I Think It's Time To Buy Rain Boots.

All I wanted to do was go to the library one mile away and pick up the DVDs I had on hold that were ready for pick-up. 

However, today it was raining.  Not just Portland, a little sprinkle here and little dribble there, raining.  No, it was pouring cats and dogs and even had a few pebbles of hail fall down.  There were some siestas throughout the rain, but very inconsistent and not nearly long enough to really get out and about without it raining again. 

I decided to take a nap and see if the rain would dissipate and leave for awhile.  After waking up, it was still raining.

I was determined to get to the library and decided to grab a bus for the three-minute ride down the road. 

Sure enough, I get to the library and the rain seems to go away and the sun almost tries to peek out from behind some clouds.  I check out the sky and the dreary clouds of rain seemed to be heading away out of NW Portland. 

I go into the library, grab my DVDs and head back out the door down the street by foot.  I think I can't possibly get caught in the rain in the next fifteen minutes.  And even if I do, I have my rain jacket on and my umbrella. 

What happens only three or four blocks away from my apartment?  It starts DOWN POURING!!

I try to hide in the little alcoves and entrances to some businesses, but I can't loiter there all day looking sad and just waiting for the rain to stop.  Also, how wet can I possibly get in just a few blocks?

...VERY WET! 

I do not know how exactly I managed it, but my tennis shoes were two-thirds of the way soaked.  My jeans were dark from being wet up to my knees.  And when I peeled off my socks, the only dry spot was the top part of my heel.  I was so wet from the knees down I could barely believe it.

I walked in the door and exclaimed, "I think it's about time I invested in a pair of rain boots!"

Some Of The 'Quirks' Of Portland, Oregon

What a place it is here! Portland, Oregon is currently where I call home.  I live in the most adorable studio apartment in a building over 100 years old in the NW district of the city where culture and fun are everywhere to be found.  This apartment where I stay includes an authentic porcelain claw-foot tub, as well as a roll away bed! What could make my home more quaint?

My apartment is a great addition to what makes this city here pretty super as well as crazily unique and interesting! Let me share just a few bits and pieces about Portland for your information!

First off, Portlandia...yeah, if you've watched this show, you can safely believe most of what the show portrays Portland, OR to be like.  This city seems to want to have and show-off as many true stereotypes as possible!  So if you ever find yourself walking throughout the streets of Portland, expect nothing and everything all at the same time. 

Portland does not have the world's greatest drivers.  This city is notorious for the bountiful amounts of rain it receives.  Shouldn't Portlanders be ready for such wet-driving? No. They are not.  And if you try to add snow to the mix, FORGET IT!  The entire city shuts down, no joke!

Along with those great drivers, it is always an experience being a pedestrian in the city.  Nine out of ten times a car will automatically stop and wait for any and all pedestrians to cross any street intersection.  The first time I was a driver in Portland, I decided I was glad to not have a vehicle to regularly drive about.  I was sure within a week of driving I would have run over someone...pedestrians have the right of way!  However, watch out for the BMW drivers.  They seem to want to go 60 to 90 mph between intersections and just sometimes forget to watch out.  I have nearly filled my pants a time or two because I was sure a car was going to run straight over me while I was standing clearly in the cross walk! 

Another interesting addition to the streets of Portland include the large number of street dwellers, a.k.a. Homeless People.  All over the city, and especially near the city center and other shop areas, homeless people roam during the day and sleep in various entryways and corners by night.  Most of the street dwellers are men, but more and more frequently I see females among the ranks as well.  If you ever choose to stop by the Central Public Library downtown, don't be afraid to recognize it as an alternate homeless shelter once inside.  However, do try to ignore the sour aroma and enjoy the beautiful marble staircase, the never ending shelves of books, and the wonderful cultural displays on the third floor. 

Portland also has a great number of food cart parks throughout the downtown.  These communities of small trailers and campers offer all kinds of ethnic and local foods.  From Thai to German sausages to Mexican burritos to tasty donuts and sweet treats, it is easy for any group of diverse palates to find something for everyone.  Many cities have these food carts, but here they are a must-do for any local or visitor and always seems to be the first attraction shared that one must do. 

Besides the quirks of the inner city, this charming Pacific Northwest city is surrounded by inactive volcanoes.  These volcanoes make beautiful mountains that skirt the borders of the city and can be seen on clear days majestically overlooking the city.  Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens are the two large mountains and the Three Sisters are three others that are not as easily seen from the city. 

Portland is really a great city and is also so very interesting.  It takes a little getting used to some of these quirks of the city, especially coming from WI and TX.  However, overtime these attributes of Portland have become part of daily life and just make the city who it is today!  I will continue to enjoy my amazing little apartment and treasure the walks throughout the city that always include canopies of trees above me as I walk down city sidewalks. 

Feel free to come and enjoy the Pacific Northwest, maybe we can all take a trip to the coast and see what I've been told I'm missing!