So what does one do when there’s only a few hours to experience downtown Portland? Well you visit Powell’s Books, eat at Imperial and step over homeless people.
Let’s start with Powell’s…a-mazing! The largest independent used and new bookstore in the world…covers a full city block…even a map is needed to find your way around inside. Of course I headed straight to the photography section and although impressive…it didn’t compare to the photo section in Strand in NYC. However, this place was beyond belief. Packed – totally packed – with every book genre imaginable as well as people. I’ve read that the store averages over 8,000 visitors a day. Totally mind boggling…you could spend forever looking around. Based on this experience…I’m happy to report that for those of us who still love to hold the real thing…we have no worries about Kindle taking over the world.
I’m sure there are a number of fabulous restaurants in the city, but with limited time we headed to Imperial located in the historic Hotel Lucia nearby. I’m a sucker for atmosphere and Imperial delivered…more so than the food. The walls…bare with hints of brick…exposed heating and electrical piping in the ceiling gave it a very industrial feel…but warmed with modern paintings and eclectic lighting. Food? OK…I’ve had much better, but still a very pleasant experience.
Now the common sight of homeless people was a different story…making NYC pale in comparison. I’m not sure if it’s specific to the district of downtown where we were visiting (Pearl District) or to downtown Portland in general…but they absolutely have a homeless problem. (After returning home and doing a quick internet search…yep, there’s a number of recent articles that definitely confirms they have a problem on their hands.)
Now having said all of that…in just a few minutes that it takes to make an impression…the streets were filled with people of all ages, bicycles, public art and a wonderful mixture of old and new architecture…so a return visit is definitely needed!
window reflections
And speaking of public art…the street art was outstanding.
Two in particular that I was able to capture before we headed out to wine country…
capax infiniti
The emotion captured in this piece left me speechless. After some research I learned the artist is a South African muralist by the name of Faith47. Wouldn’t you know…she recently completed a mural in Williamsburg (Brooklyn) and has an upcoming show to exhibit her studio work at the Jonathan Levine Gallery in Chelsea (Manhattan). For those in the area…her opening is scheduled for November 19th. (Yep, it’s on my calendar for sure!)
every rose has its thorn
The work of RONE from Melbourne, Australia was equally impressive and of course when you combine beauty with decay…well you have me at hello! If you also enjoy b&d…check out this link here where RONE left his art in Penang, Malaysia. Totally awesome.
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After this little visit to downtown Portland it was off to wine country in Dundee…then the Mt. Hood area for a little cabin time…then down south to more wine country in and around Jacksonville and Ashland…before a final week on the Southern Coast. Travel is always fascinating to me. Regardless if I’m roughing it on the Rio Coco or wine tasting at an opulent chateau…travel allows the opportunity to enrich our lives…to think about others as well as ourselves…to see the world through a different lens. Can’t wait to share.
Stay tuned! gg
‘To see the world through a different lens’…
Wonderful pictures and a wonderful wright-up, telling all about the beauty you were able to see.
Incredible art, ‘normal life’, good food and I think very good company who showed you around. What else do we wish for to enrich our life.
I am so glad you have this experience and we are lucky to, with a cup of coffee within reach, (breakfast), to travel the world with you.
Those murals are fabulous. What an incredible talented people there are, sharing their gift with us.
Looking forward to the next post.
Love and hugs.
Thanks Astrid! You know I can just picture you two at breakfast…with coffee…and your computers…and knowing I’ve been fortunate enough to join you both in your country! I am totally smitten with street art and these two just blew me away! Being an artist working on a piece in a studio is one thing…but to bring it to life on a building that’s so huge…amazing! Thanks always for your visit! xoxoxo
As I read your post, Astrid and I started a conversation about homeless people/beggars here in the Netherlands (begging, in particular, is not allowed), and how the homeless have to be “registered” here with shelters taking them in at night. It’s such a worldwide problem with few answers, I’m afraid. (sigh) As winter approaches, I always pray for the homeless…..
I clicked on the Rone link for his art in Malaysia. OMG. You’re so right about how this kind of art stops you dead in your tracks. Thanks for at least being able to share the images (if not able to imitate the work!). I know you have a lot more to share, so here we are…in the front row, waiting.. 🙂
Like I mentioned in Astrid’s reply…so loved our time sitting around the breakfast table when I visited…so I can so see you two chatting away. Yes, the homeless situation was just awful. Unfortunately so many kids…as if it was much easier to just hang out and beg instead of working for whatever reason. I’m not going to judge…but the city really needs to get their arms around this problem. Nothing like I’ve ever seen in the U.S. Totally shocking.
Glad you checked out Rone. I was just blow away! Thanks always for your visits and comments! xoxo
A wonderful start to your journey and an introduction to yet another part of the world. That bookshop must be paradise.
Sad to learn about all the homeless people on the street and Ginnie is so right about shelters and wintertime approaching. I am thinking of all the refugees here in Europe and it makes me feel sick.
But all of that aside I am excited to see and learn more about your trip. I already saw some amazing photos of Oregon.
Thanks Karen! Oh…it’s so sad what is happening all over the world isn’t it? Like I mentioned in my comment to Ginnie…these were mostly young kids…like it was just easier to hang out together and pick up a buck here and there. I’ve seen the homeless situation grow somewhat in the past couple of years in NYC…but nothing can even compare to what is happening there in Portland. Appreciate always your visits on Instagram! You must put Oregon on the list when you return to the U.S.!
Sounds like my kind of day… bookstore and a vineyard! You need to add Penang to your list of places to visit – they have some amazing street art. As always – enjoyed all of your images.
Thanks Cathy! Nice to hear that you are getting settled in. I can’t image what it must be like to return to the US after so many years in Asia. I hope you share lots of pics of your treasures that are in that big shipping container coming your way! Ok…now I’m off to research Penang cause I know you won’t steer me wrong!
I’ve been waiting, so patiently! 🙂
I haven’t been to Portland, except to fly through it, though I lived in Ashland one semester, so I am looking forward to seeing that sweet town through your eyes and words. I have loved the peeks of OR at IG.
I admire your perspective so much, Robin. These photos are splendid, and the way you share your feelings about the place is evocative. You make me want to be more conscious when I travel — more reflective and aware. The muralists blow me away. You’ve touched on some of the complexities of this city that has called young people for decades. It is a happening place. Now you’ve got me wondering why the homeless problem is so dire there. I imagine it has something to do with it being called “Heroin City” … 🙁
Anyway, thank you for this wonderful introduction. I would follow you anywhere. 🙂
Oh…Ashland…now I could return and spend some serious time there. Adorable! How fortunate you were to spend a semester there. My group was just chatting how wonderful it must be to live in that cute little town and go to college! I’ve mentioned this in several comments above, but I was just blown away by the volume of young kids just hanging out and asking for money. Wow…didn’t know it was referred to as “Heroin City.” Now I’ve got to go and read up on that…but that probably explains a lot of what I saw…
As always…you are so kind…thank you for your sweet comments! More to come!
Thanks for this view of Portland. I can’t wait to see you capture other areas in Oregon. I’m heading that way myself in the near future and following a similar route. I just wish I had your photography talent to so imaginatively capture what I see.
Oh, thanks Maery! You will love your visit and I’ll be happy to help in any way I can on the areas we visited. Now…on my list is your neck of the woods!
Oh my, that art work you captured is beautiful, and the book store sounds amazing. I love reading “real” books that I can hold in my hand and turn the pages. To me, that’s the only way to read… Bro and I are so excited to read you Oregon post and looking forward to your future posts on your Oregon trip as we will spend time there as we travel across America and Canada… Love and hugs and safe travels GG. XoXo
You would’ve been in hog heaven in this store knowing we both love the “real” thing! Yes, you and Bro will LOVE this state. Thought of you two so often! Love you!! xo
So excited to see your first post on your trip after following on Instagram and getting a sneak peak.
Ironically, I learned through a friend of a friend, while commenting on a post on FB (always funny how interesting side conversations and other connections happened on that same post) some interesting facts on Portland, as this woman lived there and was soon moving to northern VA, hence connecting with another friend of the friend. She enlightened me and sent me a link as my conception of Oregon was a lot of LDS. How incorrect I was about Portland, alone! Sounded and looked like one crazy and interesting city.
Years ago, Rick was in SLC, Utah on a week long business trip and told me about the huge amount of homeless teens, just sleeping on lawns and all over the place. We assumed run-aways due to the stick church upbringing and how they are ousted from their families if they choose to leave the church. I also met and befriended a young woman from Utah in rehab (married with children) who would go to SLC and strip, drug/alcohol abuse, etc. This was my 1st stint in rehab, which was in maybe 2009, which I had to leave early but I went with her to a LDS church during our stay in rehab and learned so much. I am always interested in learning about other religions and cultures. Read some of the bible they follow, etc. Also coming from Medco and working on the west coast accounts, I remember how many children were covered under their plans. Sometimes 12 children. My ignornce led me to believe that basically Utah, Oregon and those states were filled with LDS’s and runaways.
Obviously, Portland is not and I also learned how beautiful not only Oregon is but Washington state, too as I have a friend who is a traveling nurse and is there now.
Heroin – Yes, I believe that probably is a huge part of the homelessness problems amongst the youth and is more prevalent in some cities than others. Also, a drug I was ignorant to. I thought it was a 60’s thing and never realized until meeting so many addicts, not only how addicting it is, one try and it’s the devil, euphoria like no one’s business, you are hooked. But it is inexpensive, too. Huge, huge problem with our youth today. Other middle-ager’s more prescription based problems that started unintentional (like myself).
Really enjoyed your perspective and photos. Love real books, myself. Can’t do the Nook thing.
LOVE those boots on whomever is wearing them on the “Buy the Lie” photo. Love the steet art, too and so glad you found the artist will have upcoming exhibits in your city.
So glad you really got a lot in on your trip from the city, wine country, beach. Sounds like a very well-planned trip.
Looking forward to seeing/reading more.
Thanks for your great insight and talents, as always.
Love you.
xoxo
ALWAYS enjoy your commentary and perspective! Thank you! Yes, I didn’t realize for the longest time how cheap heroin was either until I was reading some recent articles. It’s all so very sad… Well stay tuned…cause I’m going to show you more of this amazing state! xoxo!
Yeah, I’m ready to move into the book store! I absolutely love the image of old and new and the store window reflection. I’m been intrigued with Portland for some time with so many of the blogger artists I’ve “met” living there but no one shared much about the homeless problem, it sadly seems to be very wide spread.
Thanks for sharing the knowledge and the images you gather in such a lovely way. Did you happen to stop in Bandon?
Oh, we could both so live there! Going to this bookstore should be on everyone’s list if they find themselves in Portland! We drove through Bandon on our way north from Ocean Beach/Port Orford area…but was heading to the airport to return home and didn’t have time to stop…all of those little communities along the coast are so cute and so authentic! Thanks my sweet! xo
Magic pictures as usual. Funny I’ve just come across Portland (the comedy series) on Netflicks! Never heard of it really before and now here again. Homelessness growing everywhere. As we get ready to receive our new population of Syrian Refugees there is one thing certain this issue will just continue…….. Meanwhile, I am loving all your travels……
Thanks so much Catherine…I read daily the status of the refugees…heartbreaking. Always appreciate your visits!
I’m completely in awe of your sense of adventure, your talented artistic eye, and your stamina! Go Robin!