Loco Locos

Well, here I am in Hollywood...the Hollywood District of Portland, OR, actually. If I had a nickel for the number of times in the last month that someone has spoken words of high praise for this city or said "oh Erinn you'd love it there" in the last month, I could support my drinking habit and sponsor my travel bug. So I had to investigate. I'm staying with a friend of my mother's, exploring the various neighborhoods, city parks and art & music scene for which the city is known. Along the way I have also learned a few interesting facts, selling points which place Portland on the top of my list of "places to live in my lifetime" (well, the top of the "...in America" category anyway).
First, Portland has a car share program, called Flexcar, allows people to reserve and use a car whenever they like or need...for grocery shopping for example. I know I hated hauling my groceries home on the rush hour subway to 94th Street from 14th in New York City just because I liked shopping at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods. You become a member and just estimate how often you will use a car each month and pay the corresponding fee. Turns out several other cities, like Seattle and Atlanta offer this service too. Who knew?
Portland really seems to have a green approach to things. My hosts even picked me up in a Prius...
Another interesting fact: Portland has a large immigrant and refugee population, including groups from Mexico, Russia Asia and all around Africa. There is an organization to support these individuals and foster easy transitions to American life...This makes me think of documentary about the Lost Boys of Sudan. Some were placed in cities like Buffalo, NY and Pittsburgh and were given a tour of the American grocery store...they were completely confused and appalled by the donuts with colored sprinkles. They couldn't believe we ate that stuff. Sometimes I can't either.


Word to the wise: if you're ever in this cool-ass city, hit up Powell's books. It's impressive.


My final comment for this entry: Is anyone even reading this??

At least it will serve as a historical travel log for myself in the future...