We awoke to cloudy skies, but at least the rain seemed to be holding off. We grabbed coffee and juice again at the hotel, while we were waiting for rush hour to end, then we crossed the street to the Max Rail station. We took the train downtown and headed to grab a ‘real’ coffee and bite to eat before attacking Powell’s Books.
For those of you out there that like to read, Powell’s is, by far, the largest bookstore that you will EVER see. Both my mum and I look forward to this day in Portland. We plan this part of the trip ahead of time; making lists of books and double-checking availability (and location) of the books. Today was no different and we both made out like bandits. All the books (except one that is still cheaper, new, than it would be, used, in Canada) were used and at least 25% off the MSRP. Some of the books were even as high as 75% off retail – I mean how can you beat that?
The hour and a half we spent book shopping made us hungry so we headed towards the food pods on SW Alder. Last year we arrived on a Friday, so most of the food trucks were closed for the weekend and we weren’t able to visit the one my mum had her heart set on. This year, I planned the trip so that we would be here during the week…man, I am so glad I did that. We went to The Frying Scotsman for fish and chips. It was the best fish and chips that I have had in quite a while – and from a food cart no less.
We finished our lunch and then headed back to the hotel, where we chilled for a couple hours. We then headed to the Lloyd Center, which is the biggest mall in Portland, and did some window shopping. We then had some dinner at Billy Heartbeats and I grabbed two pretzels for tomorrow’s snack before we headed to Pier 1 Imports. My mum and I are both fans of the recent commercials and decided to find something “that spoke to us”. My mum found a bowl and I found a ladybug whirligig for the lawn.
We then decided to call it a day and went back to the hotel where we watched some Food Network before my mum decided to turn in. Just after she went to bed I read about the bridge collapse on I-5, that happened earlier today. My mum and I drove over that bridge last Monday and had planned to drive over it on Sunday on our way back to Canada. I’m glad no one was hurt, but it makes one think…especially since it was on a major Interstate. I will try not to think about that as I drive over the Columbia River tomorrow when we head to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.
I will leave you with a picture that I took outside of Powell’s Books today. Talk to you soon.
L
Carpe Librum @ Powell’s Books – Portland, OR
