Sunday, November 30, 2008

giving thanks in portland

We celebrated Thanksgiving this past week in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. These two cities are just a river apart and we spent some time in both. Peter's aunt and family live in Vancouver, so we spent Thanksgiving day in their home, complete with zwiebach, ham, turkey, sweet pickles (gross to some of you, but I love them), and the rest of the traditional carb-laden but oh-so-yummy side dishes.

Friday and Saturday were spent in Portland--such a fun city! We went to the World Forestry Center (which is not nearly as boring as it sounds) and walked through the famous Rose Garden. Although there was obviously a lack of roses this time of year, the scenery and view of the sity was amazing. We had lunch at Elephant Deli, a upscale deli with so many wonderful choices. I decided I could eat here everyday if I had the chance. If ever in Portland, you must check it out. We continued the day by walking and shopping our way through Pioneer Courthouse Square. We were lucky to have dry weather--cold and overcast, but dry. Perfect.


Saturday was spent at the Portland Saturday market. An amazing street fair with local artisans, right along the river. The people, food, and handmade goods were so eclectic. I loved it. I walked away with a handmade ceramic spoonrest.

The 13 hour drive with 6 other people was a challenge, I will be honest. Although we all love each other, by about the 6th hour, we were all irritated. No one could say or do anything right. My plan to take a few dramamines and sleep the majority of the way was successful, although sleeping for 13 straight hours in a car is pretty impossible. But we made it, and I had a great time. I would love to go back to the city with Peter. Maybe in the summer. It is a beautiful place with old buildings, bridges, interesting people, and great shopping. A perfect combination.

at the world forestry center

rose garden amphitheater

skyline over the willamette river

loved this building near the saturday market


happy thanksgiving!

made in oregon

4 comments:

Katie said...

I love the Saturday Market! I am so glad you got to go. I tasted & fell in love with Pad Thai there and bought my very favorite bent flatware keychain there. I love Portland! Glad you had a good time.

Angie said...

I LOVE Portland! So glad you had a great time. Did you happen to stop at the Willamette reststop - it was always a "must see" on our trips to Lopez with Grandma ;)

allie said...

I'm glad you had a good time! I love Portland! Sean and I have been talking about going up there to visit my aunt and uncle, you've definitely re-inspired me.

Olive Oyl said...

glad you had fun, stayed alive, and of course came back in one piece. :) I just finished the first "Twilight" book... um, does Eddie (as I lovingly refer to him, we are so totally BFF now...) have to be so dashingly amazing. Seriously, he is dreamier than a super hot Rec guy at Hartland spraying me down with a super soaker water gun.

Okay. Don't know where that came from.

Hope your first day with the new schedule was a success! And now you can actually stay up past 7:30 pm each night! :)