Bicycle in Portland

“We’re Portland, we lead the nation in bicycling because that’s how we roll!”

— Mayor Sam Adams in his State of the City address today

Blue sky and white fluffy clouds

 Why do clouds appear fluffy ? and why is the sky blue at daytime?

CDP Theme day : WOOD

City Daily Photo's theme of the day : Wood

Shadow on wooden wall cast by a tree.



 Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

A gaggle of geese

This was in Crystal Springs Lake, Eastmoreland, Southeast Portland

The ducks, geese and ravens were not shy at all. We had a great time walking and bird gazing, such a peaceful place to roam on a chilly January afternoon.

A skein of geese

 a skein of geese ( a group of geese in flight)

They were just in a V shape before I hit my camera. Do you know why they fly in V shape when they are migrating? Based on my research there are 2 benefits of the V formation. First for energy conservation and second is to keep track of every bird in the group. This is just a little of info sharing about geese.

Bar with the highest ceiling

Backstage Bar

This is the former behind the scenes backstage of Bagdad theater in Hawthorne Street. In 2006 it has been transformed into a bar with pools and large wall artworks. Its ceiling is equivalent to a seven-storey high building, extremely high for a bar. You will feel the industrial experience with pipes,conduits, ducts exposed but neatly done, droppings of large antique chandeliers and neon signs floating in different heights . Food and beverage is great too! Backstage bar is another must try destination.

Old Town: Portland's New Nightlife

 

 FRIDAY NIGHT IS LADIES' NIGHT

Do you feel like heading out on a Friday night? Well, Old town Chinatown neighborhood has become the niche of nightlife goers. You can find restaurants, piano bars, clubs, venues for events, theaters, lounge bars and modern arcade for modern gamers in Old Town. I've never been to the bars in this area but I think its worth trying to visit one.

Portland Saturday Market

 

Portland Saturday Market  

( the neon light of letters E and T were busted)

Artists from NW Portland get to gather every weekend and sell their one of a kind pieces and artworks.You'll see painters, artists into metal crafting, accessory makers, wood art pieces, miniature structure made of paper, unique clothes, hats, knits, plants, musical instruments, pastries, exotic foods and many more. The market offers a unique opportunity as well to meet the artists on their booths. It is located in Waterfront park and Ankeny Plaza in historic Old Town.

For this year, the market will start on March 6, 2010 and there would be around 250 participants. I can't wait to see what they have to offer.

Floyd's Coffee Shop at Old Town

This little cozy coffee shop along Couch street in Old Town downtown Portland is a perfect place to unwind, relax and enjoy your cup of coffee, chai or  mexican hot choco. It was past 7pm when we got to Floyd's, no much people so it was the best time to take photos and feel the ambiance while we enjoyed the music and devoured our drinks and pastries.

I just couldn't stop it but I was really entertained by the acrylic art works on wood and canvas hanged on its brick walls with wooden false columns located on every corner. It didn't stop there, they have lounge chairs and couches with side tables and antique lamps and reading lens. There's more, a disco ball hanging on the ceiling near a telephone booth? This is definitely unique for a coffee shop!!!. The drinks and pastries were great and service was the best !!!!  I would give 5 stars to Floyd's coz my husband said the 5th star goes to them serving beer.

Waterfalls are simultaneously beautiful

Multnomah Falls

The tallest waterfall in the State of Oregon and second tallest in the United States next to Yosemite falls in California. Its underground springs from Larch Mountain are a year-round source of water for the waterfall. This photo was taken last September 27, 2009.

Hawthorne Bridge

Portland is a city of bridges, the oldest vertical lift bridge in operation in the United States and the oldest highway bridge in Portland is the Hawthorne Bridge. 

Sunset

  
Even the most beautiful days eventually have their sunsets.

Rainy afternoon

 The veranda is a good spot in which to  sip a cup of hot coffee on a cold afternoon. It's been breezy and rainy today here in Portland. What else to expect? Portland averages 155 days with measurable precipitation a year. Good thing though it only snowed for a day this winter season.

Pandanus Sundae

Pandanus sundae (I forgot the complete name)

Pandan flavored ice cream on top of sweet sticky rice with chocolate syrup, nuts and more. Our favorite dessert in PING ( Thai) Restaurant located downtown Portland at 102 NW 4th Avenue. This wrapped the night after enjoying the fried pork knuckle( kha muu thawt), yam yai salad, and laksa nonya. This is a must try and you'll enjoy the romantic ambiance of the place.

Click here for more about PING. 

"Go By Train"

Portland's Union Station is absolutely beautiful. This was built on 1896 and serves as the station of the Amtrak Cascades which is the cheap way to travel from Oregon to Seattle,WA and Vancouver BC. Paying attention to details, the station's romanesque clock tower and neon signage is calling you to "Go By Train".  It's interior has high grand coffered ceiling with big bright stylish drop lights, marble walls and flooring with long well maintained wooden classic benches. You can feel the cleanliness and comfort while waiting inside this historic architectural masterpiece. Click here to see more of Union Station.

Yes this makes me want to ride the Amtrak Cascades on summer....then I'll show you which among the four train stations is the best.

Rocky Butte

 

It's a rare treat to have a 360 degrees view of Portland, Columbia River and Portland's bridges from the top of Rocky Butte in Joseph Woodhill Park. A great place to hang out and sight see. After the light showers and late afternoon clearing yesterday,  a spectacular rainbow showed up on western Oregon.

 

Portland's Rose Garden

A single rose can be my garden....Portland's rose garden, garden of all gardens.
Walking in the middle of this old garden founded in 1917 with 550 varieties of roses from around the world was such a great experience. I forgot the name of the rose i most like but sure got a photo of it (its the red rose above with my hand on the picture). Its the biggest rose I've ever seen.