Riding the Train to Portland

Oh, how I love to travel! A couple hours ago, I departed on a train on the way to Portland, Oregon. Like every summer since I was twelve years old, Portland is my mother and I's getaway from the insanity in our own town.

Last year, my "date" (Mark) joined us! We visited the OMSI museum, Japanese Garden, Saturday market, went jet-boating, and explored city life while watching the big Fourth of July firework display over the Willamette river.

This year, we plan on checking out the legendary VooDoo Doughnuts, exploring Old Town China Town/Chinese garden and doing a lot of shopping here and there. Of course we are leaving time for the OMSI, Saturday market, and maybe even the Rose Test Garden (the oldest operating garden, from WWI).

Trains are an inexpensive, practical way to travel. We take the Amtrak, whose reputation is quite poor in terms of being on time, but whose staff is kinder than ever and food can make your tastebuds happy. I suggest taking the Amtrak somewhere local for a day trip, or scheduling a weekend away. Sometimes it's good just to get out of your normal town and experience culture unidentical to your own.