The buzz of the city is intoxicating. Portland in summer is alive, fresh, and gleeful. Everyone is happy to be out'n'about, and there is no shortage of activities to partake in. Due to some schedule changes on a quick trip up to the city of bridges, I found myself with some time to kill. Reading in the park sounded like a brilliant plan for the two hours I had, so I stopped off in Laurelhurst park on the South East side of Portland. The park itself is charming and expansive, with towering trees, winding paths, and a large pond, it's not surprising that it was designed in a similar fashion to New York's Central Park. People were strewn all around and yet it did not feel crowded and in this serene place the buzz hummed just a little softer. My heart jumped for joy a little when I stumbled over a hill to find Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" being masterfully enacted by the Portland Actor's Ensemble for an eager audience who's ticket price was an attentive ear and a potentially sore bottom sitting on the grassy knoll; in other words, the performance was absolutely free. Glorious.
The NW end of Portland is also bustling with activity and with its adorable quaint boutiques and snazzy restaurants operating out of early 1900s homes the atmosphere rating is sent through the roof. Within walking distance of theaters, art museums, and lots of beautiful homes, it would be easy to get lost in love with this part of town.
