Road Trip Day 6

1. Started out the day by going to the Portland Classical Chinese Garden. The garden is the result of a continuing collaboration between Portland and its sister city of Suzhou. This stunning garden is one city block square and was created on top of an empty lot.

2. After strolling around the garden, I went inside the teahouse which is operated by The Tao Of Tea. The above image of windows was taken from my table. I did a tasting of 3 white teas - white peony, jingmai and white earl grey. I added a coconut tart and had a restful time enjoying the view of the garden out the open windows.

3. After leaving the gardens I strolled NW to the Pearl District to visit Lotus Antiques and Art.

4. Another delightful store in the Pearl District of Portland is Cargo. Cargo is located in an old warehouse. It's full of all kinds of imported treasures including more chinese chests than I have ever seen in one location, jewelry, umbrellas, statues, paper goods, a large collection of kimonos, toys, chairs, tables and collectibles galore. If you like funky, unusual things for your house and garden, this is a must visit.

5. I then went to AM Living at 10th and SW Morrison. I read that this two year old store is a major Portland shopping hit. This is only their second retail store. AM Living manufactures historical reproductions. Look up and from the ceiling hang hot air balloons, airplanes zeppelins. There are globes...lots of globes, furniture, lamps, ships and mobiles. This is another Portland "must see" shop.

6. After AM Living I wandered back to Powell's Books to meet Richard and decide where to go to dinner.

7. Portland has a first class public transportation system, including cute little street cars. However, it is such a great walking city (much easier than San Francisco which has major hills to climb) that I spent the day walking. I think I see more that way.

8. Portland is also a great biking city. Everywhere you look, there are bikes parked and people riding by on cute, colorful bikes.

9. One thing that has surprised me about Portland is how many homeless people there are. A few people asked me for money, but no one hassled me and everyone was polite. The city has a 10 year plan to end homelessness. However the recent economy has led to a 11% increase in the number of Portland's homeless over the last two years.