At home

Portland, Day 3

The biggest difference which I have about my stay here this time is that I don't feel at all as guess, but I feel really at home. Dad has me doing things just as real home: cooking, making bed, shopping and etc. I am very glad it is that way, so it is very real.

Yesterday, I went down town Portland. There are much to see and enjoy which made me fascinated. Among all; these things I really love about Portland: the trees, fancy and neat buildings and monuments, parks and neat side walks, fresh air and amazing nature and the best of all --smiling people. I noticed that people here are eager to talk and ready to help just anyone. The only thing you need is good will and enough courage to open a conversation. 

Public transportation 

The public transportation is so reliable and most of commuters use public TriMet transportation service. I really enjoy taking the bus or train. I bet you are familiar with the ticketing-before-you go system if you live in Malaysia or Singapore. However, in Indonesia, I don't think we really have it. So, before getting on the bus, you need to go to the ticket machine which gives you options whether you would go with 2 hours , 1 day, 7 days and 14 days tickets. The most handy payment which I choose is by using card. I love to get 1 day ticket because then I can go anywhere as far as Trimet service could go all day long, which is good for recreational purposes. 

It's nice to be on the Max train during rains or hails. It feels safe and comfortable. We can either engage in conversations or for me, observing Portlanders with their diversity and cool way of doing things are kind of fun. 

If you are taking a bus, you can use Trimet tickets for train too. Don't forget to show the ticket to the driver before you getting on. As I have mentioned before, the people here in Portland are warm and open, they said thank you to the driver before getting off the bus: hmm something which we Indonesians either forget or don't really do back then at home. 

Favorite spots

I love to be in the Pioneer square, a very lovely and memorable spot in the heart of Portland city center. I could not help but keep coming back because in this spot you can really blend with local excitements. Since it was opened in 1984, people keeps make it happening with creative events. It is also cool for me because if you need to connect to your friends at home country, you can hop on to first Starbuck at the city, order their delish coffee and connect to internet! Here you can also get to know many people; not only Oregonians but also different kinds of tourists, you know what I mean. 

Right from Pioneer Square, I'd love to get lost and wondering around the city blocks, which is so rewarding and you may just end up get into fancy malls, gorgeous restaurants or hotels and interesting shops and food charts. I am so lucky because I found Indonesian dish here and I tried it... not bad. In fact I really love it. I want to try different kinds of food too though like Thai, German, Greek or Middle Eastern-- amazing! 

I would feel never enough to tell you of this crazily adorable city. If you happen to have time and just go here, at least these simple things will be great and worth to try! :)

After all, again I am so grateful. God is merciful and amazing!