I started my day at Random Order Coffeehouse and Bakery for breakfast. Nothing in this neighborhood opens until at least 11:00, so I was able to take my time and enjoy sitting outside on the nice day. Random Order is known for their caramel apple pie, so I had a slice of that and coffee. It was delicious, but no one can touch Grandma Snow's recipe!
After that, I simply began to stroll. To be fair, I did not know that the Arts District was 20 blocks until I started walking. Every time I reached the end of a block and assumed there was nothing else, I spied something interesting up ahead. There were tons and tons of home decor, accessory, clothing, craft, fabric, stationery, book, art, gift, bike, and furniture shops all along the street and all had something unique to offer. Many of them focused on local artists or companies, so it was a fun way to get to know Portland artists through their work. I even found two stores that sold Liberty of London fabric (my favorite!)! In the end, I think I walked away with a variety of stationery, craft supplies (I think I'm going to make a hanging lamp for my living room), candles, a Totoro lunch box, and stuff for the wall. It was a fun way to celebrate my first pay check from Salt & Straw!
Every inch of the buildings on Alberta Street seem to be covered in street art or wall murals, which made the walk between stores and restaurants very interesting. Each piece had a unique flavor and, while you never saw anything about the artists, seemed to reflect the area's past as the home of many of Portland's early immigrant populations and the current focus on being a strong, thriving community. Some were just plain odd though and simply seemed to reflect that the artist was a strange person, and that was fun too!
For lunch I had Bunk Sandwiches (two meals out in one day!), which is critically acclaimed for it's yummy fare. I must not have ordered the best thing (roast beef sandwich), because I was sadly disappointed. I'll give it another shot (Dad says you have to try everything twice) and try something different next time!
On a different note, I only have one month until school starts. It's hard to believe I have been here for seven weeks already as time is starting to fly now! I'm not sure when my position with Salt & Straw will be up, but I have a second job lined up for when school starts as a box office person for the Portland'5 Performing Arts Center. It is an occasional position, and I will only work when there are events that need working. I think it will be perfect as I won't be able to fill up all of my free time with work (as I tend to do) but will still have the opportunity to make a little bit of money.
Until next time!
