Best thing about Portland: FOOD! The place is chalk full of interesting, unique, locally owned, eco-conscious, yummy eating establishments. Ken’s Artisan Bakery was hands-down my favorite spot, it was yummy after delicious after tummy-rubbing goodness. We sampled the morning bun, brioche cinnamon roll, eclair and chocolate croissant. We partook in many other tasty meals, including the best falafel sandwich Jamie or I have ever tasted at Karam. Deciding where to eat each day was a practice in fun.

Mazie at Bishops BarbershopThe next best thing about Portland: Bishops Barbershop. We happened by the barber shop this morning and I felt compelled to cut my hair. I’ve never in my life gotten my haircut on the fly, just cause, but I guess greatness can inspire rash action. Imagine a big, open space with ceilings at least 20 feet tall. The walls are covered with posters and pictures, the floors are cement, and a couple of long, wood benches adorn the middle of the floor. Old-fashioned barber chairs sit in front of 8 or 9 stations and the stage for cool is set. The barbers are all young, hip, friendly and tattooed or pierced. Jamie sat down for a quick buzz while I enjoyed a more leisurely wash, cut and blow-dry. Bishops is to a haircut place what the Kennedy School is to a hotel, sheer genius.

Other highlights included a pretty cool children’s museum, an independent bookstore that occupies a full city block on multiple levels, beautiful Japanese gardens and having our friends, Kent, Maril, Simon and Caroline around for a few days. We are on the move now, heading down the coast toward San Francisco. We stay in Eugene, Oregon tonight and then tomorrow Redwood Forest here we come!