Between spring and summer classes, Dylan and I decided to do a trip to France and it was fantastic . We flew in to Paris for 2 nights, took the TGV to Bordeaux for one night, then rented a car to drive southwest and all around including the cities of Guéthary , Toulouse, Cazals, Tours, then back to Paris. Paris actually somewhat disappointed the first go-round. I had this romantic picture in my head of what it would be, as I'm heard a lot of people experience. It was certainly grand. Grander than any city I've seen. But it was a big city with lots of traffic... I should've expected this but for whatever reason I was picturing what Bordeaux actually wound up being- charming, romantic, pedestrian streets, flowers everywhere, more bikers, more dogs, lots of greenery... But I certainly enjoyed the strolls (even through the rain), people watching at cafes, and exploring all around. Returning to Paris at the end of the trip left me with a better impression; we stayed
Cheers to the start of a series to share about the things that make me say "that's so perfectly Portland." Because it is certainly a unique place with some interesting quirks. This will be the Perfectly Portland events or activities segment highlighting all the fun and quirky things this town is up to. Exhibit A: The Portland Plage Over the summer, my friends and I hopped on our bikes and landed in a more industrial district with warehouses and such around. But there, right in the middle of the buildings, was a manmade beach that they brought in for us to enjoy. Sand, beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas set up with little pools... So we sat there in our swimsuits and sunny-gees, drinking our piña coladas with the city sounds and sights nearby. The train was the icing on the cake. Exhibit B: Secret Roller Derbies One day Dylan and I were walking around the neighborhood and out of nowhere, in a school parking lot, was a surprise roller disco. Skate rentals and food carts a