Portland

It's been a long time! Nothing much has really happened, I've been quite busy.

Last weekend me and Timo took a well-earned break from studying (and being social..) and traveled to Portland, Oregon. We rented a car, cheapest and smallest, which turned out to be a 2006 Subaru outback thingie, with a roof window and everything :) No, of course I don't want my own car. Ever.

The drive was long, and there was plenty of country music available on the radio. We didn't make one wrong turn, and made it to Portland in 6 hours. Didn't have much energy on Friday night, so just grabbed some dinner and relaxed. (Had a real hotel room by the way, I don't think I've ever before paid an actual hotel for myself. All hostels were full... The hotel was nice, though very basic. The shower was really good after the stupid ones here at the hall!)

On Saturday we walked around the city (downtown is surprisingly small), went to the Portland Saturday market which had kind of an "alternative" air to it with hippie clothes and incence. Took a walk along the river, couldn't find a bench to sit down as all were taken by homeless guys enjoying the warm and sunny fall weather.

Then we decided to drive our car to a big mall near downtown, and did some shopping :)

And the evening was really the best thing! We found an excellent Italian restaurant ("Pazzo"), slightly expensive but on the other hand quite perfect, starting from the olive oil that we sprinkled on our bread. Had some incredible wine as well. For dessert drinks we went to Portland City Grill, which is located on the 30th floor with beautiful views of the city lights. It was crowded of course, but quite an experience (plus their drinks with some liquor?, fresh strawberries and champagne were quite delicious). Felt very posh etc. :)

On the way back to Moscow on Sunday we stopped at some beautiful views of the Columbia river, as well as waterfalls.

It was overall really good to be in a big city. You know, multicultural (yes, there are lots of foreign students in this university but "quite" not the same), somehow more (politically, culturally) aware -seeming people, public transportation, choice of foods... But well, the small town is the true American experience that I came here for. I'm getting what I wanted ;)