Just got into Portland, Oregon today. Jeremy Bleich and I perform tomorrow with the NWEAMO festival. I took an early flight (6:30 am) to Houston and then on to Portland. All told, about 8hrs travel time. I figured if I could get here earlier, I would have some time to check out the town a bit. Portland keeps coming up in conversation and reading as a really live-able city with great public transportation. Since this is precisely what Cleveland is lacking, I've always been very interested in spending a little time here. Anyways, I am always ambitious in my travel plans, idealizing my time management and basically underestimating the effects of air travel. I always feel like shite when I do this, today was no exception. A nightmarish headache greeted me near landing and stayed with me until I checked into my hotel and slept for three hours. So much for my afternoon! Is it a sign of stupidity when one doesn't learn from their own mistakes? I think I know the answer already...

My hotel is pretty cool (The Mark Spencer Hotel). I have a studio efficiency ($82) with a stove, sink and refridgerator. Granted, everything is decorated circa 1962...but I kind of like it.

I've walked around the town a bit, had a couple meals, coffee etc... My first impressions are very good. This seems like a really nice city. The streets are narrow, which sort of puts the emphasis on the pedestrian instead of the auto. The streets with the light rail train (MAX) don't have any autos at all, so the only thing between the train and the buildings is the sidewalk. The people seem friendly, except for the fruitbat bothering me in the coffee shop right now, and even he seems benevolent.

Jeremy just got into town...tired and bedraggled from a long, hurried drive from Cleveland...he left Tuesday morning from Cleveland and got here just now (11:15pm Pacific time). He's coming right now to the coffee shop where I'm at. Then I'll harass him for his bad planning. What can I say? Better him than me.

Tomorrow we have setup and sound check and then we perform in the evening. I'll check in tomorrow maybe with some pics.