Portland Rain & Really Weird Vibes
okay, so, like, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm coffee. portland. it’s… a lot. i landed yesterday and the weather is just… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 9.16 feels-like, 10.2 temp, 1026 pressure, 72 humidity. it’s like a permanent, slightly damp hug. i’m not complaining, exactly. just… processing.
I was supposed to be photographing the Powell’s bookstore, you know, the massive one? But then i stumbled into this tiny record shop, ‘Vinyl Vortex,’ and spent two hours arguing with the owner about the merits of obscure krautrock. he was a real character, this guy, named Silas. He kept saying things like, "The groove is the soul, man." Seriously.
I’m staying in a converted shipping container downtown - it’s surprisingly cozy, though the ventilation is questionable. It’s got this weird, industrial-chic vibe, which is totally portland, i guess. I found a place on Yelp for breakfast - ‘Morning Glory,’ apparently. Someone told me that their blueberry pancakes are legendary, but i’m still skeptical. I need to check it out.
Speaking of checking things out, i spent the afternoon wandering around Mississippi Avenue. It’s packed with vintage shops, tattoo parlors, and food carts. I saw a guy selling hand-painted skateboards - seriously intricate stuff. I almost bought one, but then i remembered i’m trying to keep my luggage light. It’s a constant battle.
Here’s the gear list, because apparently, that’s what everyone wants:
Camera: Canon R6 (duh) - always gotta have the goods.
*Lenses: 35mm, 50mm, 85mm - the holy trinity.
*Rain jacket: Absolutely essential. Like, essential. Don’t even think about it without one.
*Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
*Portable charger: Because you’ll be glued to your phone.
*Notebook & pen: For capturing all the weirdness.
*Headphones:* For drowning out the city noise (and Silas’s pronouncements).
I overheard some drunk advice at a bar last night - a guy named Leo, who claimed to be a former tour drummer (obviously), said, "Don’t trust anyone who says they ‘get’ portland. They don’t. It’s a feeling."
I’m trying to find some good coffee. I need something strong. I’m thinking of hitting up Stumptown - i heard they have a single-origin Ethiopian that’s supposed to be mind-blowing. I’m not holding my breath, but hey, a guy can dream.
I’m also trying to track down some good street art. I saw a mural down by the river that was seriously impressive - a giant octopus covered in neon paint. It was… unsettling, but in a good way. I’m going to try to find the artist. Maybe i’ll even ask for a commission. (Don’t judge.)
I’m thinking of checking out the International Rose Test Garden tomorrow. It’s supposed to be beautiful, especially with the rain. I’ve heard that the roses are particularly fragrant. I’m not a huge fan of roses, but i’m willing to give it a shot. If you’re in the area, you should definitely check it out. It’s a short drive from downtown. If you get bored, Seattle is just a short drive away.
Seriously, this city is… something. It’s chaotic, it’s weird, it’s rainy, and it’s utterly captivating. I’m not sure i’m going to fully understand it, but i’m definitely enjoying the ride. I’m going to go find that coffee now. Wish me luck. And maybe send rain gear. Seriously.
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