Before we left, people told us we should watch Portlandia. We never did, but apparently Portland has it’s own vibe. Here’s what we noticed:
- They wear socks with their sandals here. While we were eating lunch at a street-side deli we overheard a guy say, “I only have one pair of pink socks and I had to save it to wear with my pink shirt.” And yes he was wearing the pink shirt and pink socks with his sandals, so apparently it’s a planned thing.
- They dress any which way they want, confidently! See above.
- Guys have really embraced the murse. (man purse) Again with confidence!
- It’s also the headquarters of Doc Marten and Keen sandals. Apparently both of these go with everything.
- Two things I didn’t know – it’s also where Columbia Sportswear and Pendleton are from.
- Most of their roads and bridges, especially in the Columbia River Gorge, but all over, look like they were built right after World War 2. They are that old! Maybe that’s an effect of not having any revenue from sales tax?!
- It’s very difficult to find Oregon wines in Portland. Most restaurants would rather feature Italian wines even though the Williamette Valley produces some of the best Pinot Noirs in the world. Even beating our Burgundy, France in many wine competitions.
- Toddy we saw a guy walking down the street with angel wings hanging off a hanger. He looked like he could’ve attached them to his back and everything would’ve worked.
- They have an incredible amount of homeless people.
- This state has a diversity like no other – ocean beaches and vistas, incredible wine, famous breweries, headquarters to iconic businesses, waterfalls twice as high as the Statue of Liberty and famous mountains.
Since we’ve been here, maybe we should watch Portlandia once we get home. Perhaps we’ll appreciate the humor now.
Halfway Round the Planet, Part 2 