Portland - Day 1
I always wanted to see Portland ever since I saw the high bridges across the rivers on a snowy day.
It was an early ride on Amtrak. At 5:30 am the Pacific Station was busy with people. It took us a few times back and forth with the customs to complete all the necessary forms, otherwise the beginning was smooth.
The seat was spacious and comfortable. The big windows allowed a good view of the outside. We passed the lake area, the bridge to Surrey, and entered into a field of green marshland. I kept thinking, amazed by the spectacular view, that I didn't know this place. Are we still in Canada?
The coastline curved ahead. For a while it seemed like the train was running on water, that I actually felt the splash of waves against the cart. Small parks dotted the beach line.
We passed farm fields, woods and creeks, small towns and stations which looked like just another building in the center of the town. Sometimes, there was no one getting on or off the train. Sometimes, there were a few.
The view became stunningly beautiful from Tacoma to Olympia. Lakes and islands, open waters and mountains...
When we arrived at Portland, it was warm and sunny outside. The Union Station was a simple but beautiful old building.
The walk to the hotel was a little disappointing. There were many old and ill-maintained buildings with graffiti and boarded windows and doors. We went to see the Chinese Garden, but it closed early. On our way back, we made a wrong turn and walked into a dingy street. There were many homeless people.
So Beibei said, I will never take Vancouver for granted again. Vancouver is much better than Portland. I said, Wait until you see other parts of it.
Our visit to Portland, like a blind date, started.
It was an early ride on Amtrak. At 5:30 am the Pacific Station was busy with people. It took us a few times back and forth with the customs to complete all the necessary forms, otherwise the beginning was smooth.
The seat was spacious and comfortable. The big windows allowed a good view of the outside. We passed the lake area, the bridge to Surrey, and entered into a field of green marshland. I kept thinking, amazed by the spectacular view, that I didn't know this place. Are we still in Canada?
The coastline curved ahead. For a while it seemed like the train was running on water, that I actually felt the splash of waves against the cart. Small parks dotted the beach line.
We passed farm fields, woods and creeks, small towns and stations which looked like just another building in the center of the town. Sometimes, there was no one getting on or off the train. Sometimes, there were a few.
The view became stunningly beautiful from Tacoma to Olympia. Lakes and islands, open waters and mountains...
When we arrived at Portland, it was warm and sunny outside. The Union Station was a simple but beautiful old building.
The walk to the hotel was a little disappointing. There were many old and ill-maintained buildings with graffiti and boarded windows and doors. We went to see the Chinese Garden, but it closed early. On our way back, we made a wrong turn and walked into a dingy street. There were many homeless people.
So Beibei said, I will never take Vancouver for granted again. Vancouver is much better than Portland. I said, Wait until you see other parts of it.
Our visit to Portland, like a blind date, started.
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