Blogs from Portland, Oregon, United States, North America - page 9

We got into Portland in the evening and met our host Val. In her profile picture on Couch Surfing she had a white wig and white face paint (taken at Burning Man perhaps?) so we weren't sure we'd recognise her. Thankfully she recognised us as we pulled up to the kerb. After a bit of a chat and unloading some stuff, she took us up to the local Japanese. It's very well known and even on a Wednesday night there was a queue and a 30-45min wait. We put our name on the queue and popped into a nearby bar to taste some of the local brews and chat about quantum psychology and other random things. One of the key aspects of Quantum Psychology is to do with defining or branding yourself or others. For example, ... read more

The day started out cool, breezy, and drizzly. Dave & Barb left around 5:45, while Rachel, Tracy, Brett, Randi, and friend left an hour later. I met them at the Kelso food stop, thinking Dave might quit. However, it wasn't raining at the moment, so on he went, with Lucas. Saw Kati & family, then Rachel, Tracy & Brett came in. On I went to Holladay Park to enjoy some time resting in the Lloyd Center Mall. Had a call from Kati, that Barb had crashed. She's ok, but her bicycle is not, so no more riding for her. Dave came in first, as usual! What a guy. Ran into Ron & Peaches, planning to meet them for dinner. Rachel, Tracy & Brett came in probably an hour later, so transferred their bags to them (I ... read more

Gisteren zijn we aangekomen in ons hotel in Portland. Na het droppen van de spullen zijn we naar een Walmart superstore gereden (Vancouver, Washington). Daar hebben we wat basisspullen ingeslagen (minikoelbox, fruit, noten, sportdrank, water, broodjes, jam, koek, chips). Op de terugweg kwamen we langs een Denny's. Daar was het eten zoals gewoonlijk weer heel goed. We zullen deze reis niet vaak een Denny's tegenkomen. Dus als we er een tegenkomen zullen we zeker een stop maken. Het is nu vroeg in de ochtend. We hebben zoveel mogelijk proberen te rusten. Mijn gezwollen enkels (vliegen heeft nu eenmaal ook nadelen) heb ik de gehele nacht op twee kussens gelegd. Ze zien er nu weer een beetje normaal uit. Straks gaan we eerst lekker ontbijten en daarna een mooie, zonnige dag tegemoet.... read more

Here's the abstract of the seminar I'm attending: Through its development as an independent nation over the past 45 years, Botswana has been a leader among African nations in designing effective and thoughtful public health policy. Proactive efforts by the government, particularly the Ministry of Health to provide pioneering treatments, research, and education to its people is inspirational and sets the country apart as a model of success in the public health realm. However, in the face of these efforts lie great challenges. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has hit Botswana hard, and this seminar will look at how the scourge has had devastating effects on every corner of society. Aside from HIV/AIDS, which is arguably Botswana’s most pressing public health threat, other dimensions of the public health story will be explored including women’s health issues, healthcare delivery ... read more

I really enjoy finding the right tool for the job, and getting ready for a trip provides some wonderful opportunities to obsess about gear. Here's what I'll test on this trip. A Jansport Odyssey 39 backpack. the main compartments look like they'll provide a better configuration for my gear. The 39-liter capacity is generous enough while still fitting in carry-on spaces on planes. Compression straps help hold the load steady. It has a light internal frame and is short enough for my torso. Lots of little pockets and places to clip cups, solar chargers, and sandals. Purchased at REI with holiday gift cards from my family. Thanks, family! A Pacsafe Metrosafe 200 Shoulder Bag. Also from REI, but purchased with my dividend. Thanks, REI. If you've read my travel blogs in the past, you know I ... read more