A mixed bag
Greetings. Join me in my reflection upon my birthday trip to Portland. Let’s begin.
As I arrive at the airport at an ungodly hour of the morning, I realized that it would be my first time being on the west coast. A quick TSA check and now I’m through ready to fly across the country and see my friend I haven’t seen in a while. After I check into my place, I immediately set about exploring the city. What quirky things would I find in my adventures? Well, for a person in a tie-dye cat shirt and shorts with a bandana, I was bound to find something. Or so I thought. I met some cool people and was on a path of obtaining satisfaction. First things first was to drink a local beer. I decided a peach sour beer would do the trick. It was well worth it. I had an entire day ahead of me and did some searching down the road to find a small plaza. But afterwards I needed some coffee. I’m used to Cleveland coffee and I wanted to hit up some of the coffee shops. After this successful endeavor, I realized how tired I was. It was 9pm before I knew it and then it dawned on me, it’s fucking midnight in Ohio. And thus after I finished my arrangement, I fell asleep, looking forward to seeing my friends from home and remembering why I came.
Day 2
A natural sunrise, another day of coffee and waiting for the plane to arrive. I had the entire day to dick around and so, exploration day 2. Now this is where I start to have a horrible realization. So many tents. How did it get like this? And also how is it that all these fancy condos are being built? And also the smell. It was so strong. But then again, how many missed rent payments are we from joining them? How much gentrification is enough? Apparently not enough. After what seems like an entire day of walking, I decide to head back to my place after attending one of the many rallies held during the day. Then the fun begins. My friends had arrived from the airport and where on the way. Honestly I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the night as much alcohol was had.
Day 3
This was the day for shopping (well as much as you can). Most of the day was spent going on a adventure but the height of the day was when I split off. It was time to make our voices heard. Some things will stay with me. This night was one of them. Some highlights of yelling at pigs include: having a gun at me by the person who shot my friend a month ago, nearly getting ran over by an unmarked vehicle, being chased via targeted arrests, and also having to walk forever to get home. The worst part was how hot it was. All in all, the assembly was tame compared to what I’ve heard on the news. That didn’t changed the fact I went in prepared for war.
Day 4
My friends went on a submarine. I’m slightly jealous but I also realize I’ve been on one before. This was a day of gardens. Unfortunately the Japanese Garden was closed. But hey, CBD dispensaries are a thing and the peeps know what they’re talking about. I should have mentioned that it was rather easy to talk to some people. It’s all fun and games and was able to get some emotional baggage off my mind. Perhaps I needed it. But the karaoke afterwards was where it was at. It takes a lot to make me do this normally. Well, I was with friends and I didn’t have my instrument so karaoke it was.
Day 5
Hooray I lost my health insurance. But we ran into the roommate of my friend and unplanned adventures are the best. We got to see all of Portland (and also Mt. Hood being on fire). It was a terrific sight and then we went to Elk Rock Island. A tale of two sides with black skies on one side and clear skies on the other. I felt a sense of dread as the day came to a close. Some drinks and meeting cool ass peeps, my night comes to an end. And as I reflect on my time here, I definitely will want to come back when the state isn’t on fire and a virus isn’t rampant. Also the Rockies and the Cascades are beautiful.