As the Alaska Airlines flight landed in Portland (Oregon, not Maine) I suddenly realized I cannot remember the last time I visited a new U.S. city. Normally I save all my money and vacation time to visit a new overseas location or a familiar US location. But my last new US location? Hmmm…maybe that was Seattle in 2003 where I lived for a few months working on an Accenture project at Microsoft. Well, no…I guess it was Palm Springs on New Years Day 2010. Yes! That was it.

Still it seems like a rarity for me to be in a new city where I can speak the language and I didn’t have to change any currency and my passport stayed safely in its drawer at home. And I must say – for the record – I really liked Portland. Its a beautify city with clean air, easy/convenient transportation, a cool hipster vibe and food carts instead of food trucks. So basically, 180 difference from LA. Though don’t get me wrong – I love my city of Angeles and I realize I’m probably one of the few Angelenos not planning to buy property in the great North West.

Now I do have to admit, I did probably come on the nicest weekend of the year thus far. The sky was clear and blue, the sun was shining and there wasn’t even a hit of rain. That put all of the residents and visitors in a very pleasant mood. Also, I spent most of my time surrounded by motivated, positive thinking, fun loving world dominators, so that didn’t hurt either (more on that in Part Two). So maybe my weekend there wasn’t totally representative of a typical weekend in Portland, but damn they put on a good show.

The first thing I noticed about Portland that confirmed I had truly left LA? When I exited the airport to get on train (conveniently located just outside baggage claim) I saw not lanes filled with cars, but rather racks filled with bikes. When was the last time anyone biked to LAX? Then on the train ride in, I could see for miles thanks to the clear air. As the train came around a bend, I audibly caught my breath when I caught a view of Mt. Hood in the background. Beautiful. Sadly my camera was tucked away in the bottom of my bag and I couldn’t get to it in time.

Once I stepped off the train in downtown Portland, the streets were buzzing with the excitement of a Friday after 5:00 mixed with the surprise of a warm clear night and the anticipation of the big Rose festival and parade kicking off that weekend. I strolled a pleasant 5 blocks to my hotel which was another very nice surprise.

The Hotel Modera is tops in my book. Nicely decorated, but moderately priced (just $125/night) with the kindest and most helpful staff you can find anywhere. There was a great outdoor seating area where much of the city came to lounge for a drink around the modern fire pits and there were great black and white photos on the walls of each floor. Any one going to Portland….this place gets a high recommendation from yours truly.

I spent much of the weekend inside in workshops and sessions (I’m not complaining – they were great!) but for meals and afterhours I did get to explore the city a little more on foot and the occasional taxi. I loved the little water fountains placed around the city…

…and the amazing Portlandia statue which manages to feel oppressive and comforting at the very same time.

Saturday night was a beautiful night – warm but not too hot. We (me and many new WDS friends) wound our way through the streets of Portland to visit a few of its breweries. I must say that was the first time I remember weaving in and out of a local parade route to sample a few beers…well the first time since Mardi Gras back in the day. I have to give props to Rouge Brewery for its Hazel Nut Brown Ale. Yum! Apparently the local cyclists like it too. Who needs a water bottle!!??

After the breweries, there was just enough time to head across the river to the “hipster” part of town. By that time I was so exhausted (there must be a scientific study showing that copious amounts of fresh air makes you tired) so I can’t say much about that part of town, but the bar where we ended up (Rontoms in South East Portland) wa cool with an outdoor area that seemed way too expansive for a city where it rains much of the year.

Sadly, my weekend in Portland went by way too quickly. I definitely have to plan another summer trip. I didn’t get to try enough coffee, visit Powell’s Book Store or check out Saturday market. I understand that for these three things alone, a second trip is required. Until the next visit…and until Part Two of my Post…