larger chain hotels didn't seem to have. They recognized that we were here for fun, and didn't condescend us because we weren't the customary staid business travelers. I can't say how many times in the first hour I proclaimed upon a piece of furniture how much I wished I had a version of it in my new condo. That's a good sign, methinks.
We were both waterlogged, unexpectedly stuffed, and a bit tired, so dinner was "happy hour" in the hotel lounge. S&P will break it down for you in a later post, but it was hip, happening, tasty, and light on the pocketbook. Apparently so was I because she got me drunk on one powerful cocktail. I was useless thereafter. Rich (Dad of S&P), mission accomplished!
It sounds like the trip was bad, but it was fine, really. I think we both really enjoyed the train - it was slow, peaceful (for the most part) and devoid of the usual stress of airline travel. I felt that it gave the sense that we'd actually travelled somewhere, taken some time to journey to another place, while S&P points out that on the train you get to see the lush greenery and tucked away cottages that are hidden to the everyday vehicle commuter's eye. We slept, read, ate fabulous vietnamese salad rolls (prepared by S&P, natch) and emerged in Portland full, and ready to have a little distance from the frat boys' bachelor party led by Captain America himself.
It must be said: I love Portland. I've been once before with my Dad on one of our memorable road trips. The Art Museum is amazing, the streets are tidy and walkable, the food is great, the coffee culture is vibrant, there are musicians, hippies, students and homeless people everywhere (and sometimes all-in-one). It's like an optimistic Liberal utopia. However, a 1.3 mi uphill walk in a downpour was a generally disspiriting greeting, even for Vancouverites.
Once we arrived at the hotel, our walk was forgotten. the Hotel Modera is a rebuild of what looks to have been a budget business hotel, into a small, upscale and very fashionable boutique style. We were really impressed by the look and feel immediately upon entry, and the front desk staff were great - we both noted later that they had something the larger chain hotels didn't seem to have. They recognized that we were here for fun, and didn't condescend us because we weren't the customary staid business travelers. I can't say how many times in the first hour I proclaimed upon a piece of furniture how much I wished I had a version of it in my new condo. That's a good sign, methinks.
We were both waterlogged, unexpectedly stuffed, and a bit tired, so dinner was "happy hour" in the hotel lounge. S&P will break it down for you in a later post, but it was hip, happening, tasty, and light on the pocketbook. Apparently so was I because she got me drunk on one powerful cocktail. I was useless thereafter. Rich (Dad of S&P), mission accomplished!
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