Portland: Rain, Regret, and Really Good Coffee
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm espresso right now. 5095445 and 1840003595… honestly, those numbers just felt…sticky. like trying to peel an orange with mittens. the temp was bouncing around like a pinball - 3.31 to 5.53, feels-like was a miserable -1.74, pressure was a solid 1002, humidity was clinging to me like a damp blanket, and sea level was…well, sea level. 1000. it’s a number, i guess. i landed in Portland yesterday, and it’s…a thing. a gray, drizzly, aggressively hip thing.
I checked the weather just now, and it’s…there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s the kind of rain that seeps into your bones, you know? not dramatic, just…persistent. i’m staying in a little place near Mississippi Avenue - it’s a weird mix of vintage shops and vegan restaurants. the whole area just vibrates with a slightly anxious energy. i swear, i heard a barista arguing about the optimal foam-to-milk ratio at 3 am.
I spent the afternoon wandering around, mostly just trying to avoid puddles. stumbled upon a street art mural - a giant, melancholic badger wearing a tiny hat. it was…something. i grabbed a coffee at Coava - seriously, the best coffee i’ve had in ages. they take it seriously. like, bordering on obsessive. i overheard a guy telling the barista that he’d been tracking the bean’s origin for six months. six months!
Someone told me that Powell’s City of Books is a must-see, but honestly, i was too busy dodging raindrops. i did manage to check out Yelp and found a place called Pok Pok - Thai street food. apparently, it’s legendary. i’ll add it to the list for tomorrow.
Speaking of lists, here’s what i’ve got so far:
Camera Gear: Canon R6, Sony a7iii (because why not?), a bunch of lenses, and a waterproof bag. Don’t forget extra batteries. Seriously.
*Clothing: Layers. Layers are key. And a good raincoat. Like, a really good one.
*Essentials: Hand sanitizer, ibuprofen, and a healthy dose of cynicism.
I also heard that the food carts downtown are amazing, but also that they’re perpetually crowded. It’s a gamble, really. I heard that the Deschutes Brewery is a solid bet for a decent beer, though.
If you get bored, Seattle is just a short drive away. It’s a bit of a trek, but the ferry ride is supposed to be pretty scenic. I’m thinking of checking out Pike Place Market tomorrow. I heard that the fishmongers throw the fish - it’s a whole thing.
Honestly, Portland feels like a city trying to figure itself out. It’s cool, it’s quirky, and it’s definitely rainy. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re into that kind of vibe, you might just find yourself liking it. Just bring an umbrella. And maybe a therapist. Seriously, the rain is heavy*.
I’m off to find another coffee. Need. More. Caffeine.
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