Oh No...It's Fresno

That's what I first thought when I was driving up the 99. From the highway all you see are fields of bushes and miles of dirt. Arriving in Fresno on a Sunday after sunset didn't help either. City was dead. I hoped the morning brought better news...and it did.

Heading North

Another road trip for another interview. Next stop: Fresno

Cool names on the way off the 99:
Smoky Bear Rd.
The City of Pumpkin Center
Ming Ave.
Elmo Hwy.

Until the next adventure, Cutiee23

Air BnB: cheaper alternative to hotels

AirBnB <---click here to check it out

With all my recent travel, costs are adding up fast. I never realized how a simple weekend trip can get pricy...once you add the cost of flight, rental car, hotel, gas, food...etc. For my last trip to Oregon, I was lucky to spend one day @ a friend's house. For the other night, I used a new website from one of my fave blogs( Rent Food Broke). Air BnB consists of people who rent out spare rooms or even their whole house/apt. Depending on the area, you can get cheaper lodging and a local guide. They can point you to the best restaurants or give hints about living there. The second point is more important to me since I'm interviewing for residency.

As a woman traveler, I was concerned about safety, but after my first pleasant experience this past weekend, the website is now added to my arsenal of travel websites.

Here's important tips to maximize safety:

1. I prefer choosing hosts that have positive comments. The website is set up so only guests who booked via the website can leave comments after their stay. I doubt they can inflate their profile by adding fake comments.

2. Hosts (as well as guests) can have their phone numbers and facebook profile verified.

3. Profiles are key. You can at least get a basic idea of who you are staying with. The more info the better.

4. Don't hesitate to ask questions before booking.

5. I made sure my hubby and friend knew where I was staying and made sure to check in with them.

 Hope that helps save costs when you have to travel.

Until my next adventure,
cutiee23

Going Back to Cali...

My "new" theme song while I fly home....

I'm finally home after my weekend away in Oregon. Glad to be back, but I feel kinda tired.
I feel like an old lady...


For the next few weeks, most of my interviews are within a few hours from LA, so staying more local.

Until the next adventure,
cutiee23

Oregon Randomness, Part Deux

1. Got lost trying to drive back to Portland. Exited, looked at my gps, and found out I was on Murder Creek Blvd. Hurried the hell back to the freeway....
Btw,  History of Murder Creek, OR


2. 45th parallel, the halfway point between the equator and the north pole, lies between Corvallis and Portland in Shaniko, OR

LINK: Pix from here

3. There's a rest area that gives out FREE COFFEE!!! Speaking my language...
Oregon Free Coffee Program


Until the next adventure,
cutiee23

Oregon Driving 11.11.12

Because of lack of season and weather, many LA drivers don't really know how to drive in rain. I am fine with the rain..(i don't slow down too much because of it), but with a rental car with ubber sensitive breaks I was more vigilant and cautious. Luckily I didn't need to slow down as the speed limit on the 5 was about 55-60 mph with many people going about the speed limit. If I were in LA with my own car I would at least be going 65, more likely 70+.

*pics taken as I was driving..cell phone laws do apply in Oregon..oh wellz...


Random Fact: In Oregon, I am not allowed to pump my gas. Does that mean I need to tip the attendant???





 Until the next adventure,
cutiee23

FYI: Portland

I'm already loving Portland, just one day visiting here. Gives me a lot to think about when deciding where I want to work for the next 4 yrs. Here's some helpful and weird facts about the city:

1. Per book, Portland is known for its "vibrant neighboorhoods,... environmental awareness, liberal politics.."
-Sounds already like my undergrad days in SF and Berkeley...so used to it and love it. Apparently, plastic bags are on their way out, being replaced by reusable paper bags. Found this out when shopping for a book. Coming from Pasadena, where plastic bags are already outlawed in grocery stores..should not be a problem. At least here they don't charge for the paper bag.

2. Also known for its "coffeehouse and brewpub culture" There is 38 breweries in Portland alone with 11% of Oregon's beer consumption coming from craft beer.
-My blood is really made out of coffee. After spending a month in Europe, I tolerate Starbucks here in the States, but know deep down there is coffee way better than that. As for the brewpub culture, my hubby wants to open one up down the line..so moving here would be perfect.
-note to self: when i return (pretty sure i have to bring the hubby), will try local roaster, Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

3. "buy some measures, its the whitest city in the country."
-Growing up in Los Angeles, I'm used to alot of racial diversity. Considering that I want to work in county facities helping undeserved populations, this maybe an issue. My friends have said that Portland is getting more diverse. The Hispanic population, like everywhere else in the country is growing. There is enough of an Asian population up here, that is also growing, that I at least don't stick out like a sore thumb.

4. Random fact: Oregon considers stripping and nude shows to be part of freedom of speech. As a consequence, Portland has the most strip clubs per capita.

5. My friend states that bikes rule the street. You seem them everywhere and bike racks are spread throughout the city. I hate cyclists in Los Angeles, mainly because there is no dedicated bike lanes in many places, but at least here there is room for them. Depending on where you live, you can bike around, which is awesome. However, living in the 'burbs, a car is essential. Maybe its time to buy a bike with a doggy basket for Gidget?

6. Dog Fancy in 2006 called Portland as the best all around city for Dogs.
Gidget will have a field day if we move here. There's so many hiking trails she can explore as well as the most dog parks per capita. Portland proper is also filled with dog friendly businesses. Lucky Lab Brewing Company and many other restaurants and cafes allow you to eat and drink with your dog on outside patios.

7. Skiing/Snowboarding
Living in the Northwest, you can't be too far from amazing snow right?? Closest to Portland is the Mount Hood area, about a 4 hour drive. Night skiiing offered at many.
Neighboring resorts:
-Hoodoo- close to Salem and Eugene
-Mt. Hood Meadows
-Mt. Hood Skibowl-closest to Portland, large amount of black diamond runs
-Timberland- has deepest snow base
-Whistler- an amazing resort in Canada, on my husband's to do list, is about 7 hours away.


Much to think about as I anticipate where I want to work and live for the immediate future.


Until the next adventure,
cutiee23

P.S. What do you think about moving to Portland? Leave a comment

Portland 11.10.2012

Portland is technically not in my own backyard. Its a 16 hr drive north or a 2.5 hour flight from Los Angeles, but I'm staying here for interviews this weekend. Its a potential backyard, because if I love the program, I might end up moving north. Its colder here (today was in the high 40s) but going to undergrad at Berkeley prepared me well for the cold. It doesn't hurt to have a wool trenchcoat and scarf either.

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Today, I am staying with my friends who live in a neighboring city in Washington state, only 30 minutes north of Portland. Apparently, she has the best of both worlds, as Oregon as no sales tax and Wash doesn't have income tax.

I find the vibe here similar to San Francisco. Hipster-ish, lots of local breweries, bars, and restaurants. Lots of outdoorsy stuff (hiking, biking). Portland is surrounded by waterways and bays and has many bridges to go in and out of the city...which is alot like SF. Very conscious of organic food and no shortage of vegan/veggie friendly places to dine. People are more laid back and down to earth. I feel at home here. If only Portland could move to CA....

 We started off our day going to weekly saturday markets, filled with arts and crafts vendors. They also have many ethnic food stands that run the gamet from pizza to china food to pho to gyros. Many local breweries sell alcohol adding additional fun beverage selections.

You can't visit Portland without going to Voodoo Donuts. They have very inventive donuts creations. Renowned for their bacon maple bar and vooddo shaped jelly donuts. If you love chocolate covered bacon, then you'll love the bacon maple bar. My only complaint is that I would eat the bacon without the donut sometimes so you couldn't get that salty-sweet combo they strive for. Maybe bacon bits as a solution?? I've learned they're open 24 hours..nice alternative for a late night munchie. FYI, for those looking for a cheap wedding, Voodoo donuts is the place. For $10, you can get married by an ordained minister (available in each location). Man..if I only knew..how much money I could have saved...

Next on our tour was Powell Books, an amazing used/new bookstore that covers an entire city block. Has six floors of books on any topic you can imagine. I required a map to find my way. Good thing sections are color coded, making finding your way a bit easier.

Portland's slogan is "Keep Portland Weird" And it certainly is. In my day here, I've find some strange street performers, sculptures, and people walking down the street with their cat or dog perched on his shoulder. I don't how "weird" is it compared to SF, but i'm willing to come back and find out.

Local restaurants and breweries are BIG here. I walked down one block and spotted at least 5 gastropubs. I spotted this brewery tour cycle?? where patrons ride from one brewery to the next while drinking. Strange concept...

Keeping with the theme of local businesses, I was introduced to a McMenamins restaurant. This group restores historic buildings in the area and converts them to restaurants, breweries, etc. Such an awesome concept preserving local history. The particular restaurant I visited was
 called Kennedy School which is a local hotel with bars and restaurants in a reconverted elementary school. Old classroom serve as suites and assembly rooms are banquet rooms. Who knows, maybe the old cafeteria is the Courtyard Restaurant where I had a lovely meal of fish and chips with yummy locally brewed McMenamins Ruby Ale (raspberry flavored, but less sweet than framboise).  Would definitely like to visit their other establishments.

Until the next adventure,
cutiee23

p.s. any suggestions on what else to do in Portland?? Leave a Comment!!!

Links:
Portland Saturday Market
Voodoo Donuts
Powells Books
Mcmenamins