I just got back from a 2600 mile road trip from San Diego to Portland and back. Although I was born in Vancouver across the river I moved (or was moved) before I was three and hadn't really been back since then.
I loved Portland. A great, green and beautiful city-really cool vibe to the people that I sensed. I could live there in a heartbeat and easily consider it one of my favorite cities now. I think we saw a lot in the four days we were there. Spent some time in (forgive me if I get some of these wrong) Hollywood/Beaumont, Nob Hill (my favorite) Washington Park (and in a nearby historic mansion for lunch with a relative), Downtown, The riverfront, Pearl District, Skyline Drive, Sellwood and out to the gorge to hike.
I also really enjoyed the working class/industrial port aspect of it as well. All those cool bridges and port areas really give it some life. I must say I was surprised at the almost gridlocked traffic though-worse than San Diego. I think all those old bridges tend to slow things up. Nonetheless the justifiably famous streetcar and light rail is among the best setups I've seen and really make the city work and be quite accessible.
The new controversial development in the southwest side is giving that part of the city a very different skyline and density. Wow, that tram system going up the hill is going to be monumental.
I would like to get to know the city better and definitely will be lurking here.
